The Beauty and the Brain

Chapter 45

Chapter 45 Apologize to Me on Your Knees

“Dad, what brings you here?” Mason asked.

“Are you really going to kill Marie today if I don’t come? She’s your own flesh and blood, how could you

bring yourself to do it!” Asher angrily jabbed his cane on the floor, making a ‘thud thud‘ sound.

“Dad, Marie did something wrong, and as her father, I have to teach her a lesson!” Mason said.

“Marie did something wrong? You married a good wife who slandered her for being pregnant before

marriage, and your precious daughter even had the audacity to hire someone to force himself on Marie!

Tell me, what did Marie do wrong?” Asher yelled furiously.

“Dad, Carly has always been well–behaved and sensible since she was little. How could she possibly

do such a thing? You must not believe Marie’s words so easily. She’s the one messing around outside

and then coming back to tattle to you.” Mia immediately defended Carly.

“Marie complained to me? Marie hasn’t mentioned a single word about the banquet

Since she came back! I asked her, but she wouldn’t say anything. How could she possibly have

complained?”

Asher’s heart ached with anger. He had thought that Marie was just unlikable, but he never imagined

she would be bullied to this extent.

Mia was left speechless, as she thought Marie would definitely rush to report her to Asher. To her

surprise, Marie managed to keep her composure!

“Since you can’t stand Marie, from now on, Marie will live with me at the Estate, so she won’t

bother you anymore!” Asher said angrily.

“Dad, how can this be?” Mia immediately objected.

“What do you mean I can’t? Can’t I even make decisions in my own home now?!” Asher yelled

angrily.

“Jolie, go pack up Marie’s things, we’re moving out right now!” Asher shouted.

“Yes! Yes!” Jolie hurriedly rushed upstairs, packed her things as quickly as possible, and then walked

downstairs, dragging her suitcase behind her.

“Mason, you are my only son, and I have one piece of advice for you, don’t try to pass off the sham as

the genuine!” Asher said solemnly.

“Let’s go.” Asher reluctantly turned around, with Edward supporting Marie, and Jolie following behind,

they all headed back to the Estate.

As soon as Asher left with the others, Mia started crying in distress, “Darling, what does my father

mean by telling you not to pass off the sham as the genuine? Am I really not good enough for him?”

“Alright, alright, I was just talking nonsense, you are my precious pearl.” Mason immediately

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coaxed his wife.

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“Dad, look at how well Marie has managed to win over Grandpa. He doesn’t even have you and Mom

on his mind anymore.” Carly said.

“Carly, shut up!” Noel said coldly.

“Mom, look at Noel! Who is his real sister after all?” Carly stomped her foot in anger.

“Noel, how could you help a stranger bully your sister?” Mia said.

“Mom, please, that’s enough. Marie just wants a place to belong.” Noel said helplessly, shaking his

head and turning to leave.

“Noel, where are you going? You’ve finally come back after so long.” Mià immediately tried to keep her

precious son from leaving.

“I’m going back to my condominium. How can anyone sleep well in such a gloomy and depressing

house?” Noel said, as he walked out of the mansion.

Mia cried even more pitifully, “Darling, what should I do? I’ve never mistreated Marie, but she’s

managed to turn everyone in the family against me, and now no one wants to talk to me.”

“Stop crying, I know you’ve been wronged. But crying in front of the child isn’t right. Come on,

go back and talk about it.” Mason comforted her.

Mia nodded reluctantly and followed Mason back to the room.

let’s

Upon entering the room, Mia said, “Darling, Dad is spoiling Marie so much now. What if he gives his

shares to Marie in the future? What will happen to our children?”

“No way, Dad wouldn’t be that impulsive” Mason said.

“How could that not be the case? Today, Dad was so protective of her. He still prefers the wife he

chose for you before, and he looks down on me.” Mia said.

“What nonsense are you talking about? That was so many years ago, and besides, you know very

well that I never loved her.” Mason said.

“Darling/I trust you, but what if my dad really gives the shares to Marie, Carly, and Olive? We still

need to plan ahead.” Mia said.

“Indeed, we can’t let Marie live with Dad. How about this? Tomorrow, you take Carly to Dad’s place to

plead for mercy. If all else fails, let Carly apologize and bring Marie back.” Mason suggested.

