Chapter 21 Coming - of - Age Ceremony Chapter 21 Coming - of - Age Ceremony Azalea reflected on her past . In her previous life , Ivy was the mother she most yearned to connect with after returning to the Larks . Despite her efforts to win Ivy's approval , she never seemed to measure up to Sydney in her mother's eyes . It was Bastian who had picked her up from the orphanage . On the drive home , he explained that the rest of the family was too busy to come - a polite way of saying they simply did not care enough to show up . When they reached the Larks ' residence , only Ivy was there , holding Sydney close . The look Ivy gave Azalea was not one of maternal warmth but rather one of cold estrangement . Ivy set the ground rules immediately , " Even though you are our biological daughter , Sydney has been with us for ten years . You both share the same birthday , but you are the older sister . As the older sister , it's your responsibility to look after her . " Look after her … That directive became the justification for all the punishments Azalea would endure . From then on , whenever Sydney encountered any problem , Azalea was the one who faced punishment . Ivy would furiously demand , " Why didn't you look after your sister ? " As these memories surfaced , a chilly smile spread across Azalea's face . Where did Ivy get the audacity to make such demands of her now ? " May I ask , what right do you have to stand here and demand anything from me ? Is it because you are my mother ? " Azalea produced a document from her bag , " Mrs. Lark , have you forgotten that your husband already signed this ? " Ivy was speechless , taken aback by Azalea's defiance . Azalea pressed on , " As a mother , did you ever consider the effects on your biological daughter when you consistently placed her below your adopted daughter and favored the latter ? " In her previous life , she had been relegated to Sydney's shadow , losing opportunities and even being scapegoated when convenient . She once had a chance to prove herself , but the Larks coerced her into publicly confessing to plagiarism , claiming she had copied Sydney all along ! Azalea felt a mix of unwillingness and anger swirling inside her , yet despite her resentment toward this family , she could not help but still feel affected by them . Ivy's expression darkened . " Haven't you already switched to the academic class ? Your talent in painting is excellent ; it's a waste not to utilize it . What's wrong with helping Sydney ? " Azalea let out a laugh , exasperated . " Ivy tried to appeal to familial bonds , " Sydney is your sister . " ||| 1/3 O < Chapter 21 Coming - of - Age Ceremony Out of patience , Azalea retorted sharply , " Why should I help her ? Should I die for her too ? " " You ! " Ivy was infuriated , her anger nearly sending her blood pressure through the roof . How dare this child wish death upon Sydney ? In her rage , Ivy raised her hand to strike Azalea . However , Azalea , anticipating this , quickly grabbed her wrist . With a swift twist , Ivy stumbled and fell , her high heels failing to stabilize her . " You dare to strike me ? " Ivy was in disbelief . Azalea met her gaze coldly , " What's wrong with defending myself ? You hit me , but I can't hit back ? " Ivy , stunned , could not reconcile this defiant version of Azalea with the girl she once knew . Taking advantage of Ivy's shock , Azalea walked past her , " Mrs. Lark , from the moment I left the family , I severed all ties with you and the family . I can't return , nor will I help you again . " With that , she flagged down a taxi . The bodyguard moved to intervene , but Ivy waved him off . " Let her go , I don't believe she can really leave us , " Ivy stated coldly , her voice tinged with bitterness . She was overwhelmed by anger right now . She was confident . Azalea wouldn't be able to cut ties so easily ; she knew her daughter .. She knew . It was nearing Azalea and Sydney's 18th birthday , the coming - of - age ceremony . Ivy suspected that Azalea planned to use the occasion to her advantage . Was Sydney supposed to renounce her inheritance ? Or was Azalea plotting to become an official part of the Larks family ? Ivy believed any plan Azalea had would surely fail . She boasted of indifference to all things Larks , but Ivy planned the grandest coming - of - age celebration for Sydney , curious to see if Azalea would regret her decisions . " Where to , Miss ? " asked the taxi driver as Azalea climbed in without giving a destination , asking instead to circle the neighborhood . Where to ? " Ashbourne Villa ," Azalea decided , having no other refuge . Upon her arrival , she saw Carla at the doorway , who rushed over , concerned . " It's late , and you haven't returned . I worried you were lost . " ||| O 2/3 Chapter 21 Coming - of - Age Ceremony " I'm sorry to have worried you , " Azalea replied , her encounter with Ivy souring her mood . " Carla . I'm not hungry tonight ; I think I'll just study in my room , she said . Carla , who had long served Hubert , could read people well and immediately sensed Azalea's troubled state . Hubert , just out of a meeting , received Carla's message . He strode through the corridor in his sleek silver- gray suit , exuding an air of authority . His assistant , Levi , trailed behind , briefing him on business matters . ||| Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!