Side Chick Era Over (Sharon and Carter) novel Chapter 426

Chapter 426

Scott’s remark was swiftly met with stern reprimands from both their father and eldest brother, Rick.

But when she turned to Rick-normally the serious, composed one-his expression was just as cold as before.

“I hope you’ll know your place,” he said. “Victoria is our biological relative, not some imposter. The grudges of the previous generation shouldn’t be passed down to us. I expect you to adjust your mindset accordingly. The Kalen family isn’t large. I don’t want any rumors spreading about discord among kin.”

As someone born into a prestigious family, Rick had seen his fair share of scandals-illegitimate children, fake heiresses, family feuds. In order to preserve the family’s image and avoid public ridicule, he made his stance clear from the start. Richard chuckled and tried to smooth things over. “Rick, you’re being too serious. It’s only Jenna’s first day home. You’re going to scare her off. As for rules and propriety, we can teach her slowly. A few days won’t make a difference.”

Then her second brother, Silas, who had been silent until now, chimed in. “I actually agree with Rick. It’s better to make these things clear to Jenna now, rather than let her step out of line and embarrass our family. If she really causes a scandal, no decent family’s son will want to marry her.” 1

It wasn’t hard to read between the lines. To them, her return to the Kalen family was nothing more than a way to “add polish”- a bid to increase her value on the marriage market.

After all, the Kalens were one of the most elite families in the country.

At the time, Sharon had been young and naïve. She never imagined that the familial love she had longed for would come in such a bitter package.

She had assumed that since she and her three brothers shared the same mother, they would at least treat her with some warmth.

But not only were they entirely unmoved by her return, they outright rejected her.

As for Victoria, she never showed any hostility toward Sharon… but neither did she show any affection. 1

The family never asked them to act like close sisters. Everyone understood the truth behind the arrangement, and maintaining a facade of civility was enough.

Still, Sharon could feel it-the subtle shift in the household dynamic brought on by her presence.

She had been given a room identical to Victoria’s, and all her food, clothing, and daily needs were provided according to the standard of a high-society heiress.

Whatever Victoria had, so did she.

The Kalen family made sure not to slight either one of them just because of her arrival.

It was fair-so fair, in fact, that it left no room for criticism.

And yet, something always felt… missing.

For a long time after that, she and Victoria maintained a polite but distant relationship.

Even so, the overall atmosphere in the house remained strained.

Scott practically never spoke to her. Even when she greeted him first, he would ignore her completely.

Silas had a harsh tongue, but at least he meant well. He would acknowledge her when they crossed paths and never treated her with open hostility.

As for Rick, he was rarely home. Their encounters were few, and when they did meet, he would only exchange a few obligatory

words before moving on.

Then there was her father, Richard.

He was the only one who showed her genuine warmth-checking in on her, showing concern, often sharing stories about the past and her mother.

One day, Richard asked, “Jenna, have you ever thought about bringing your mother back here?”

Sharon hesitated, but still replied, “I’ve mentioned it to her before, but…”

Richard’s eyes lit up. “Did she have any conditions? Tell me! If it’s something I can do, I’ll make it happen!”

Sharon hadn’t intended to say anything at all. But Richard was not the only person in the family who treated her kindly. He was also her biological father.

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