“Alright, I’ll go tomorrow. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to cheer Dad up.” Mia said.

Marie was brought back to the Estate, and Jolie immediately went to fetch some ice for her to apply on

her swollen face. Mason had been too rough, causing her face to swell significantly.

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As she fell to the floor, her arm got scraped as well. Jolie carefully applied medicine to her wound.

Marie was in so much pain that she broke out in a cold sweat, but she gritted her teeth and didn’t say a

word.

Jolie was so anxious that she cried, “Ms. Marie, if you’re in pain, please just say it!”

“Will the pain go away once I talk about it?” Marie asked, her face pale.

After applying the medicine, Jolie helped Marie change her clothes. Then, Marie went out for a run

around the Spence Estate, completing lap after lap.

Jolie rushed into the living room and said, “Old Mr. Spence, please come quickly and check on Ms.

Marie! She’s been injured so badly, yet she still went for a run!”

Edward supported Asher as they walked out, only to see Marie already running, her face covered in

sweat. Asher called out anxiously, “Marie! Girl, stop running and come here!”

Marie stopped, panting as she walked over and said, “Grandpa.”

“Girl, if you feel wronged, just tell Grandpa. Don’t torture yourself like this.” Asher said with a

heartache as he wiped her sweat.

“Grandpa, I’m fine, don’t worry.” Marie said.

“Grandpa knows you’ve been wronged. From now on, just

will be fine.” Asher comforted.

ay with Grandpa here, and everything

“Um, I know, thank you, Grandpa.” Marie said goodnight to Asher and went back to her room.

She didn’t feel wronged, nor did she feel sad; she just felt helpless.

Every time she felt strong enough, smart enough, and capable enough to handle dangerous situations,

reality would always give her a harsh slap in the face.

Last time, it was Carly who was bullied, and she was unable to fight back.

This time, it was Mason who launched a fierce attack on her, and she still had no strength to fight

back.

She hated this side of herself – all brains and no strength. She was too weak, and reality kept

reminding her time and time again that she wasn’t Rose. Others could easily hurt her.

If she can’t even win against the small Spence family, how will she face Wren?

Ring! The sound of her phone interrupted Marie’s train of thought.

She opened her phone and saw Dennis‘ text message: [What are we eating tomorrow?]

Right, I promised Dennis that I would treat him to a meal, but looking at all these injuries on my

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face and body, how can I face him?

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Marie replied: [Tomorrow is not very convenient, how about in a couple of days?]

And then the phone went silent. Marie felt that Dennis might be upset. This man was so unpredictable

with his emotions. Since she had stood him up this time, he would definitely be

unhappy.

She was too tired today and had no mood to think about these things. After a quick wash, she went

straight to bed.

The next day…

When Marie woke up groggily, it was already past ten o’clock. She called for Jolie and asked, “Why

didn’t you wake me up?”

“Ms. Marie, you got hurt yesterday, so Old Mr. Spence instructed you to sleep in a bit this morning.”

Jolie said as she poured water for Marie.

“Ms. Marie, Mrs. Spence is coming over.” said Jolie.

“What is she here for? To ask me to move back?” Marie asked while changing her clothes.

“Yeah, and Ms. Carly came along too. She was kneeling at the entrance of the Estate, apologizing!”

Jolie said.

“These mother and daughter really can’t go a day without putting on a show, huh?” Marie sneered.

“Ms. Marie, you need to think of a solution quickly. What if Old Mr. Spence has a change of heart and

actually sends you back?” Jolie was getting anxious.

“Let’s go to the living room and take a look.” Marie, after changing her clothes, led Jolié out of the

room.

it’s

As soon as she reached the corner of the living room, Mia could be heard sobbing and saying, “Dad,

I’ve been with the Spence family for so many years, and I’ve never mistreated Marie. This time, all

because Carly is too naive. She has been kneeling for the whole morning. Mason was just too angry

yesterday, that’s why he hit Marie. I promise I won’t let Marie suffer any grievances in the

future!”

“Hmph, you say you haven’t mistreated her, but where did those medicines come from?” Asher

scoffed.

“Dad, I really don’t know about this. It must be the housekeeper at home who’s not being honest. I’ll

definitely look into it later!”

