Chapter 7

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“Josie, what’s gotten into you all of a sudden…?”

Cedric’s voice trembled, on the verge of tears. My words must have hit him like a thunderbolt.

“Who said you’re pretty anyway?”

But Joshua ignored Cedric entirely, glaring daggers at me as he spat out his retort with deliberate spite.

This kid clearly doesn’t know who he’s messing with.

Well, he’s only eight—what would he know? Fine, I’ll cut him some slack.

But calling me ugly? That’s crossing the line.

I turned to Cedric, my tone sharp and accusatory. “He said I’m ugly!”

“If you’re ugly, you call it like it is—not pretty!”

“T-That’s not okay, Josie…”

Cedric muttered, his face crumpling like he might burst into sobs any second. His voice was barely a whisper, as if his world was ending.

I’d thrown that out half as a provocation, wondering if his gentle demeanor was just an act in front of me or Julianne.

But seeing him flounder, only managing a weak “that’s not okay,” it seemed genuine—not some facade.

I tilted my head slightly, piecing it together.

He’s truly one of those rare, genuinely kind souls.

Though I have no idea why his nephew turned out like this.

“I-I’m so sorry, Julianne. Winston and his wife left the kid with me out of the blue, and I couldn’t just leave him alone at the manor or drag him to the palace…”

Cedric launched into a frantic explanation, words tumbling out in a desperate plea.

He looked downright pitiful.

Stuck with an unexpected nephew, now earning the ire of his crush’s little sister and losing points left and right…

I’d cry too if I were him.

“I-It’s fine, Cedric…”

Julianne trailed off, glancing down at me.

From her perspective, it’s probably just “kids being kids.” I get it—I agree, even.

Plus, the boy looks spoiled rotten. Raised with nothing but yeses and affection at such a young age, no wonder his words come out unfiltered.

“I’m okay, sis.”

I flashed Julianne a bright smile before adding, “He’s uglier than me anyway.”

“Lili…”

She echoed my name in a tone laced with gentle regret.

Hey, he started it!

I rolled my eyes innocently and changed the subject. “I’m going inside. Gonna eat the desserts Michael uncle brought!”

At that, Michael curved his eyes into a soft smile and extended his hand. “Lili, want to hold uncle’s hand on the way?”

“Nope.”

I swatted it away swiftly.

Opportunist. He’s definitely trying to cozy up to me in this chaos.

But I’m not some fool to get swept up in petty drama. That brat’s his own issue; Cedric’s separate.

Though I did blurt out “I hate brother too!” earlier for show.

I sneaked a glance at Cedric. He stood there, utterly devastated, like he’d been condemned to the underworld.

Oh man, he’s three seconds from tears.

I’d love to witness Cedric crying someday, honestly.

“…Brother, you come too.”

But not now. If you’re gonna cry, save it for sis’s eyes only.

I finished with a haughty turn of my head.

Know that your prim demeanor and knitting saved you, you poor soul.

***

“Only two pieces today, got it?”

Julianne whispered softly as she handed me a chocolate tart.

But sis, last time with the cookies, it was five!

I looked up at her with my most aggrieved expression. She showed no signs of budging on the “two tarts” rule.

I knew she was firm, but I didn’t expect her to be this strict about sweets…

I nodded reluctantly.

If even my ultimate cuteness can’t sway her, it’s hopeless.

Time to surrender.

Besides, Allen Lowell’s bringing a whole cake tonight…

“Here, Joshua, have one too.”

Julianne offered a tart to the sulking boy across from me.

I shot him a venomous glare.

Why are you getting my tart? Michael bought these for me!

“…Thank you.”

Joshua ignored my stare, accepting it politely before smirking at me with a sly curl of his lips.

That little punk just smiled, didn’t he?

You’re gloating over my tart!

He thinks he can push me around because I’m a kid…

“Lili, your tart’s right here.”

Don’t glare at your friend like that.

Julianne pointed to mine with a coaxing tone, probably mindful of Cedric.

He did look miserable, fidgeting like he was on pins and needles…

But kid, you messed with the wrong person.

I lifted my gaze to Julianne, channeling the most pitiful kitten eyes I could muster.

“Sis, that’s my tart…”

“You can only have two today anyway. And Joshua might want one just as much as you do.”

Our Lili’s so kind, right?

Her voice was sweet but unyielding—a natural-born teacher instilling empathy.

…No, sis. He’s not innocently craving it; he’s just messing with me! I saw that smirk!

“Lilianne.”

Sensing my budding tantrum, Julianne called my full name in a sterner tone.

Lilianne? Lilianne…?

How could you, sis…?

I knew she was ironclad about desserts, but still.

This feels like betrayal…

“I hate you, sis.”

Her face instantly crumpled in shock.

Limiting me to two tarts and giving one to the brat who called me ugly? That hurt look won’t work!

I won’t talk to you until you say three tarts are okay. I don’t care if it’s childish—I’m eight, after all!

I puffed out my cheeks dramatically and whipped my head away.

My eyes locked with Cedric’s, seated next to Joshua.

If only you hadn’t brought that kid…! Though the “two tarts” wall would’ve stood firm anyway, but still…!

I rolled my eyes toward the culprit—Joshua.

He’d already devoured one tart and was eyeing another greedily.

Looks like he loves sweets. And teasing me just adds to the thrill.

…What to do.

I ignored Julianne deliberately, tilting my head in thought.

Since I’m already in brat mode, might as well push it?

But Cedric won’t intervene, and Julianne’s just shocked, not caving…

Guess there’s only one option.

I straightened up and turned to Michael. He’d been watching me the whole time, folding into a smile as our eyes met.

I beamed back and spoke up.

It feels a bit slimy, but let’s ally for a moment.

“You bought these tarts for me, right, Michael brother?”

The word “brother” made his golden eyes widen slightly. Julianne and Cedric reacted the same.

Only Joshua sat there, oblivious and pouting.

You picked the wrong fight, buddy.

Trying to crash my turf?

“Of course, brother got them just for Lili.”

Michael replied in his warmest, most affectionate voice.

That radiant, scheming smile told me he’d caught on immediately.

This is why I hate teaming up. But he’s playing along for now, so fine.

I continued in my most innocent tone.

“So, all these tarts are mine, right?”

“Absolutely.”

Perfect—top marks.

Michael Evans gets 10 points!

“Then…”

I feigned deep thought, turning to Joshua.

The little squirt sensed trouble, flinching as our eyes met.

Yes, feel that vibe. My aura screams “seasoned veteran”—even if it’s the petty kind.

“You want this one?”

I asked with a harmless smile. He bit his lip, staring back as if weighing options.

Roll those eight-year-old gears all you want.

Finally, he nodded faintly. Instinct over pride, huh?

Gotcha.

I grinned wider and added,

“If you want it, say I’m pretty.”