Chapter 511
Sharon didn’t let Uriah down. She carried herself with poise-gracious, composed, always knowing when to step forward and when to hold back. Uriah’s guests were full of praise, commending Uriah’s keen eye.
He basked in their compliments, smiling like a child being told he was clever. Seeing this, everyone quickly understood: the old man enjoyed flattery, especially when it came to his taste in people. Say Sharon was exceptional, say he had chosen well-he’d
drink it all in.
And so, they did, one after another. Before long, Sharon had been praised to the heavens.
To her, it was a strange, almost surreal experience. Whether in the Kalen family or the Biggs family, she’d never been part of gatherings like this.
The Biggs family had always thought her unpresentable, an embarrassment better left unseen. She was rarely invited to events, let alone encouraged to stand out.
The Kalen family, on the other hand, had always said she was too young and hadn’t yet learned the proper etiquette, so there was no need to bring her along. But the truth was, her identity hadn’t been publicly acknowledged. Taking her anywhere would have only raised awkward questions.
Then someone, perhaps deliberately, offered a pointed compliment.
“Uriah, this young apprentice of yours…she’s truly the full package. She’s got both talent and beauty. Honestly, I’d say she’s no less impressive than Victoria, our circle’s reigning top socialite.”
Uriah laughed loudly at that. He said unabashedly, “Well, of course. My apprentice is the best, without question.”
The others chuckled along, though some cast subtle, sideways glances at Sharon. Victoria was the carefully groomed heiress of the Kalen family. Sharon might’ve gotten lucky by earning Uriah’s favor, but to compare her to Victoria? That felt like overreach.
Still, no one said it aloud. No one wanted to spoil the old man’s good mood.
After introducing Sharon to a few of the more prominent figures in the room, Uriah’s gaze drifted across the hall and landed on the Biggs family and the Hendricks family, standing not far off.
A sly smile curved his lips.
“Sharon, let’s go say hello.”
Sharon glanced at him and gave a small nod. “Alright.”
She had a feeling she knew what he was planning. He’d held back long enough. Tonight, he meant to make a point-one that would land squarely on Nate and Kelly’s faces.
They must be panicking by now.
Sure enough, as Uriah walked toward them, Nate’s parents and Madeline’s faces lit up.
Madeline, unaware of the grudge between Uriah and Nate, spotted Sharon and muttered under her breath, “Lucky tramp,” then said nothing more.
Still, Sharon followed along as Nate’s parents and Madeline stepped forward to greet him.
“Mr. Malcolm…”
They barely managed the greeting before Uriah cut them off.
He looked directly at Nate’s parents. “You’re Nate’s mother and father?”
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They blinked in surprise, then nodded. “Yes. You know our son?”
Uriah smiled, but there was no warmth behind it.
“Know him? We go way back.”
Nate’s parents exchanged hopeful glances. They looked like people who had just found out their son had an influential friend they hadn’t known about.
But before they could enjoy that thought, Uriah went on.
“If it weren’t for your son smashing up my clinic multiple times, I might never have retired so early. Really gave me the push to enjoy my golden years. Tell me, should I be thanking him for that?”
There was a beat of stunned silence. Then the color drained from their faces.
Karl’s voice trembled. “Could there be… some kind of misunderstanding?”
Uriah gave Nate-who now looked like a ghost-one cold, sweeping glance. He let out a quiet, contemptuous laugh.
“Your son barged into my clinic and nearly beat me. If it weren’t for Sharon here, I’d be in a coffin now, instead of celebrating my birthday.”
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Beads of cold sweat began to form on Karl’s forehead.
He knew all too well that his son, Nate, was always causing trouble out in the world. If it hadn’t been for Nate’s two capable friends, Carter and Julliard, constantly cleaning up after him, Nate would’ve been ruined a long time ago.
Nate didn’t have the skills. Karl had never truly wanted to hand Hendricks Group over to him.
But what could he do? His son had two highly competent friends. As long as either of them tossed Hendricks Group a contract or two, the company could keep running-maybe even thrive.
Add a few capable department managers into the mix, and Nate could sit back and enjoy the ride. And if things ever got out of hand, Carter would step in to fix it.
With the Biggs family behind him, Nate had every reason to coast through life.
Karl had never imagined that, despite all that, his son would quietly land them in a mess this big. If they weren’t at a public event, he might’ve slapped Nate on the spot.
Floundering for an excuse, Karl tried to explain. “Mr. Malcolm, I’m so sorry. Nate didn’t know who you were, that’s all, so he-”
Uriah raised an eyebrow. “So what you’re saying is, the Hendricks family bullies the weak and fears the strong? You won’t hesitate to pick on those you think are powerless, huh?”
Karl fell silent. His legs trembled.
If word got out that they had offended Uriah, the Malcolm family wouldn’t have to lift a finger; the Hendricks Group would
crumble on its own.
Just then, Carter, who had been quiet the whole time, finally spoke up. “Nate, aren’t you going to apologize to Mr. Malcolm?” 1
The words hit Nate like a splash of ice water.
Nate liked to act tough, but he wasn’t stupid. He knew exactly where his limits were. He wouldn’t dare provoke someone powerful, like Xavier, for example. He had assumed Uriah was just some harmless old man with no status or power.
He’d been dead wrong.
His gaze darted around, dodging Uriah’s direct gaze.
“Mr. Malcolm, I’m sorry. What happened before was all a misunderstanding. It was my fault. I hope you can be the bigger person and not hold it against someone younger.”
The apology came without resistance and resentment. It was flat and hollow.
Uriah let out a cold snort. His voice carried a mocking edge. “You smashed up my clinic, and you think a simple apology is going to fix that? Are your words worth their weight in gold?”
Nate stammered, “I… I can pay for the damages-”
Uriah laughed. “Do I look like I need your money?”
Nate’s parents stood off to the side, not daring to speak. Only Carter remained calm, poised, his tone respectful but steady.
“Mr. Malcolm, may I ask what it would take for you to let this go and forgive Nate?”
Uriah gave him a look. Even after learning the truth, Carter remained composed. Admirable. Shame about his judgment. 1
“Nothing,” Uriah said. “There’s nothing he can do. I’m petty like that. I don’t forgive.” (2)
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Then he turned to Nate’s parents.
“I won’t hold Nate’s mistakes against your whole family,” he said. “But I hope you’ll take better care of him from now on Keep letting him run wild, and you’ll have a real disaster on your hands.”
He paused–just long enough to let the message sink in-then added, not bothering to mask the meaning in his words, “A company run by someone so reckless… it won’t last long.”
Uriah might’ve been getting on in years, but he still knew how to make a statement without lowering himself. And he’d just made one loud and clear.
Karl didn’t miss the signal. He knew exactly what needed to happen now.
Hendricks Group needed a new successor.
Uriah hadn’t minced words. Nate had understood every one of them. His eyes widened, and his face flushed red. He looked like he wanted to say something, but Kelly quickly reached out and grabbed his arm.
This was Uriah’s birthday banquet. If Nate dared make a scene now, he wouldn’t just be in trouble. He’d be finished.
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With that, any hope for the Hendricks family to turn things around would be gone.
Nate stood motionless, too afraid to speak.
Uriah turned his gaze toward Madeline. “You must be Sharon’s former mother-in-law?”
The moment Madeline saw the way he looked at her, she understood that he hadn’t come with friendly intentions.
He had come to settle a score.
Her expression stiffened. She forced a brittle smile and nudged Theo forward. “Mr. Malcolm, this is Sharon’s son. His name is Theo ”
Theo offered a polite greeting. “Hello, Mr. Malcolm.”
Uriah acknowledged him with a brief nod, but his attention was already drifting elsewhere.
“I have to say,” he murmured, “I owe meeting Sharon to you, Madeline.”
Madeline blinked, caught off guard. “Owe it to me?”
He nodded slightly. “Yes. If you hadn’t suffered from those persistent headaches, Sharon wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to find me. To help you, she came to me month after month, asking for medicine. It took six months of pleading before I finally agreed.”
“How is the medicine working for you?” he asked.
Madeline hadn’t expected this at all. The monthly medicine Sharon delivered, so quietly and consistently, had come from Uriah?
She’d taken it for two years now.