“Marie’s university entrance exam is coming up soon. It’s not convenient for her to always study here,

so I’ve already arranged for her and Carly to have a tutor. I just hope she can study well!” Mia

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said sincerely.

“This…” Asher hesitated a bit.

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“Dad, don’t worry, I’ll definitely teach Carly a lesson when I get back, and I won’t let Marie be bullied

anymore. Besides, with Marie living here, people might think that our Spence family has split up. What

would Olive and Noel think? Yesterday, Noel was already a bit upset and didn’t even stay at home“,

Mia said.

Upon hearing Noel, Asher became anxious immediately. How could he not care about the thoughts of

his only grandson?

Marie knew that if Mia continued to fan the flames like this, Asher would eventually send her back.

She whispered a few words to Jolie, walked to the entrance of the Estate, and saw Carly’s face flushed

red from kneeling under the scorching sun. Smiling, she asked, “Are you kneeling here to apologize to

me?”

Carly lifted her head and saw Marie mocking her. Gritting her teeth, she said, “You little brat! Don’t be

so smug. There will be a time when you’ll kneel before me!”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, you still have the nerve to say that? Yesterday, I completely destroyed your image. Does

your Ira even care about you now?” Marie mocked.

Carly’s eyes were red with anger. Yesterday, someone had accused her in public of hiring someone to

commit violence. The whole day had passed, and Ira hadn’t spoken a single word to her. It was all

because of Marie!

“Look at this, aren’t they ignoring you? Does that mean my chance has come?” Marie laughed even

more proudly.

Carly sprang up from the ground and fiercely raised her hand, slapping Marie hard across the face.

Marie’s body swayed to the side, and she fell to the ground with the momentum.

“Ms. Marie! Ms. Marie! Are you alright?” Jolie hurried over to help her.

“Marie! You wretched woman, I won’t let you have your way!”

Carly, furious, raised her leg to kick her, landing a solid blow on Marie’s calf, who let out a muffled

groan.

Jolie shouted loudly, blocking Carly’s way. Then Marie turned her head, looked at Carly, and smirked

triumphantly. Carly was taken aback when she suddenly heard Asher’s voice: “Stop!”

Asher stepped out, striking Carly’s leg with his cane. Carly fell to her knees with a thud, gasping in pain

from the sudden blow.

Jolie helped Marie up and gently asked, “Ms. Marie, are you alright?”

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Marle shook her head, looked down at Carly kneeling by her feet, and laughed.

“Is this what you promised me, that no one would bully Marie? Huh? Right at our doorstep, they dared

to punch and kick Marie! If you had taken her back, would you have beaten her to death?” Asher

angrily pounded the floor.

“No, Dad, it’s not like that…” Mia stammered as she tried to explain.

“It’s not nothing! I saw it with my own eyes! Let me tell you, give up on that idea! From now on, Marie

will be living here with me! Carly, kneel down here and don’t get up until you admit your mistake!”

Asher said angrily.

“Jolie! Help Marie back to her room! Edward! Close the door for me! Make Carly kneel! No one is

allowed to plead for her!” Asher yelled angrily.

Edward immediately closed the door and followed Asher back to the Estate.

“Mom, what should we do? We can’t let her live with Grandpa!” Carly asked anxiously.

“You’re asking me what to do? I wanted to ask you the same thing! If you hadn’t stolen the photo and

made a scene in public, how could you have been humiliated? Today, you were supposed to apologize,

not hit her!” Mia angrily looked at her disappointing daughter.

“I just couldn’t stand her arrogant attitude! She’s trying to bully us, and now Grandpa is protecting her.

What if he gives her a portion of the shares? How much money would we lose? I didn’t do it on

purpose, Mom, please don’t be mad at me, okay?” Carly said, sobbing.

Watching her precious daughter kneeling on the ground, Mia felt heartbroken as well. “Carly, hang in

there a little longer. Mom will have Noel come back and plead with your father on your behalf.”

“Then hurry up and get Noel back here, I don’t want to be kneeling here and be the laughingstock of

others,” Carly said through her tears.

Mia hurried back to the mansion and called Noel. Noel was in his office, and when he saw Mia’s call,

he frowned and answered, “Mom, what’s up?”

