Having brought up Vivian for nearly two decades, Julie felt that she had been devoted and considerate enough in treating her adopted daughter very well.

In a daze, Julie asked herself. Was she a bad mother? She had raised Vivian all these years, but why couldn't she accept her for real? Did it mean that she failed to fulfill her duties as a mother?

Julie's mind was so distracted that she couldn't figure out what she should do.

In the end, she could only heave a deep sigh and comment, "The bracelet is too precious. Don't bring it out casually. Besides, you are not my only daughter. Maria is also entitled to inherit something from me. When it comes to who would get the bracelet in the future, the three of us have to sit down and discuss it togethe—"

“Mom!? What the hell? Really?! What are you talking about?" Vivian didn't even let Julie finish her sentence. She screamed and became hysterical as if she wasn't talking to her mother.

“You're thinking of giving it to Maria? Why should she get anything? I am your real daughter, and she's just adopted! Why would you let her inherit your properties and belongings? Yes, Maria has the same surname as us. But aside from that, she has nothing to do with our family! Mom, don't even think of giving a single penny to Maria. When you are gone, I'Ul be the one to—"

Slap! A loud, heavy, and crisp slap landed on Vivian's face, leaving a red and swollen mark.

Vivian immediately covered her face with eyes widened in utter disbelief.

After what she did, Julie was also stunned. She couldn't believe that she lost control of her emotions as she looked at Vivian in shock.

“How can I hit my daughter that hard?" This question echoed in Julie's mind.

She had been taking care of Vivian before she could even remember anything. Although Julie had disciplined Vivian strictly, she had never physically hit her.

But when Vivian said the words “When you are gone", Julie suddenly snapped, not able to contain her frustration and exasperation.

For her, there was no problem if Vivian and Patricia were very close. But did Vivian just wish that her mother would die soon, just so she could inherit her belongings?

Because of this, Julie's emotion surged, and she couldn't stop herself from slapping Vivian. Now, her mood became even more complicated.

She regretted her actions, but she was more regretful about another thing. Her daughter, who had been with her for many years, grew up to be very unreasonable.

Vivian was still stunned.

Her heart sank so much. But as she gradually absorbed what just happened, she became close to the verge of an emotional outburst.

“Mom, how could you hit me?! All of this, just because of Maria?" Vivian trembled, hating Julie with all her being.

She didn't understand one bit that it was her fault why her mother did that.

To her, Julie was the bad guy. She thought that her own mother was way worse than Patricia.