Chapter 12
The pig was finally cornered amidst the chaos of the crew’s relentless pursuit.
Xavier, drenched in sweat, let out a sigh of relief. “Yasmine, you’re incredibly brave,” he remarked, his tone a mix of concern and admiration as he gently pinched the back of her neck–a gesture that was both playful and protective
Yasmine leaned into the touch, her eyes meeting his with a blend of innocence and resolve. There was no trace of fear in her expression. which only served to heighten Xavier’s worry.
“You could’ve gotten really hurt back there,” Xavier chided, his hands firm but gentle as he helped Yasmine down amidst the bustling crew. “You’ve got to watch yourself more closely.”
But Yasmine dismissed his concern with a nonchalant look. “My life isn’t worth much. It’s not like it matters if I die.”
Xavier’s expression darkened at her words. “Who told you that?” he asked, his voice laced with anger.
Yasmine finally seemed to sense the gravity of the situation and whispered, “Everyone back home says so
Xavier took a deep breath, struggling to contain his fury. It was hard not to think about Lexcrity- appeared to be given scant regard for their safety and well–being.
-a place where children like Yasmine
He decided to have a heart–to–heart conversation with Yasmine, leading her to a quiet spot on the field’s ridge where they watched the crew deal with the pig.
“Do you have any dreams for the future? Xavier asked, trying to steer the conversation towards something more positive.
Yasmine just shook her head, looking confused by the question.
Realizing he might be getting too deep for her, Xavier simplified it. “Do you want to move on to the fourth grade?”
Yasmine nodded in agreement
“And then the fifth grade, the sixth grade? Do you wish to continue learning?” Xavier asked gently.
Yasmine nodded vigorously. “I want to study. Morn said I have to study”
“You have to live, then, Xavier said firmly. “You have to cherish your life if you want to keep studying”
Yasmine looked down, her toe tracing patterns in the dirt. Last year, her grandfather had tried to stop her from going to school. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep fighting. Maybe the money she had could help her hold on a little longer.
Xavier gently patted her head, his touch surprisingly tender for someone soştern.
Meanwhile, back at the house, Xavier’s father, Johnny, watched the scene unfold on TV with disbelief. “When did he become so patient!” he asked Rachel
Rachel, who had composed herself from the surprise, replied, “It’s not something you see every day.”
Jessica, on the other hand, was seething with jealousy as she watched from the sidelines. Why is Xavier still so caring towards Yasmine in this life? It doesn’t make sense she exploded inwardly
She remembered seeing Xavier as an adult at an airport in her past life. He’d been surrounded by bodyguards, his presence. commanding and antimidating
He was known for has ruthless business tactics, but in a rare interview, he’d spoken about his sister with such affection, saying they were going to celebrate her birthday.
The reporters had been astonished and wondered aloud if Rachel had secretly had another child.
Xavier had quickly clarified, “She’s our family’s adoptive child, and Jessica had later realized that the adoptive child he’d mentioned WIL Yasmine from Lescrity–the Yasmine who had once been neglected and forgotten. Ever since, she’d been envious, wishing she could step into Vastnine’s world of wealth instead.
Determined not to lose out again, Jessica steeled herself and descended the stairs, feigning sleepiness. She rubbed her eyes and asked
Chapter 12:
awes
innocently. “Is Mrs. Sanchez back yet?”
Rachel glanced at her, and Jessica put on her best admiring face. Tve finally met you, Mrs. Sanchez. I’ve seen your paintings, and they’re incredible. I’m such a fan”
Rachel’s eyes widened in surprise. “You’ve se
seen my work?”
Jessica nodded eagerly, listing off several of Rachel’s most famous pieces. Tve admired Spider Woman, Wings Unfolding. Death of the Moon…” Her enthusiasm was palpable, and for a moment, it seemed to catch Rachel off guard.
I love Wings Unfolding the most,” she said excitedly, her eyes shining. It shows a tiny girl in a cocoon, and this brave, bloody hand reaches in to touch her stomach, which then splits to show a tiny butterfly wing. It’s so touching.” Jessica said, her voice filled with passion.
“You can almost feel the girl’s fierce will to break free. When she’s strong, it’s like the world is on her side. The colors are super bright…” Jessica was confident her words would resonate with Rachel. After all, she was quoting a famous critic–how could they fail to impress?
Johnny’s surprise was palpable. That was unexpected.”
The viewers were alive with comments.
Jessica’s really got some insight]
[A country girl with such depth? That’s impressive.]
Jessica finished, confidence radiating from her. But as she read Rachel’s reaction, she faltered. Rachel’s gaze wasn’t filled with admiration, it was a cool, appraising look.
“Mrs. Sanchez, did I say something wrong!” Jessica’s voice wavered.
Rachel didn’t mince words. “Who fed you those lines?”
Jessica’s hands clenched. “Sorry, I don’t understand what you are getting at…
Rachel’s brow furrowed. That doesn’t sound like something a girl your age would figure out on her own.”
eyes welling
Jessica felt a surge of frustration, wanting to snap that Rachel had clearly never met a prodigy. But she held her tongue, her ey up with hurt.
Rachel turned to Johnny, asking, “Doesn’t her speech sound familiar!”
Johnny paused. “It does remind me of Charlie’s critiques.”
Jessica’s heart sank. She hadn’t anticipated that Charlie Jones, the renowned critic, would be acquainted with the Sanchez family.
The comments were divided. [Is Mrs. Sanchez being overly critical? Why make it hard on a young girl? Jessica did great.]
Il feel the same. Jessica was trying to please, but it seems like she got the cold shoulder.]
[Seriously! You guys need to think. No wonder she’s an artist and you’re just trolls. Rachel is right. Jessica’s words don’t seem like her own insight
Jessica’s tears fell. “Did I say something wrong? Mrs. Sanchez, please don’t be mad
Rachel rose from her seat, a hint of weariness in her movements. T’m feeling tired. I’m going to rest.”
Johnny was on his feet in an instant, rubbing her shoulder. “You’ve got a flight tomorrow. Let’s go. I’ll run your bath.”
Jessica felt a twinge of jealousy as she listened to Johnny, despite his prominence, offer to draw a bath for his wife–a gesture that was both simple and deeply affectionate
Rachel headed upstairs, then paused, realizing it wasn’t right to leave the young girl behind. She patted her husband’s art and said, “Confort her a bit”
Johnny nodded, a gentle smile on his face. “Will do. I’ve always wondered how I’d comfort a daughter. Today’s the day to find out.”
10:07 AM
Cupner 12
다
Meanwhile, Yasmine and Xavier were elbow–deep in muck, fixing a pigsty.
“It stinks!” Xavier looked up, gasping for fresh air. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he’d see himself, the heir to a fortune. stooped to such a level.
The online viewers were pondering the same thing.
|A billionaire heir fixing a pigsty? That’s just unbelievable!]
It must be Yasmine’s magic.]
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