“Noel, please come back quickly. Your grandfather made Carly kneel outside the Estate for the

whole morning, and no one can persuade him otherwise. She’s delicate and tender, how can she

endure such hardship?” Mia said urgently.

“Why is Grandpa making Carly kneel?” Noel asked.

“Because… because… Carly was being thoughtless and made Grandpa angry. Don’t ask any more

questions, just come back quickly and apologize to your Grandpa. He loves you the most,” Mia urged.

“Alright, I’ll be right back.” Noel hung up the phone, gave his secretary a few instructions, and then

drove back to the Spence mansion.

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Upon arriving at the Spence mansion, Noel didn’t go to the mansion but headed straight to the Estate.

At the entrance, he saw Carly kneeling down, her little face sunburned red. Seeing his own

sister like this, he felt extremely distressed and asked, “What did you do wrong?”

“Noel, please help me beg Grandpa not to make me kneel anymore!” Carly sald.

“What kind of mess did you cause at the Hebert residence yesterday, and what have you done today?”

Noel asked.

“It’s not my scandal, it’s clearly Marie’s. Who knows if she’s been messing around with Mr. Whitney!”

Carly pouted.

“Carly! Don’t go too far! She’s still your sister!” Noel scolded.

“Noel! Are you going to help me or not? Do you really want me to kneel here all day?” Carly looked at

him with a wronged expression.

“Alright, I’ll go talk to Grandpa.” Noel said as he walked inside.

The housekeeper entered the living room and said to Asher, “Mr. Noel has returned.”

“Old Mr. Spence, Mr. Noel must have heard about Ms. Carly being punished by kneeling and has come

to plead for her.” Edward said.

“Well…” Asher didn’t want to offend Noel, but Marie was sitting on the couch nearby, silently

letting Jolie change her bandages.

Asher glanced at Marie, and with her head lowered, Marie reassured Jolie, “It’s okay, it doesn’t

hurt.”

“It’s bleeding, how can it not hurt?” Ms. Carly went too far. We’re sisters, how could she hit you like

this? Jolie said with a pained expression as she gently applied medicine.

“I’m not her sister, they never treated me like family.” Marie said.

“From now on, Ms. Marie, no one will bully you here. Old Mr. Spence will protect you,” Jolie said.

The two people were engaged in a lively conversation, making it even more difficult for Asher to

interrupt. Edward coughed twice, and only then did Marie slowly raise her head and ask, “What’s the

matter?”

“Ms. Marie, Mr. Noel is back.” Edward said.

“Are you here to plead for Carly? Let Grandpa decide,” Marie said, lowering her head again to watch

Jolie bandage the wound.

Noel walked in and greeted Asher first, “Grandpa.”

Noel’s here, what’s going on? Asher asked knowingly.

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“Grandpa, I rushed back yesterday and didn’t have time to see you or Marie.” Noel said.

“Grandpa is in good health, don’t worry. You work hard, so there’s no need to keep coming back.”

Asher said.

“Grandpa, Carly may have upset you with her thoughtlessness, but she has been kneeling all morning.

She has been pampered since she was little, and her body might not be able to take it if she continues

kneeling. School starts in a few days; please let her go back.” Noel said.

“Noel, Carly made a mistake. It’s not like I can just tell her to go back.” Asher glanced at Marie.

Noel understood and looked at Marie, saying, “Carly made a mistake, and I apologize to Marie on

her behalf.”

“I cannot accept Noel’s apology on their behalf, but I would like to ask Noel, do you know what mistake

Carly made?” Marie asked.

“Yesterday, I heard about how you were humiliated in public at the Hebert residence,” Noel said.

“Mr. Noel, even if you favor Ms. Carly, you shouldn’t treat Ms. Marie like this, should you? Ms. Carly did

something terrible to our Ms. Marie, but Ms. Marie didn’t hold a grudge. This morning, she said she

came to apologize, but outside the Estate, she punched and kicked Ms. Marie. Look at these injuries

on Ms. Marie’s body and the bruises on her legs, all caused by Ms. Carly. Just because she’s been

pampered and can’t be punished, does it mean

ur Ms. Marie deserves to be beaten because she’s tough?”

Jolie rattled on and on, not caring whether Asher was unhappy or not, and put all her energy into

standing up for Marie.