Her doctor had said the decades-old illness was nearly cured. With some emotional regulation and additional supplements, she could keep it from recurring altogether.
She spoke before thinking. “Your medicine works very well.”
Uriah’s eyes shifted to Theo.
“You’re Theo, right? Do you know-when your mother was collecting herbs to make a special spray for you, her hand got cut. That scar’s still there.”
Everyone instinctively looked at Sharon’s hand.
Sure enough, a faint scar ran across the back of it. But no one had ever really noticed it before.
Carter’s gaze darkened.
He suddenly recalled that day at the restaurant when Theo had an allergic reaction. Sharon had pulled out a small spray bottle and saved him in an instant.
So that’s what it was. That spray-she’d begged for it and worked hard for it.
His expression shifted as he turned to look at her, searching.
But Sharon stood quietly, her face unreadable, as if everyone there were a stranger. Even when her eyes fell on Theo, her expression didn’t change.
Somehow, that bothered Carter.
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A faint unease settled in his chest. He couldn’t explain it, but the thought crept in, ‘Maybe agreeing to the divorce had been a
mistake.’ (1
Uriah’s voice broke through the silence again, “Sharon would do anything for her family. I’ve always wanted to meet her family -the people she worked so hard for. But not once have they ever stepped foot into my clinic.”
Madeline’s eyes turned red. She tried to defend herself. “It’s not that we didn’t want to… She never told us…”
Sharon interrupted, “Madeline, the first time I brought you the medicine, I asked if you’d like to meet Mr. Malcolm. You said, ‘ What’s the point in meeting some random doctor?””
Madeline opened her mouth but couldn’t find anything to say.
Sharon had said that. She remembered it clearly now.
Sharon turned to Theo next.
“After your health started improving, I told you I wanted to introduce you to the man who helped you. You said you were going out with Kelly and didn’t have time. You told me to go by myself.”
Theo lowered his head, ashamed.
Finally, Sharon turned to Carter.
“I told you more than once and even asked you to come with me to thank Mr. Malcolm together. You said if it involved money, I should just ask your assistant. You said you didn’t have time for these… social obligations.”
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With that, any hope for the Hendricks family to turn things around would be gone.
Nate stood motionless, too afraid to speak.
Uriah turned his gaze toward Madeline. “You must be Sharon’s former mother-in-law?”
The moment Madeline saw the way he looked at her, she understood that he hadn’t come with friendly intentions.
He had come to settle a score.
Her expression stiffened. She forced a brittle smile and nudged Theo forward. “Mr. Malcolm, this is Sharon’s son. His name is Theo.”
Theo offered a polite greeting. “Hello, Mr. Malcolm.”
Uriah acknowledged him with a brief nod, but his attention was already drifting elsewhere.
“I have to say,” he murmured, “I owe meeting Sharon to you, Madeline.”
Madeline blinked, caught off guard. “Owe it to me?”
He nodded slightly. “Yes. If you hadn’t suffered from those persistent headaches, Sharon wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to find me. To help you, she came to me month after month, asking for medicine. It took six months of pleading before I finally agreed.”
“How is the medicine working for you?” he asked.
Madeline hadn’t expected this at all. The monthly medicine Sharon delivered, so quietly and consistently, had come from Uriah?
She’d taken it for two years now.
Her doctor had said the decades-old illness was nearly cured. With some emotional regulation and additional supplements, she could keep it from recurring altogether.
She spoke before thinking. “Your medicine works very well.”
Uriah’s eyes shifted to Theo.
“You’re Theo, right? Do you know-when your mother was collecting herbs to make a special spray for you, her hand got cut.
That scar’s still there.”
Everyone instinctively looked at Sharon’s hand.
Sure enough, a faint scar ran across the back of it. But no one had ever really noticed it before.
Carter’s gaze darkened.
He suddenly recalled that day at the restaurant when Theo had an allergic reaction. Sharon had pulled out a small spray bottle and saved him in an instant.
So that’s what it was. That spray-she’d begged for it and worked hard for it.
His expression shifted as he turned to look at her, searching.
But Sharon stood quietly, her face unreadable, as if everyone there were a stranger. Even when her eyes fell on Theo, her expression didn’t change.
Somehow, that bothered Carter.
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A faint unease settled in his chest. He couldn’t explain it, but the thought crept in, ‘Maybe agreeing to the divorce had been a
mistake.’
Uriah’s voice broke through the silence again, “Sharon would do anything for her family. I’ve always wanted to meet her family -the people she worked so hard for. But not once have they ever stepped foot into my clinic.”
Madeline’s eyes turned red. She tried to defend herself. “It’s not that we didn’t want to… She never told us…”
Sharon interrupted, “Madeline, the first time I brought you the medicine, I asked if you’d like to meet Mr. Malcolm. You said, ‘ What’s the point in meeting some random doctor?””
Madeline opened her mouth but couldn’t find anything to say.
Sharon had said that. She remembered it clearly now.
Sharon turned to Theo next.
“After your health started improving, I told you I wanted to introduce you to the man who helped you. You said you were going out with Kelly and didn’t have time. You told me to go by myself.”
Theo lowered his head, ashamed.
Finally, Sharon turned to Carter.
“I told you more than once and even asked you to come with me to thank Mr. Malcolm together. You said if it involved money, I should just ask your assistant. You said you didn’t have time for these… social obligations.”
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Carter had nothing to say.
He couldn’t even remember when Sharon had ever mentioned it to him. Or maybe she had, and like everything else she said, he just hadn’t paid attention.
For a moment, time seemed to stall. The air thickened, pressing in on everyone.
Karl shot Nate a vicious glare, already vowing in silence that once they were home, he’d skin Nate alive.
Madeline, too, was drowning in regret. If she had known the medicine came from Uriah himself, there was no way she would’ve kept her distance. Had she visited Uriah, had she made the effort…maybe she would be the one standing beside Uriah now.
Her gaze turned sharp as it landed on Sharon. Sharon must have known who Uriah was all along. She had deliberately kept it from them.
Now, seeing how much Uriah valued Sharon, Madeline knew it was only a matter of time before Sharon rose to prominence in elite circles. If Sharon and Carter had still been married, the Biggs family would’ve gained endless benefits from this connection.
Madeline gritted her teeth. Who would’ve thought that this “useless” former daughter-in-law of hers had hidden such capability?
A flicker of regret surfaced in Madeline’s heart, but she was too proud to ever admit she had misjudged someone.
She nudged Theo lightly. “Theo, didn’t you say you missed your mom? That you haven’t seen her in a long time? Well, now she’s here. Go talk to her. There’s no lasting grudge between a mother and her child.”
Flattering Uriah was something she could do. But humbling herself in front of someone she once disdained? That was a different story. Her pride wouldn’t allow it.
Still, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Theo was her best move.
Just as he was about to step forward, a small, clear voice rang out from across the room.
“Sharon! Mr. Malcolm!”
A tiny figure ran toward them.
The moment Uriah saw who it was, his entire face lit up.
“Well now, if it isn’t Matty!”
Matty looked up at him. “Mr. Malcolm, how was my violin performance today?”
Uriah chuckled warmly, resting a hand on his head. “It was lovely! Much better than your last performance at the kindergarten.”
The sight made Madeline’s eyes nearly pop from her skull.
She recognized Matty. She even knew that Sharon was currently helping care for Matty.
But since when were Matty and Uriah this close?
Was it because of Xavier?
Madeline didn’t want to admit that the bond might have been forged through Sharon. That would be too much to swallow.
While her mind raced, Xavier appeared in the distance and walked toward them.
“Mr. Malcolm. Sharon.”
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Uriah gave him a courteous but distant nod, though it was nowhere near the warmth he showed Sharon.
Seeing Xavier brought a flicker of something to Sharon’s eyes. She thought of Cole. But this wasn’t the time or place to bring it
With nothing more to say, Uriah turned to leave.
Kelly finally let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.
But just as Uriah passed her, he suddenly stopped, as if something had just occurred to him.
Kelly’s fingers curled tightly, her expression stiffening
Uriah glanced at her. “Kelly, how’s your illness these days?”
A cold sweat soaked her palms.
“Much… much better. Thank you for your concern, Mr. Malcolm.”
Uriah responded, “I’m not concerned about you. I’m just concerned you’ll ruin my reputation.”
