"Mom, I don't understand. What do you mean?"Marilyn's face was full of doubt."I should be the one asking you, 'What do you want to do?' First, you agreed to Kendrick's proposal without even considering my opinion. Now Kendrick has lost his power, and you want to push me into Caleb's arms again. You've seen how hurtful the online comments are. I wonder, do you still see me as your daughter?"

"Marilyn, you really have no idea how fortunateyou are!" Lena pointed accusingly at Marilyn and said, "Do you even realize how many people dream of marrying into the Zabel family but never get the chance? What if people are hurling insults at you online? Are they causing you any physical harm? Do you know how aggressively the Zabel family interrogated me on the phone just now?"

"What did they interrogate you about?"Marilyn's face contorted into a self-deprecating smile."Did they question why I dared to resist? Because in the eyes of the Zabel family, our Quesnell family is expected to meekly submit to their every whim. We're supposed to nod and obey, no matter what they say. The moment we dare to push back, the Zabel family is left astounded. Are we, the Quesnell family in Acocester, destined to become nothing more. than subservient followers of the Zabel family? We may not be the most prominent family in town, but we still have a reputation. When did we become me re pawns of the Zabel family?"

Marilyn's words struck Lena like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, instantly provoking her anger."Marilyn, keep your mouth shut! Who are you to talk about the Quesnell family? It's none of your business! Now, come with me and apologize to Yahaira!"

"I'm not going." Marilyn shook her head firmly.

Lena was taken aback by Marilyn's direct rejection. In her impression, Marilyn had never dared to defy her like this before.

"Marilyn! What is it that you really want? Areyou trying to des troy the Quesnell family?"

Upon hearing Lena constantly mention the Quesnell family, Marilyn couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. "The current state of the Quesnell family doesn't necessitate our clinging to others for survival. The real reason behind this situation is the incompetence of those in power who have only been living off the wealth inherited from previous generations. Now that the market is facing challenges, their only solution is to seek alliances through marriage. It is not me who has caused harm, but all of you!"

"How dare you!" Lena exclaimed, raising herarm and delivering a resounding slap across Marilyn's face.

The sound of the slap was harsh, sending an unsettling shiver through the air.

The cigarette butt in Spencer's hand flickered, and the ashes scattered to the ground.

Marilyn stood her ground, facing Lena without flinching. "What's the matter? Did it strike a nerve? Even if we were to pursue an arranged marriage, what could we possibly gain from the Zabel family with the current subservient attitude you all exhibit? It would only lead to the downfall of the Quesnell family in a different form! When Grandpa was in power, our Quesnell family was on equal footing with the Zabel family. But now, how come we became their me re pawns? Can such a significant gap in status and position be bridged through an arranged marriage? Instead of constantly scheming to send me into the arms of the Zabel family, perhaps it's time to contemplate how we can truly uplift and advance the Quesnell family!"

Lena raised her arm again.

Marilyn, however, remained steadfast, refusing to dodge.

Anyhow, Lena's raised arm didn't swing down.

She took a deep breath and slowly pointed to the door."Marilyn, get out of here! There's no one like you in our Quesnell family. Don't let me see you again!"

Marilyn couldn't help but look at Spencer.

Spence r lowered his head and kept smoking without saying anything.

Seeing this, Marilyn nodded and responded indifferently, "Fine. I don't have nothing to be attached to this family that's worth cherishing anyway."

After saying that, Marilyn strode out of the room and closed the door.