Mr. Norman, She's Out of Your League Now novel Chapter 81

The way Lydia spoke sounded almost like a direct accusation that Charlotte lacked basic manners.

Charlotte immediately understood the meaning behind her words. Her lips curled into a faint smirk, her tone sharp with mockery. "You were worried about me? Do you actually believe that yourself, Lydia? You're absolutely disgusting."

Charlotte had no interest in playing along. She owed nothing to the Perry family. Toward Lydia, she felt even less obligation to show any courtesy.

Roxanne, unable to stand by while her beloved daughter was spoken to so directly, lost her composure.

Her voice rose, sharp with anger. "Charlotte, what kind of attitude is that? Lydia is kind enough to show concern for you, and this is how you repay her? Have you completely forgotten what you did to her back then?

"Our family raised you for many years. Even a stray dog would at least show gratitude when it sees the people who fed it. But you? Not only are you ungrateful, but you also have the nerve to speak to us this way."

Charlotte's gaze turned colder, her eyes steady as she looked directly at Roxanne.

Her tone remained calm, every word cutting like ice. "Is that so? I suppose my attitude is still better than some people's rotten hearts. Do you not agree?"

There was no hesitation in her words. She had no reason to hold back. The so-called bond between them had never been deep. On the other hand, Roxanne had always been obsessed with appearances and reputation.

During Charlotte's childhood, any kindness she received was conditional. Her grades had to be excellent, her performance flawless, and every achievement perfect to earn the slightest approval.

Charlotte had once believed that this was what a mother's love should be. It was not until she returned to the Howard family that she finally understood how wrong she had been.

Roxanne's expression darkened even further. The fury in her chest boiled higher with every word. Others at the table might not fully grasp what Charlotte was implying, but Roxanne understood too well. What she had never expected was that the soft-spoken girl she raised would one day stand against her like this.

Lydia, ever the peacekeeper, quickly stepped in to ease the tension. "Dad, please don't blame Mom. She only cares too much. We were just trying to show concern."

Louis' expression softened slightly as he turned toward his daughter. "I know your intentions."

His gaze then shifted back to Charlotte, his eyes filled with complicated emotions.

"Charlotte, no matter how things turned out between us, we raised you for many years. Yes, the relationship ended badly, but let's be honest, that was because of your own mistakes. Even so, we never mistreated you. We provided for you and gave you a good life.

"Whether you like it or not, the debt of having raised you remains. Speaking to your elders this way is still out of line."

Charlotte had expected this moment. She had known from the start that the Perry family would use their so-called debt of gratitude as a weapon against her.