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“After all,” Uriah said, “people faking illness are a rare breed these days.” (
Kelly’s face drained of color. She opened her mouth to defend herself, but before a single word could escape, Uriah was already walking away, smiling faintly as Sharon supported him.
Nate blinked, confused, turning to look at Kelly with a question in his eyes. He didn’t get it.
Madeline remained composed. She had expected this.
Only Carter’s eyes darkened further, deeper than the night outside.
Uriah didn’t linger. He made a brief round with Sharon before retreating to a private room to rest.
He was old now and never cared for social gatherings. The fact that he’d come this far to support her already meant more than enough.
Inside the room, Sharon prepared a pot of tea and poured him a cup.
“Thank you,” she said.
He took the cup from her, brushing off her gratitude with a small wave. “Don’t thank me. I just can’t stand those younger folks who bully the weak and fear the strong.”
He sipped the hot tea, then glanced at her.
“Sharon, I’m old. There are a lot of things I can’t get involved in anymore. So this is as much as I can do.”
Her eyes stung.
“I understand. Thank you. Really.”
Had he chosen not to reveal his identity, he could’ve dealt with Nate and Carter however he liked. But once he stepped into the light, he became bound by that identity. The constraints came with it-lines he could no longer cross.
Still, she knew what kind of person he was. Eccentric, yes, but kind at heart.
If he weren’t, he wouldn’t have given Madeline two years’ worth of medicine or gone through all the effort and rare ingredients to make a custom spray for Theo’s condition.
Uriah set the cup down and said, “I didn’t want to meddle in the affairs of the younger generation. But you… your foundation is too thin. You have no family backing you, and you’re constantly being suppressed. And in this day and age, talent and effort alone aren’t enough to make something of yourself.”
That was why he had done the uncharacteristic and stepped forward for her in such a public way.
“Times have changed,” he said. “Without a family’s backing, rising above has become a near-impossible task. You’re good enough, Sharon. You’re talented and hardworking. All you’re missing is a little help, a bit of luck. Just promise me you’ll make
the most of this.”
He said it gently, but she heard the weight behind the words. He’d gone ahead without asking. He worried she might reject his help out of pride.
But Sharon didn’t.
“I understand,” she said. “Thank you for everything.”
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He saw that she hadn’t refused out of stubbornness or misplaced pride, and nodded with quiet satisfaction.
“Don’t let our family name fool you,” he said, almost amused. “If it weren’t for the foundation I built, those good-for-nothing sons of mine wouldn’t be anything. Back in our day, opportunities were everywhere. It wasn’t nearly as cutthroat as it is now.”
A long sigh followed.
“It’s hard on your generation.”
They sat for a while, chatting, until a knock came at the door.
Damien entered. He looked like he had something to say to his grandfather. His eyes flicked to Sharon, hesitant.
She picked up on it right away, offered a polite excuse, and stood up to leave.
She hadn’t gone far when she ran into Ginny.
“Sharon,” Ginny greeted her with a smile. “I had no idea you and Uriah were close.”
Behind her, Carol and Melanie also looked over, curiosity written all over their faces.
Melanie chimed in, “Sharon, you actually know Uriah? Damn, that’s some next-level networking. Unlike certain people who just scheme their way up the ladder.”
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Melanie paused mid-sentence, as if something had just occurred to her, and smiled.
“I saw Victoria earlier… She was cozying up to a bunch of powerful big shots. She’s just an illegitimate daughter, and yet so showy about it. When the truth comes out, let’s see how smug she still is.”
Carol was more composed than Melanie. She said, “Melanie, don’t say things like that.”
Melanie scoffed. “I’m just telling the truth.”
As close friends, they all knew about Sharon’s history with the Kalen family. For some reason, Melanie had always harbored a special dislike for Victoria, despite barely interacting with her. Maybe it was loyalty to Sharon, or maybe it was instinctive bias. Either way, it ran deep.
They had watched Sharon struggle for years, enduring a cold marriage, disapproval from her husband’s family, and eventually, a divorce.
And through it all, the Kalen family had offered her nothing-not the support of kin, not even a sliver of basic decency. Instead, they chose to elevate a daughter born out of wedlock, parading her around like she belonged at the top. 1
Wasn’t that just a slap in Sharon’s face?
As they spoke, Abby and Victoria approached.
Abby caught sight of the group and blinked in surprise. “Sharon knows Ginny?”
She didn’t recognize Melanie or Carol, but Ginny was well-known in their circle-a prominent heiress, someone nearly everyone had heard of.
Victoria’s expression dimmed for a moment.
She remembered what Rick had told her not long ago, “Victoria, did you know Sharon studied at Bell University? I had lunch with Ginny Blakely recently, and she asked about Sharon. Said they were once close friends.”
The marriage alliance between Rick and the Blakely family was already in motion-practically a done deal.
And now Sharon was Uriah’s apprentice, had grown up alongside Westin family’s heir, John, counted Ginny as a best friend, and even maintained a good relationship with Xavier. Her ex-husband was Carter.
Suddenly, Victoria felt the need to reassess everything she thought she knew about Sharon.
Just then, her phone rang.
She glanced at the screen, and a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes.
It was Cole.
She realized, for the first time today, she hadn’t seen him at all. If it had been like before, he would’ve come looking for her the moment he knew she was here.
She answered, “Cole-”
Before she could finish, his voice came through, hoarse and strained.
“Victoria… Sharon attacked me. I’m locked in the storage room. Please, get someone, get me out.”
Victoria’s eyes widened with shock.
“I will,” she said quickly. “I’ll send someone right away.”
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After a few more words, Ginny and the others left. They didn’t stay long. After all, this was Sharon’s moment. Uriah had gone out of his way to elevate her tonight, and many people were waiting for a chance to connect with her. Her friends didn’t want to take up too much of her time.
Abby noticed Victoria slipping away again and couldn’t help sighing to herself. Victoria really did seem busy.
She was just about to approach Sharon when a tall figure moved in first, stepping right in front of her.
Abby’s face instantly fell.
The first time she tried to approach, Sharon had been with Uriah. When Uriah left to rest, Sharon started talking with Ginny and the others. Now that they were finally gone, someone else had beaten her to it.
Sharon had just seen Ginny and the others off and was about to look for Xavier when someone stepped into her path.
She looked up and saw Carter’s face. 1
“Carter?” she said, meeting his gaze. “What do you want?”
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Sharon’s tone was cool and detached, like she was speaking to a stranger. Not even the faintest ripple of emotion touched her
face. 17
Something tightened in Carter’s throat.
“It’s been a while since Theo saw you,” he said. “Don’t you want to spend some time with him?”
Sharon replied, “I’m still busy.”
It was a clear refusal.
“No matter how busy you are, you don’t have a few minutes to spare for your son?”
She gave a slight, almost indifferent smile. “He may not want to see me. Didn’t Kelly come with you? If she’s there, that should be enough.”
A faint crease appeared between Carter’s brows.
“You’re Theo’s mother. No matter how close he is to Kelly, she can never take your place.”
But Sharon remained unmoved.
Just as Carter seemed about to press further, Xavier appeared beside her, his steps quick and purposeful. Leaning in, he whispered into her ear, “Cole’s awake.”
A flicker passed through Sharon’s eyes.
When Cole had dragged her away earlier, she hadn’t resisted. She’d wanted to deal with that ticking bomb before the performance began. She’d had pepper spray on her, so she wasn’t afraid of him.
She’d pretended she couldn’t fight back, letting him take her to a storeroom. He’d tried to lock her in. She grabbed a brick and
knocked him out cold.
Just as she was wondering how to handle the unconscious Cole, Xavier had found her. With the performance about to begin, she had no choice but to let him take care of things.
She now whispered back, “What’s his condition?”
“He’s Uriah’s grandson. Killing him isn’t an option,” Xavier said. “I locked him inside the warehouse.”
He paused a beat before saying, “If the Malcolm family comes asking questions later, just pin it on me. Say there was bad blood between us. Uriah won’t make things hard for me.”
Sharon shook her head. “The one with a grudge against him is me. He’s not going to let this go easily.”
Xavier lifted an eyebrow. “You two knew each other before?”
He’d assumed Cole had seen a pretty face and made a move, and Sharon, rushing to perform, had knocked him out without thinking twice.
