Chapter 1440:


    Sandra, meanwhile, clung to a flicker of hope that Dalton might show her some kindness and give her some money. Her expectant eyes locked onto his, lingering in a silent plea, but his hands never strayed toward his wallet. Disappointment washed over her like a cold wave. Save for Brenna’s gentle warmth, the other Harper family members seemed to view her as just an outsider. Dalton refused to embrace her as his sister, his attitude as frosty as a winter’s dawn.


    Feeling the pang of hunger, Sandra drifted toward the kitchen. Without a penny to her name, dining out was not an option, so she relied on homemade meals. The meals she brought to work were so exquisite that her colleagues’ eyes gleamed with envy. But only she knew how pitiful her life really was.


    Her resolve hardened; she needed to find a way to earn some money. Otherwise, she couldn’t even afford life’s small necessities. Resentment toward the Harper family simmered within her, their coldness making her feel like a stranger at home. Were it not for the title of being a member of the Harper family, she would have left without a backward nce. Yet, she held fast to the belief that enduring this storm would lead to brighter days, once she won their eptance.


    In the kitchen, Sandra scrounged for something to eat. Dalton trailed in behind her, grabbing a c from the fridge.


    “My teacher is quite the big name,” Sandra said, her voice tinged with pride. “And I’ve got a knack for design.” She dreaded the thought of Dalton dismissing her as ordinary, unworthy of notice.


    Dalton’s response came with a raised brow. “Why don’t you whip up a set of costumes for my show? I’ll pay you.”


    His tone carried a faint whiff of condescension, as if he doubted Sandra’s talent. Truth be told, his performance outfits were already covered by sponsors, but he was curious to test her skills.


    “Sure,” Sandra replied, catching the sting of his patronizing air. She knew he must be testing her. “No need for payment. I’m your sister—how could I charge you for something like this?”


    Dalton gave a curt nod. “Alright, I won’t argue with that.”


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    In that fleeting moment, Sandra’s admiration for Dalton crumbled. To her, he was no longer the dazzling star, but a stingy person she could barely stand. That evening, Dalton’s return home prompted Ernst to cancel his ns and join the family for dinner, arriving with Lilith in tow. The couple dove into lively chatter with Dalton the moment they arrived, their words flowing, while Sandra was ignored.


    Sandra’s heart ached at their indifference.


    As the family gathered around the dinner table,ughter and stories filled the air. Dalton regaled them with juicy tidbits from the entertainment world, while Lilith and Brenna nned a weekend shopping spree. No one spoke to Sandra.


    She sensed that all her efforts to gain their approval had been wasted, for their hearts stayed cold and unyielding.


    After the family dinner, Sandra slipped away to her bedroom, her heart heavy with disappointment. She gently shut the door, letting the forced smile she had worn to charm the Harper family fade atst. Even when no one spared her a nce, she feltpelled to keep up the cheerful fa?ade, but now, in the quiet of her room, she could finally let it go.


    Even the household staff cast disdainful nces her way, their eyes glinting with judgment as they whispered behind her back, as if she were beneath them. This set her blood boiling


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    Message from Noah: Tomorrow there will be new chapters dear readers. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (?O?=)? ?


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