Chapter 412
Clark paused, looking at Martha. "Would you keep a potential threat around if you were in her shoes?" he inquired.
Martha was taken aback, suddenly at a loss for words.
Indeed, if it were her, she wouldn’t tolerate such a threat hanging around—competing for attention, adding stress.
Clark continued, "Serena wears the latest fashion and brandishes the newest accessories. This indicates that, at the very least, this family doesn’t skimp on providing for her materially."
"I see your point, Clark."
"As for emotional aspects, I often hear Mom and Dad mentioning Serena. One moment Serena has won an award, the next she’s been accepted to Summerfield College, then they’re planning to take Serena out for dinner, and then visit her at school. Doesn’t seem like she’s being neglected."
Martha had lowered her head, afraid to utter a word.
"When their biological child returns, they can’t just ignore her and continue to shower Serena with love alone. That wouldn’t be fair."
"Let’s say the love that Mom and Dad can give equals a hundred percent. Even if they gave Rose sixty percent, leaving Serena with forty percent, you’d have to understand. For the first eighteen years, Rose got nothing. Serena had their full affection all to herself. As someone close to Serena, you should guide her, teach her—and even yourself—to be grateful. Don’t bear such a grudge against Rose. Your influence on Serena is more powerful than you think."
Martha was filled with shame. "You’re right, Clark."
"I’m not lecturing you," Clark calmly corrected her. "I’m just stating the facts. I can tell you’re not fond of Rose. It seems she doesn’t exactly have an easy life here, at least partly because of you."