“Yes,” she was about to explain, when Damien approached.
“Sharon.” He wore a polite smile, but there wasn’t a trace of warmth in his eyes. He clearly didn’t think much of her. “My grandfather would like to speak with you. There’s something he wants to discuss.”
Sharon glanced at Damien.
Casey had told her Damien was her ex-boyfriend. He looked decent enough, but according to Casey, he was a complete
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scumbag. None of Uriah’s loyalty had rubbed off on him.
“Lead the way,” she said calmly.
Carter instinctively stepped forward, as if to follow.
Damien stopped him. “Mr. Biggs, I’m afraid my grandfather only asked for Sharon.”
Carter halted mid-step.
Xavier also looked like he wanted to go along, but Damien cut him off with the same line.
Xavier said, “If there’s something your grandfather wants to ask Sharon, he might as well ask me. I probably know more.”
Sharon stepped in before he could press further. “Xavier, wait here for me. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. Uriah is there, after all.”
Xavier didn’t argue.
It was true. So long as Uriah was present, Sharon would be safe.
But still…
Sharon was, after all, an outsider. Cole, on the other hand, was Uriah’s blood.
It wasn’t hard to guess whose side would weigh heavier.
Sharon followed Damien. Once they had walked a distance, Damien suddenly spoke.
“I don’t know how you know my grandfather or Casey, but I’m warning you, stay away from them.”
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Sharon’s tone was cool and detached, like she was speaking to a stranger. Not even the faintest ripple of emotion touched her
face. (1)
Something tightened in Carter’s throat.
“It’s been a while since Theo saw you,” he said. “Don’t you want to spend some time with him?”
Sharon replied, “I’m still busy.”
It was a clear refusal.
“No matter how busy you are, you don’t have a few minutes to spare for your son?”
She gave a slight, almost indifferent smile. “He may not want to see me. Didn’t Kelly come with you? If she’s there, that should be enough.”
A faint crease appeared between Carter’s brows.
“You’re Theo’s mother. No matter how close he is to Kelly, she can never take your place.”
But Sharon remained unmoved.
Just as Carter seemed about to press further, Xavier appeared beside her, his steps quick and purposeful. Leaning in, he whispered into her ear, “Cole’s awake.”
A flicker passed through Sharon’s eyes.
When Cole had dragged her away earlier, she hadn’t resisted. She’d wanted to deal with that ticking bomb before the performance began. She’d had pepper spray on her, so she wasn’t afraid of him.
She’d pretended she couldn’t fight back, letting him take her to a storeroom. He’d tried to lock her in. She grabbed a brick and
knocked him out cold.
Just as she was wondering how to handle the unconscious Cole, Xavier had found her. With the performance about to begin, she
had no choice but to let him take care of things.
She now whispered back, “What’s his condition?”
“He’s Uriah’s grandson. Killing him isn’t an option,” Xavier said. “I locked him inside the warehouse.” 1
He paused a beat before saying, “If the Malcolm family comes asking questions later, just pin it on me. Say there was bad blood between us. Uriah won’t make things hard for me.”
Sharon shook her head. “The one with a grudge against him is me. He’s not going to let this go easily.”
Xavier lifted an eyebrow. “You two knew each other before?”
He’d assumed Cole had seen a pretty face and made a move, and Sharon, rushing to perform, had knocked him out without thinking twice.
“Yes,” she was about to explain, when Damien approached.
“Sharon.” He wore a polite smile, but there wasn’t a trace of warmth in his eyes. He clearly didn’t think much of her. “My grandfather would like to speak with you. There’s something he wants to discuss.”
Sharon glanced at Damien.
Casey had told her Damien was her ex-boyfriend. He looked decent enough, but according to Casey, he was a complete
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scumbag. None of Uriah’s loyalty had rubbed off on him.
“Lead the way,” she said calmly.
Carter instinctively stepped forward, as if to follow.
Damien stopped him. “Mr. Biggs, I’m afraid my grandfather only asked for Sharon.”
Carter halted mid-step.
Xavier also looked like he wanted to go along, but Damien cut him off with the same line.
Xavier said, “If there’s something your grandfather wants to ask Sharon, he might as well ask me. I probably know more.”
Sharon stepped in before he could press further. “Xavier, wait here for me. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. Uriah is there, after all.”
Xavier didn’t argue.
It was true. So long as Uriah was present, Sharon would be safe.
But still…
Sharon was, after all, an outsider. Cole, on the other hand, was Uriah’s blood.
It wasn’t hard to guess whose side would weigh heavier.
Sharon followed Damien. Once they had walked a distance, Damien suddenly spoke.
“I don’t know how you know my grandfather or Casey, but I’m warning you, stay away from them.”
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Sharon suddenly asked, “Who are you?”
Damien paused, momentarily thinking she truly didn’t know who he was. He was just about to speak when she continued, “And why should I listen to you?”
That made it clear-she wasn’t ignorant of his identity. She was provoking him on purpose.
A cold smile curled at the corner of Damien’s lips. “Don’t think that just because you’ve won over my grandfather and Casey, I’m powerless against you.”
Damien couldn’t help thinking, ‘No wonder Cole despises her so much. She really does have a way of getting under people’s skin.
Sharon smiled faintly and said sharply, “If you really had power over me, would you be wasting your breath like this? Why not go tell your grandfather and Casey who I really am? What’s stopping you?”
She had no patience for scumbags, especially the kind like Damien, who turned their back on people the moment they climbed ashore. Carter may have been trash, but at least he was honest about it. 1
Damien was a different breed. The type who’d swing his first sword at the one who helped him up. Utterly loathsome and worse than Carter in some ways.
Damien’s brows knit tightly. He’d never been good with words, and for a moment, he was speechless. He glared at her.
The rest of the walk passed in silence. When they reached the door of Uriah’s lounge, Damien knocked and stepped inside.
To Sharon’s surprise, the room wasn’t empty.
Cole sat on a sofa, his head bandaged with stark white gauze. His sharp features were tinged with pallor. Standing beside him was Victoria, softly asking about his condition.
“Cole, are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?”
“I’m fine,” he said, brushing it off.
On the side, Rick and Richard sat quietly, both wearing solemn gazes.
What caught Sharon off guard was the presence of another man-a middle-aged figure sitting beside Uriah. Her eyes narrowed slightly. 1
This man bore a striking resemblance to John.
Could he be… John’s father?
Sharon had grown up with John. There were no secrets between them. She’d always known that he was raised by his mother alone, without a father. His mother had told him the truth long ago-she had him on her own, and his father never even knew he existed. She didn’t want to disturb his father’s life.
John had never tried to find his father. Sharon had once asked him if he resented his father.
His answer had been, “No. It was my mother’s choice. It has nothing to do with him.”
Now, looking at the man before her, Sharon couldn’t help but study him a little longer.
He had a dignified air, calm and composed. Though no longer young, he still exuded charisma-something steadier, more commanding than youthful charm.
As if sensing her gaze, the man looked over. His face was solemn at first, but then softened with a faint, cordial smile.
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Sharon returned a polite smile of her own, then turned toward Uriah.
“Mr. Malcolm,” she said in greeting.
Uriah gave a slight nod. “Cole says you hit him?”
“I did,” Sharon said and nodded. “I was on my way to perform when Cole suddenly blocked my path. He tried to drag me away. I was afraid he meant to hurt me. In a panic, I struck him and knocked him out. Later, Xavier came by. He was worried Cole might retaliate and disrupt the performance, so he locked Cole in the storage room to keep things under control.”
Her voice stayed even as she recounted what had happened, plain and steady.
Cole listened without expression. “And why would I want to hurt you?”
“You’ll have to answer your own question,” Sharon replied. “Why else would you try to drag me away?”
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Chapter 519
Sharon didn’t bother to lie or hide anything. With the surveillance footage right there, the truth was plain to see.
Uriah turned to Cole. “Cole, what’s going on? Why were you trying to drag Sharon away?”
Cole rubbed his aching head. “There was some bad blood between us in the past. I was worried she got close to you on purpose, to get back at me and the whole Malcolm family.”
Uriah frowned. “You two knew each other?”
He didn’t see how Sharon and Cole could have ever crossed paths.
