Chapter 6131

When the New Year bell tolled, it was only nine o’clock in the evening in the Maldives.

To enhance the festive atmosphere, Bernard Arnault spent a considerable amount of money on fireworks, arranged for them to be set off in the bay from boats.

Colorful fireworks erupted from the sea, shooting up into the night sky and bursting into dazzling blooms that reflected off the glistening water. This stunning display, with its interplay of sea and sky, captivated everyone watching.

Claire gazed at the fireworks outside the window, her voice barely above a whisper as she remarked, “It’s been ages since I’ve seen such beautiful fireworks…” Elaine pulled out her phone to snap pictures, adding with a lighthearted jab, “Who could disagree? I’ve nearly forgotten what fireworks look like. They’re so breathtaking, especially when they’re this close, right over the sea.” Jacob’s eyes sparkled in the reflection of the fireworks, his face alight with happiness. He smiled and reminisced, “As a kid, my favorite thing was setting off firecrackers. Back then, our family was doing well, and I always spent all my New Year’s money on different types of firecrackers. Every day, a crowd of children would chase after me. I even had the joy of throwing a firecracker or two, and they’d often call me their commander…” Elaine didn’t quite grasp his sentimentality and teased him instead, saying, “Tsk, with Christopher around, can you still be the commander? Isn’t he the one in charge?” Jacob waved her off dismissively, “Not at all; you just don’t understand. We’re far apart in age. We’re not in the same group. He’s the commander of his team, and I’m the commander of mine.” Elaine, munching on melon seeds, smiled and asked, “Only your brother’s little schemes? Did he ever think about merging your teams?” Jacob smacked his thigh in realization, “Hey! Don’t say that! He’s been trying to recruit my team, but I refused. That’s caused a lot of trouble for me.” “I figured as much,” Elaine scoffed. “Christopher has always been trouble since he was a kid, always looking to take advantage of others.” Jacob nodded, sighing, “He’s been spoiled by my mother since he was little. He wants everything, whether it belongs to him or not.” Elaine asked with genuine curiosity, “Hey, it’s strange what you’re saying. Everyone usually favors the younger ones at home. Why does your mother dote on your older brother instead?” Jacob replied with a bitter smile, “I wasn’t as well-behaved as a kid. My brother is sharper than I am and knows how to please my mother. Besides, it’s normal for one child to be favored over another in a family.” Elaine playfully needled him, “Your brother has been mischievous since childhood, while you’ve always been timid. You both balance each other out.” Jacob shrugged off her teasing but suddenly sighed deeply, saying, “I really wonder how they lived this past year and what they’ve been through.” Elaine frowned, “Oh, are you still thinking about them? You must have a lot of free time.” “Why are you saying that?” Jacob muttered, his voice dropping. “No matter what, they’re still family. Even if we don’t talk, I can’t help but worry a bit. Hannah was able to earn some money a while back. After this disaster, I just hope she isn’t struggling too much now.” Elaine responded with annoyance, “She brought it on herself! Who told her to get involved in those scams? I revealed that she was just contributing to society.” Jacob sighed, “Nine out of ten internet celebrities are fraudulent, and she’s not much better. If she’s making money, then my mom can at least live a little better for a while.” Elaine scoffed, “Just her? Expecting to live well? She should have faced consequences long ago! It’s already a blessing she hasn’t been taken yet! When your father passed, he should have taken her with him!” Jacob’s face flushed with anger as he insisted, “My mother is old. How much longer can she live? Can’t we have some restraint?” Claire felt a deep sense of helplessness rise within her and began to unconsciously compare her mother to Charlie’s mother, Lily, an admirable woman known for her published works. Looking at her own mother, she felt a discomfort she couldn’t shake since discovering Charlie’s true identity.

The overwhelming shame made Claire’s eyelids feel heavy. She glanced at Elaine and sighed, “Mom, enough is enough. We haven’t seen Grandma and Uncle for so long. What kind of hatred could possibly make you wish ill on someone, especially during New Year?” Elaine, oblivious to her daughter’s emotional turmoil, dismissed her concern as mere nagging and coldly retorted, “What’s wrong with me wishing her dead? Let me tell you, if I hadn’t ended her myself, I’d already be a saint! If the roles were reversed, she’d have wished countless times for me to be gone—she wouldn’t hesitate!” She scoffed again and added, “Honestly, your grandfather was only a decent man in the Wilson family. A few years ago, I complained he forced a good son-in-law on you. Now, he’s looking out for you because we wouldn’t be thriving otherwise. By all logic, he should have lived a few more years while your grandmother would’ve left us far earlier! It’s always the good ones who don’t get to stick around.” Elaine has consistently found satisfaction in her outspoken nature. Her unrestrained outbursts provide her with a sense of power, compensating for the harassment she faces outside, allowing her to vent her frustrations at home.

Sometimes, her need to lash out was simply to assert dominance.

Like now, she harshly criticized Lady Wilson, but feeling Jacob and Claire’s judgement only fueled her anger—that sparked a determination to unleash even more vitriol upon the elderly.