“Alright, Jolie, since Noel and Carly are siblings, I can’t compete. Since Noel personally pleaded, let’s

just drop it.” Marie said.

“Marie…” Asher wanted to say something.

“Grandpa, let Carly go back, I’m fine.” Marie said, leading Jolie out of the living room.

“Ah! Edward, please tell Carly to go back!” Asher sighed. Just now, Jolie’s words had truly struck a

chord in his heart.

Marie had been bullied to such an extent, while Carly only had to endure kneeling for a morning

before it was over. He felt extremely guilty towards Marie.

“Grandpa, I’m going to see Marie.” Noel said.

Asher waved his hand, and Noel quickly walked out of the living room.

“Edward, the Spence family really owes Marie so much!” Asher sighed.

“Old Mr. Spence, Ms. Marie won’t blame you.” Edward reassured.

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“How can I not feel guilty? She has no mother, and I haven’t been able to take good care of her. Yet,

she still wholeheartedly wants to accompany me, an old man. Compared to Carly, Marie is truly much

more sensible!” Asher exclaimed.

“Old Mr. Spence knows that Ms. Marie is filial, so he won’t treat her unfairly in the future!” Edward

said.

No sooner had Noel left than Dennis arrived. Asher immediately had him ushered in and asked, “What

brings you here, Dennis?”

“Yesterday, I made plans with Marie to have dinner together, and I’m going to pick her up.” Dennis

said.

Asher’s face lit up with joy in an instant, and he said, “Then go find ho

bad mood, so don’t argue with her.”

“No, Marie is still young,” said Dennis.

in the backyard. She’s in a

Noel walked to the backyard, where Marie was sitting alone in the gazebo, eyes closed, rejuvenating

herself.

These messy situations were bothering her, and all she wanted was to grow up faster, even faster,

so she could face Wren and Seth.

Noel looked at the girl’s somewhat lonely figure and walked over, saying, “I’m sorry,

that Carly hit you.”

I didn’t know

Upon hearing the sound, Marie lifted her head and glanced at Noel nonchalantly, asking, “If you knew,

would you still come to plead for mercy?”

“Marie, Carly is my younger sister” Noel said.

“So, Noel, just firmly stand by your own sister and don’t show me any kindness. Otherwise, your two–

faced behavior is disgusting.” Marie said.

“I will protect you and won’t let anyone bully you again!” Noel promised.

Upon hearing this, Marie turned around and glanced at Noel, then burst out laughing.

“Noel, do you really think Carly can bully me? As long as Carly dares to fight me, I can kick her out of

the Spence family.” Marie said, as if she had heard a joke.

“Marie, don’t be so hostile!” Noel frowned in dissatisfaction.

“You don’t seem to have the right to lecture me!” Marie’s face turned cold as she turned to leave, but

Noel grabbed her wrist.

The girl had lost a lot of weight, her wrists were slender, and holding them gave a feeling as if they

could be easily snapped.

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“Let me take a look at your injury.” Noel said.

“Let go!” Marie said with a disgusted frown.

“Listen to me!” Noel stubbornly refused to let go.

“Noel, I’m telling you again, let go!” Marie was angry.

Noel remained still, and Marie raised her foot to kick him. He dodged it, but her other hand formed a fist

and struck Noel’s chest with great force, causing him to grunt. He grabbed Marie’s hand and pressed

her against the stone pillar of the pavilion, staring at her as he asked, “Where did you learn

those moves?”

“It’s none of your business!” Marie said, avoiding eye contact with a look of disgust.

Before Noel had a chance to argue, he was suddenly yanked away with

side, crashing into a nearby stone bench.

great force and thrown to the

Marie turned her head and saw Dennis, his hair neatly groomed and his facial features as striking

as a sculpture. He was wearing a black shirt with subtle patterns, the slow rolled up to reveal his

well–defined forearms.

Dennis quickly pulled Marie behind him, firmly shielding her with his body..

Noel was just hit and punched by Marie, and now, for some unknown reason, he was dragged away

and crashed into a stone bench. Fuming with anger, he stood up to grab Marie. Dennis, with a cold

expression and thin lips, spat out a single word: “Scram!”

Chapter 45 Apologize to Me on Your Knees