Cole stayed silent and instead looked over at Richard.
Sharon’s identity was a delicate matter. Whether the Kalen family was willing to officially acknowledge her still hung in the air. If they refused, he could always come up with a different explanation.
But Sharon noticed the look in his eyes and let out a cold laugh inside. Before Richard could say anything, she said, “Cole once
tricked me into a room to ruin my reputation.”
Richard’s eyes flicked toward her. He hadn’t expected her to say something like that in front of everyone-to twist the truth so boldly. Didn’t she worry someone might call her bluff?
Still, she was his daughter. And even though he knew she wasn’t telling the whole truth, he said nothing.
She was a girl, after all, and had suffered enough over the years. About what happened back then, Cole should’ve taken
responsibility. It wasn’t too much to ask a man to bear more of the burden.
Richard said nothing. Neither did Rick or Victoria.
Uriah’s face darkened the moment he heard her.
He slammed the table with his hand. “Cole! You did something that disgraceful?!”
Damien spoke up. “Grandpa, you can’t just take her word for it.”
“Her word?” Uriah sneered. “If Cole didn’t do it, why isn’t he denying it?”
Damien glanced at Cole and noticed he still hadn’t said a word. His brows pulled together, thinking, ‘This idiot! Doesn’t he know how to defend himself?’
But Cole, sensing Damien’s thoughts, just shrugged like it didn’t matter.
“Grandpa, nothing happened between me and Sharon. If you don’t believe me, you can ask her.”
There were too many people who had seen what happened back then. Hiding it wasn’t possible anymore. Rather than deny everything and risk getting exposed, better to just admit it calmly.
Uriah was clearly confused now. “What exactly happened?”
He was strict with his own children, but like many in his generation, he was more lenient with the grandchildren. He had watched Cole grow up, and back when he still lived in the Malcolm household, he’d shown Cole extra care.
But even if this was a grandson he doted on, if Cole had truly crossed a moral line, Uriah wouldn’t let it slide.
The problem was, both Cole and Sharon were being deliberately vague. The more he listened, the murkier it all sounded.
A cough broke the silence.
Richard couldn’t stay quiet any longer.
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He finally said, “Uriah, the truth is… Sharon is part of the Kalen family.”
Uriah’s eyebrows rose. “Sharon is from the Kalen family? How come none of you ever mentioned her?”
Richard looked slightly embarrassed. “Well, we were planning to have her learn the proper rules and etiquette first before making her identity public…”
But Uriah had lived long enough to know how to read between the lines. He understood immediately.
“So… Sharon’s your daughter?”
“Yes.”
Uriah pressed on, “An illegitimate daughter?”
Sharon was younger than Victoria. His first assumption was that Sharon must be born out of wedlock.
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Chapter 520
Richard’s deep affection for Shayla was well known throughout their social circle.
Otherwise, why else would he have remained single all these years?
But gossip was just that-gossip. High society was a cesspool of rumors and facades, and Uriah had long stopped believing in the myth of undying love.
The idea that Richard had an illegitimate daughter didn’t come as a surprise to him at all.
Richard opened his mouth, as if to explain, then fell strangely silent. As if by default, he was conceding the point.
That was when Sharon spoke.
“Uriah, I am not part of the Kalen family. My surname is McKinzie, not Kalen.”
Rick said sternly, “Jenna, this isn’t the time for tantrums.”
Sharon turned to look at him. “I’m not throwing a tantrum. I’m simply telling the truth. Or… unless…”
She paused, the corners of her mouth lifting into a half-smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“Rick, do you think of yourself as an illegitimate son?”
Rick’s face darkened instantly.
She was right. If Sharon was an illegitimate daughter, what did that make him?
He had resented his mother for abandoning him, for never once coming back to see him after all these years.
But now, she was gone. And the fact remained-she had been the rightful Mrs. Kalen. That truth could never be erased.
Richard noticed the shift in Rick’s expression. A faint crease formed between his brows
At last, he sighed.
“She’s not an illegitimate daughter.”
Uriah caught the subtle changes in everyone’s expressions. He raised his brows, pretending not to understand.
“But I heard your wife passed away shortly after giving birth to your youngest daughter, Victoria.”
Richard glanced at Victoria.
She stood quietly, her composure unshaken despite the storm swirling around her identity.
He had raised her with great care. She was smart and capable, never a step behind even the most accomplished men.
His expectations for her were sky-high.
Everything the Kalen family poured into Victoria-the best education, the best opportunities-hadn’t been wasted. Had she lacked the brains to match the resources, she would have amounted to nothing.
Richard’s gaze swept across the room, noting every flicker of emotion on each face.
He had to protect Victoria.
He sighed, then gave a bitter smile. “Their mother didn’t die. She left the Kalen family. Jenna………”
He paused, then added for clarity, “Jenna is Sharon. She was born after Shayla left.”
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Though Richard chose his words carefully, he didn’t lie.
Sharon saw through him immediately. He wasn’t shielding her he was shielding, Victoria. He was hiding the fact that Victoria, not she, was the one born out of wedlock.
Realization dawned on Uriah. “So, Sharon isn’t your illegitimate daughter?”
“That’s right,” Richard confirmed. “I didn’t know about her at the time. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I learned of her existence. Later, I brought her back to the Kalen family, but tensions arose. She left in a moment of anger.”
Rick said nothing.
Victoria remained silent.
Even Sharon had no intention of speaking further.
Uriah turned back to Richard. “And what about what she just said-what happened with Cole?”
Richard replied, “It was during Sharon’s birthday celebration years ago. She and Cole were found alone in a room together…
“That’s why I’ve come today. Back then, the matter was left unresolved, and Sharon left because of it. I’m here to ask you to hold Cole accountable. He should take responsibility for what happened.”
The words had barely left his mouth when Sharon’s and Cole’s voices rang out at the same time.
“There’s no need.”
“I refuse.”
Uriah glanced at them. “Is this what Sharon wants? Or is it what you want?”
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Chapter 521
Damien’s eyes flickered with surprise at what he heard
It seemed Grandfather had no intention of holding Sharon accountable for smashing a bottle over Cole’s head. And after Richard spoke, Uriah’s attitude became even more intriguing
If this was truly Sharon’s wish, was Grandfather seriously planning to make Cole take responsibility?
But Damien had heard some rumors that Sharon had not only been married, she even had a five-year-old child.
Cole had never even been in a relationship.
It was true he wasn’t worthy of someone like Victoria, but marrying Sharon? Had Grandfather really been bewitched by Sharon?
Just then, Sharon spoke up again, “I don’t need him to take responsibility.
Uriah responded kindly, “Sharon, marrying Cole might seem like a compromise to you, but for you two to share such a connection is no small fate. If you’re willing to marry into the Malcolm family, I’ll be more than happy to offer you…”
He paused, then added, “How does five percent of the Malcolm Group’s shares sound to you?”
The entire room fell into stunned silence
“Grandpa!”
“Say what?!”
Five percent might not sound like much at first. But the Malcolm family was a powerful, sprawling dynasty. It was a significant
sum.
Uriah had five children. The grandchildren numbered even more. The shares were already thinly spread
Uriah still held a portion of the company’s equity himself
Even Cole didn’t have five percent.
Damien, with all his capabilities, had worked his way up to managing one of Malcolm Group’s subsidiaries. Even so, he held barely five percent.
Now, Uriah had just offered that much to an outsider, with a single sentence. It was no wonder everyone’s expressions changed.
Just as everyone was still reeling from the shock, a voice suddenly rang out-one that had been silent until now. Kenneth spoke
“Sharon, if you’re willing to become the Westin family’s adopted daughter, I’ll give you ten percent of Westin Group’s shares.”
Uriah’s offer had shaken the room.
And Kenneth had felt enormous pressure from it.
Fortunately, the Westin family had fewer members and full ownership of their company. Giving away ten percent wasn’t out of
reach.
People were still trying to process Uriah’s bombshell when Kenneth casually dropped another. 3)
It left the room utterly stunned.
Damien even wondered if he was hallucinating.
What had a twice-married woman like Sharon done to deserve such offers? It was one thing if Grandfather had fallen under her
spell, but now the Westin family was joining in?
Uriah narrowed his eyes at Kenneth in clear displeasure. “Kenneth, are you trying to steal her from me?”
Kenneth nodded. “Uriah, I already spoke to you about my son earlier. His heart still lingers with her, that’s why he refuses to
come home.”
“As for Abby,” he continued, referring to his daughter, “she lacks ambition and has no plans to marry. I can’t hand over the Westin Group to her. My only hope now is John.”
He turned toward Sharon, forcing a rare trace of gentleness onto his usually stern face.
“Sharon, is it? I’m John’s biological father. I heard you two grew up together, like family. Since you’re family to him, you’re family to us. You’re welcome to call me ‘Dad,’ just like John does…”
But before he could finish, Richard let out a pointed cough.
Kenneth ignored the warning completely.
The Westin family was on the brink-without an heir, their legacy was hanging by a thread. There was no time to worry about offending Richard.
He had made up his mind: if John was determined to marry Sharon, then so be it.
No matter the cost, Sharon was someone he had to win over today.
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Chapter 522
Everything unfolding before Cole’s eyes felt utterly absurd.
If it weren’t for the fact that the two men speaking were his own grandfather and Kenneth-both people he knew well-Cole might have suspected that Sharon had hired actors to put on a show.
But when he heard the astonishing offer from Kenneth, even Uriah lost his composure.
“Sharon,” he said sternly, “you may choose freely from any of the unmarried men in the Malcolm family. If you’re willing to marry into our household, I’ll give you ten percent of Malcolm Group’s shares!”
Though the Malcolm family’s wealth and influence were vast, its shares were widely dispersed among many relatives. Even Uriah himself held no more than fifteen percent.
Both Cole and Damien’s faces darkened.
“Grandpa!” Cole protested sharply. “How can you give such a critical portion of the company to an outsider?”
At that moment, Cole truly believed his grandfather had lost his mind.
Uriah cast him a sidelong glance and replied coolly, “If she marries into the Malcolm family, she’s no longer an outsider.”
Cole let out a disbelieving laugh.
“I may not be the most outstanding in the family, but you want me to marry this uneducated bumpkin from the countryside? Grandpa, are you senile?”
Uriah’s expression turned fierce. “Watch your tongue! Who taught you to be so disrespectful?”
“But it’s true, she-”
Before he could finish, Sharon cut him off.
“Cole, I’m from Amstern City, this city, not some backwater village. I graduated from Bell University Conservatory of Music in Marcentine, a world-renowned institution.”
She looked at him without flinching, her gaze sharp and cold.
“From what I know, the university you attended doesn’t even come close to matching Bell University’s caliber. So tell me, where does someone whose own academic record pales in comparison find the confidence to call others uneducated?”
Despite the gravity of the situation and Uriah’s presence, Sharon remained composed. She didn’t back down or try to smooth things over.
“I expect an apology for your inappropriate remarks,” she added.
Bell University?
Cole blinked in surprise, staring at her in disbelief.
Wasn’t she supposed to have done poorly in school? Hadn’t she barely scraped her way into a third-rate university using the Kalen family’s money?
Sharon could read his thoughts as easily as if he’d spoken them aloud. A faint, contemptuous smile curled at the corners of her lips.
Arrogance and prejudice-those were the mountains people built in their hearts.
She had never claimed to be a poor student. Who, exactly, had started the rumor that her grades were bad and she’d only gotten
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into university by paying her way?
Cole frowned and looked toward his grandfather.
Uriah’s tone grew even more forceful. “Sharon is right. Apologize to her. Now.”
Cole was baffled by his grandfather’s behavior.
“Grandpa, I’m your grandson. Why are you taking an outsider’s side? Don’t tell me she’s really put some kind of spell on you?”
Uriah sneered. “Don’t go around telling people you’re my grandson. With a brain like yours, I’m embarrassed to admit we’re
related.”
Cole fell speechless.
Damien seemed about to speak, but Uriah shot him a warning glance.
“Damien, meddling in other people’s business without knowing the full story is never wise.”
Damien immediately fell silent.
With a flick of his hand, Uriah said, “Cole, apologize to Sharon immediately. Otherwise, don’t call me your grandfather again.”
His voice rang with finality.
Cole’s expression twisted, but he dared not argue further. He lowered his head and muttered an apology.
“Sharon… I’m sorry.”
Sharon’s face remained impassive. She didn’t respond, nor did she show the slightest intention of accepting the apology.
Her cold silence was a deliberate humiliation.
With Uriah still present, Cole couldn’t lash out. He had no choice but to bow his head again and apologize more sincerely.
“I misunderstood you, Sharon. I’m truly sorry.”
Cole felt utterly humiliated. He was the one who had been injured, yet in the end, he had to apologize to her?
It was completely unfair.
Before Sharon could respond, Richard let out a soft laugh and smoothly stepped in to ease the tension.
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Chapter 523
“It’s just a little spat between the children, Uriah, you needn’t take it to heart,” Richard said with a light chuckle. Then he turned to Sharon. “Sharon, there’s something I’d like to speak to you about in private.”
Sharon hadn’t intended to speak with Richard, but since she still needed the Kalen family to provide documentation regarding her academic credentials, she nodded in agreement.
Just as they were about to leave, Kenneth spoke up.
“Sharon, I’d like a word with you as well later, if you have a moment?”
Seeing Kenneth, Sharon could guess that this had something to do with John.
“Of course,” she replied politely.
A graduate from a prestigious university and so well-mannered-Kenneth smiled with quiet approval. Excellent.
After bidding farewell to Uriah, Sharon left the room with Richard and Rick. Only Victoria remained behind, standing quietly in
the room.
Uriah glanced at her inconspicuously and asked, “Victoria, aren’t you going with them?”
Victoria smiled and shook her head. “No, I don’t think Sharon would be too pleased to see me right now.”
As soon as the door closed behind them, Rick said bluntly, “Jenna, you mustn’t agree to be adopted by the Westin family.”
Sharon’s gaze remained calm. “Why not?”
“You’re a Kalen. What would it look like for you to become the daughter of the Westin family?”
“What does it matter whose daughter I am?” Sharon said. “No one knows the truth anyway. Besides, adopted is adopted. What difference does it make which family I’m with? If I become the Westin family’s daughter, I get ten percent of their shares. Seems
like a fair deal.”
She remembered hearing Richard and Rick discussing plans to introduce her to the public as their adopted daughter. That had been long ago.
Rick frowned, clearly displeased, though he kept his tone restrained. “Jenna, familial ties aren’t something you can measure with money.”
She looked at him and asked, “Then what do you measure them with? Feelings?”
Rick opened his mouth, but found himself unable to speak.
Feelings? In truth, although they were biological siblings, they had barely seen each other over the years. There was no deep bond between them.
Since Sharon’s return, she hadn’t spent much time in the Kalen household. Scott and Silas were polite but distant, and Victoria’s relationship with Sharon was… complicated.
As for himself, Rick was always busy with work and rarely home. He couldn’t bring himself to pretend there was some deep
emotional connection.
Just then, Richard spoke up.
“Jenna, whatever the Westin family can offer you, I can offer as well. I had already planned to give you ten percent of our shares.
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Sharon knew better than to fall for such promises. There was no such thing as a free lunch. If she accepted those shares, her future would be tied to the Kalen family, and very likely, so would her marriage.
“I don’t need the shares. But I do need your cooperation in correcting my name on my academic documents. The name on my diploma doesn’t match the one I use now.”
Richard frowned. “Jenna, you don’t like your name? Why?”
“Whatever the reason, it doesn’t matter. What I want now is for the Kalen family to provide the adoption papers and proof, so I can file for the name correction myself.”
Richard still tried to persuade her. “If you don’t like this name, we can think of other names, as long as your surname remains Kalen.”
Sharon looked at him steadily. “It’s just a name. Is it so disgraceful that I carry my mother’s surname? She named me ‘Sharon McKinzie’ herself. It’s the only thing she left me in this world. You always claimed to love her so much, so why would it bother you that I prefer the name she gave me?” 1
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Richard couldn’t find the words to respond.
After a long pause, he finally sighed. “Fine. If this is the name you want, then so be it. This time, I came to see you because I want to bring you home. Jenna… Sharon, everything that happened before was because I acted impulsively. I’m sorry. I hope you won’t hold it against me.”
This was one thing Richard did well –he knew when to yield. If not for that, Sharon’s mother wouldn’t have softened so many times in the past when he tried to reconcile.
Sharon’s expression didn’t waver.
“I accept your apology. But I already have a life of my own now, and I don’t wish to return. I just hope you’ll cooperate with the name change procedures.”
Richard tried again. “Sharon, don’t be stubborn. I know life hasn’t been easy for you these past few years. The Biggs family was blind. How dare they mistreat my daughter? Sharon, I’ll make it right for you.”
She shook her head. “There’s no need. I’m an adult. I can handle my own problems. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going now.”
Richard still wanted to speak, but Rick reached out to stop him, giving a slight shake of his head.
“Dad, she’s clearly still upset. Let’s give her some time to cool down.”
Richard’s voice dropped low. “But what if she agrees to let the Westin family adopt her…?”
“She won’t,” Rick replied firmly. “We’ve already made our stance clear. If she accepts, it means she’s choosing to stand against us. Our family has never wronged her. Since her return, she’s never lacked for anything-neither materially nor financially. You’ve also never held her to the same strict standards as Victoria. 1
“That incident at the birthday banquet with Cole-even for an ordinary family, it would’ve been disgraceful. Yet you still gave her the freedom to choose. She shouldn’t resent you for that. No matter what, you are still her biological father.”
Richard let out a heavy sigh. “Let’s hope so.”
After parting with Richard, Sharon didn’t go straight to meet Kenneth. Instead, she dialed John’s number.
“John, where are you right now? I need to talk to you.
John had seen her being called away by Uriah, and at the performance, he’d spotted his father in the crowd. He immediately understood that Sharon likely knew the truth about his background.
He contemplated a moment before replying, “I’m in the back garden. I’ll wait for you here.”
When she arrived, John was seated alone on a bench inside a small pavilion.
His entire demeanor was steeped in quiet gloom, and his brows were furrowed with a deep melancholy.
He’d worn that same look for quite some time now.
Back then, Sharon hadn’t understood why. But after meeting Kenneth, she understood everything.
She sat down beside him. “John, I saw your dad just now.”
John looked up abruptly, his normally gentle eyes now sharp and intense. “What did he say to you? Did he threaten you?”
“No,” Sharon shook her head. “He wants to adopt me and offer me ten percent of your family shares.”
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John froze. “You’re sure he didn’t try to threaten or coerce you? Sharon, please don’t hide anything from me.”
“I have no reason to hide anything.” She gazed out at the quiet beauty of the back garden and said, “We grew up together. Don’t you know my personality by now? Do I seem like someone who’d swallow bitterness in silence?”
John’s expression softened. He knew she wasn’t the kind to stay quiet “for someone else’s sake.”
He took a deep breath and, from beginning to end, told her everything about his past. When he finished, he said, “Sharon, I didn’t mean to keep this from you. I just… didn’t want to go back.”
He knew that once he told her, she would try to persuade him.
Sharon asked, “Why don’t you want to go back? From what I know, your mom and dad didn’t seem to harbor any deep resentment toward each other. Unless…. you can’t accept your half-sister?”
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John shook his head. “What Abby’s mother did has nothing to do with her. I don’t resent Abby for that. It’s just… I’ve grown used to the life I have now, and I don’t want to change it so easily. I’ve already achieved financial freedom. I don’t want to go back and be bound by restrictions. And…”
He looked at Sharon. “If I return, the violin will likely become just a hobby. I’d be letting down your mom’s years of guidance. Besides, with Carter and Nate pressing you so hard, I… I can’t stop worrying about you.”
Sharon had long guessed the reasons behind his inner conflict. “John, Mom nurtured your talent not only because you had potential, but because she hoped you’d acquire a skill that could lead to a better life. You know as well as I do, Mom would never want her care and support to tie you down. She only wanted you to live well.”
Shayla had sponsored John for years, treating him like her own son. And John knew this deeply.
“But if I return to the Westin family,” he said, “it won’t be so easy for us to meet again. And with Carter and the others constantly targeting you, I worry you won’t be able to handle everything on your own.”
With a single sentence, Sharon dispelled all of John’s concerns.
“John, if you return to the Westin family, wouldn’t that make dealing with Carter and Nate so much easier?”
A flicker passed through John’s eyes.
During the years when he and Sharon had drifted apart, she had either been bullied by the Kalen family or suffered under the Biggs family. He had always feared that if he left her side, there would be no one left to protect her or have her back.
But he had overlooked one thing-if he gained real power, he could help her even more.
John fell silent for a long moment. When he finally spoke again, his voice was rough with emotion.
“Sharon, I know you don’t see me in a romantic way. Otherwise, you would’ve accepted the Westin family’s offer to adopt you. If you became my dad’s foster daughter, Carter and the others wouldn’t dare lay a finger on you again.”
With shares in the Westin Group, Sharon would never have to worry about money again.
Sharon replied, “I don’t accept rewards I haven’t earned. Taking something from someone makes it harder to say no to them. If I accept the shares, I won’t have the confidence to refuse the Westin family if they ask something of me down the line. And more
importantly, I can’t agree to the adoption.
“You know my relationship with the Kalen family. If I agree to be adopted, it would be a direct slap in their face. They might retaliate against your family.
“My history with Victoria has always been a ticking time bomb for them. They don’t have the moral high ground, so they’ve kept their distance. But if I accept adoption and our ties are exposed, they could flip the narrative-accuse me of being an unfilial daughter or of betraying my roots.”
John’s expression changed slightly.
He hadn’t thought that far ahead.
In Zachemaine, filial piety had always been the highest virtue. If Sharon refused to acknowledge her biological father and instead accepted another man as her adoptive father for the sake of wealth, public opinion would destroy her.
And if someone with an agenda manipulated the media and twisted the truth, the masses who only knew how to follow trends and gossip wouldn’t bother to learn why Sharon had distanced herself from her birth father in the first place.
John gave a solemn nod. “I understand. I’ll speak with my dad.”
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John needed time to think, to sort through everything in his heart.
Sharon left the garden alone.
The sudden appearance of the Kalen family had caught her off guard. And learning that Cole was Uriah’s grandson only added to her growing list of headaches.
Perhaps she had been too lost in thought, because she didn’t notice someone approaching head-on until she collided with them.
Startled, Sharon immediately came back to her senses. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright,” the man replied. His voice was clear and gentle.
She looked up and froze for a moment.
The man’s features were almost too perfect, as if sculpted by an artist. His brows were sharp like blades, his eyes as luminous as stars. A soft and gentle smile tugged at his lips.
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The man standing before her possessed an arrestingly handsome face.
In truth, there had never been an unattractive man around Sharon. Even the most dim-witted among them, like Nate, still had well-proportioned, attractive features.
And as for men like Xavier and John, their looks easily scored above ninety out of a hundred. Her three brothers from the Kalen family were also known for their exceptional appearance.
Yet the man in front of her now surpassed them all in sheer elegance-perhaps even rivaling Carter.
Back then, it hadn’t taken much for Sharon to fall for Carter. Partly, it was because he had learned of her pregnancy and chose to take responsibility, even standing up to his family for her. That made her believe he was a man of honor and strength. But more than that, she had been disarmed by his face-one that no woman could easily turn away from.
Otherwise, Kelly wouldn’t have spun such an outrageous lie or been willing to become the “other woman” just to steal him away.
Sharon offered the man a polite nod of apology before quickly walking past him.
As she turned a corner, she caught a glimpse of his tall, lean figure moving purposefully in another direction. A flicker of
curiosity stirred in her eyes.
Who was he?
Was he also a guest at Uriah’s birthday party?
But she hadn’t seen him at the party earlier…
The thought came and went, quickly pushed aside.
Back at the banquet hall, Sharon sought out Kenneth.
Before he could explain his intentions, she spoke first. “I’ve already spoken to John on your behalf. After he finishes his final concert three months from now, he’ll most likely return home. I hope you can give him a little more time.”
Kenneth’s eyes lit up. “He’s really agreed to come back?”
“I can’t guarantee it one hundred percent,” Sharon replied, “but I’d say there’s an eighty percent chance. John is thoughtful and meticulous by nature. He just needs some space to work through his emotions. I hope you won’t rush him.”
Emotion flickered in Kenneth’s eyes. He could barely conceal his joy. “I’m not in a hurry. As long as he’s willing to come back, that’s more than enough. Sharon, thank you. Truly.”
Then, as if remembering something, he added, “About that adoption matter I brought up earlier…”
Sharon gently shook her head. “I appreciate your kindness, but you’re aware of my ties to the Kalen family. If I were to accept your offer, it might not be a good thing for the Westin family.”
When he first proposed adoption, Kenneth hadn’t known Sharon’s true identity. But even after learning the truth, he’d only hesitated briefly before making his decision.
“True, the Kalen family is powerful,” he said, “but so is ours. I’m not afraid of offending Richard. You don’t need to let that weigh on you.”
Kenneth was determined. To bring John back into the family fold, he was willing to take any risk.
What did it matter if they made enemies? What he truly feared was leaving behind a legacy without a worthy heir. A vast family empire passed down to outsiders-that would be the real disaster.
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+15 BONUS
16 was too old now to consider having another child just to groom a new staccessor. And even if he did, what if the child turned outlier Abbq — useless and unteachable? That might send him to an early grave out of sheer frustration.
He had already evaluated john carefully in both character and ability, John stood out. What impressed him most, however, was his genuine kindness and willingness to help others.
If one day the Westin family fell into John’s hands, he was confident that John would treat Abby well too.
So as long as John was willing to come back, no cost would be too high.
1
Sharon smiled. “John and I grew up together. He’s like a real brother to me. Seeing him live well is all I could ever hope for. Family shouldn’t be about profit and gain. Besides, he’s already done so much for me, more than enough.”
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“Kenneth, please rest assured. What you’re worried about will never happen,” Sharon said.
Without John’s funding and connections, there was no way she could have pulled together the studio and organized the concert
in such a short time.
She had just gone through a divorce, with no money and no resources to her name. Hosting a concert required far more than just cash. It involved securing a venue, equipment, and staff. Every detail had to be perfect, and nothing could be overlooked.
As Kenneth looked at the young woman before him, a wave of shame washed over him.
He had his reasons for wanting to adopt Sharon-selfish ones. He feared John might never return home. He feared John would marry her. And he feared… that she might use gratitude as leverage.
Yet she asked for nothing in return.
All she wanted was for John to live well.
And he, blinded by his own narrow calculations, had tried to measure her by the standards of a petty man.
In that moment, Kenneth finally understood why Uriah-a man known for doing whatever he pleased-would hold Sharon in such high regard.
It was no wonder John would rather give up a fortune than return home.
Sharon was truly worth it.
Although Sharon declined his offer, Kenneth couldn’t let go of the matter of the company shares. That ten percent-she
deserved it.
Once John came back, he would bring it up with him. Getting Sharon to sign off on something like that shouldn’t be an issue.
He nodded, finally dropping the matter of adoption.
“I understand.”
The two chatted for a while longer.
To his surprise, even though Sharon hadn’t grown up in the Kalen family, her manners and eloquence were no less refined than those of someone like Victoria, a true society heiress.
He had previously considered giving Sharon further training and education. But now, he saw clearly that there was no need. In fact, she was already far more capable than Abby.
If a man like him could have such an outstanding daughter, he’d probably laugh himself awake in his dreams.
To achieve so much on her own, without anyone’s help, was truly remarkable. The Kalen family must have invested a great deal to raise her, but more importantly, she clearly had the drive and intelligence to back it up.
And from what he’d overheard during their earlier conversation, Sharon wasn’t an illegitimate child.
She seemed to be Rick’s full-blooded sister.
Then why did she seem to have so little presence in the family?
Why was her existence being kept under wraps?
It wasn’t just Kenneth who had never heard that Richard had another daughter. Even Abby knew nothing about Sharon.
Still, this was someone else’s family business. He had no right to pry.
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Before long, Sharon rose to take her leave.
As soon as she stepped into the hallway, Abby-who had clearly been waiting-rushed over to meet her.
With cheerful enthusiasm, she introduced herself. “You’re Sharon, right? I’m Abby Westin, John’s half-sister. From now on, we’re family! Just call me Abby.” (
She was so exuberant that Sharon could only stare, momentarily caught off guard.
Abby continued, as if they’d known each other for years. “My dad told you about adopting you, right? That means we’ll be real sisters soon!”
She slid a bracelet off her wrist. “I didn’t bring a proper gift today, so here, this bracelet is for you. Once you officially join our family, I’ll get you something better.”
Sharon knew quality when she saw it. With one glance, she could tell the bracelet was worth at least 300 thousand dollars.
She quickly declined. “Abby, thank you, but I currently have no plans to join your family.”
Abby froze. “You’re not… planning to join us? What do you mean?”
Sharon offered a polite smile. “John will return to your family soon, but I won’t be accepting the adoption for the time being.”
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Abby’s face fell the moment she heard those words. Disappointment was written all over her face.
But she quickly followed up with a concerned question. “Did my dad change his mind? Or did he give you a hard time, try to threaten you? Just tell me, I’ll think of something.”
Looking at the genuine and friendly girl in front of her, Sharon asked, “You really want me to join your family that badly?”
“Of course,” Abby said with a firm nod. “If you move into our home, Dad won’t keep hovering over me all the time.”
Sharon blinked. “Why does your dad keep such a close eye on you?”
A bit embarrassed, Abby replied, “Because I’m terrible at everything. Lazy, too. And when it comes to school, I’m always at the bottom of the class. My dad’s always been this overachiever. He wants me to improve in every way. Music, chess, calligraphy, etiquette-those I can deal with. But recently, he even tried to make me study business. The moment the teacher starts talking, I start dozing off…”
She sighed, then continued with a pout. “Dad quizzes me all the time. If I fail, he cuts my allowance. Every month, it’s the same. I end up with nothing. It’s tragic. But if you joined the family, maybe you could take some of the pressure off me…”
Sharon couldn’t help the soft smile that surfaced.
Abby was surprisingly honest.
She asked, “Aren’t you afraid I’ll fight you over the inheritance? Or affection?”
“If you can make the Westin Group bigger and stronger, I’d be happy for you to join the company. I don’t care for that,” Abby said candidly. “As long as I can live comfortably for the rest of my life, that’s good enough for me.
“As for affection…” She made a face. “My dad’s version of affection is pushing me to improve and study. If that’s love, he can keep it. I don’t want it.”
Sharon laughed. Abby really was charming in her own way.
She softened. “Once your brother finishes his concert, he’ll return. When he’s back, your dad probably won’t push you so hard
anymore.”
Abby let out a sigh. “Yeah, I mean, part of me doesn’t want to study, sure. But also… I wish our house weren’t so quiet. It’s too empty. Too lonely.”
The Westin family was small. Her other brother had passed away in an accident. That big house, and just her in it, was far too quiet for someone who thrived on noise and warmth.
She envied families with lots of children, like the Malcolm family. Even the Kalen family wasn’t very large, but at least Victoria
had three older brothers.
Abby didn’t yet know that Sharon was also from the Kalen family.
Sharon handed the bracelet back. “Abby, you should keep this for now,”
Abby was quick to bounce back to her usual high spirits.
“Nope. Whether you join our family or not, it’s a gift. Just a little something for our first meeting.” 1
She grinned slyly and gave Sharon a playful wink.
“And hey, if we don’t end up as sisters, maybe you’ll become my sister-in-law instead?”
It was clear Abby was openhearted and cheerful by nature.
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Sharon didn’t argue any further. “Alright then. I’ll accept it.”
Abby beamed with delight. She liked Sharon’s attitude-no fuss, no false modesty.
She took the initiative to exchange contact info with Sharon, and the two walked out together, chatting as they went.
Soon, Abby was talking to Sharon like they’d been friends forever.
“Sharon, do you know Victoria? She’s like the ultimate socialite-textbook elegance. Stunning, smart, and flawless.”
She paused and turned to look at Sharon.
“Over the years, I haven’t met many women who can stand next to Victoria and not get overshadowed, but you’re one of them. You’re just as beautiful. I’ll introduce you two later.”
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Sharon listened quietly, smiling faintly, saying nothing.
Back in the main hall, Abby immediately spotted Victoria.
It was hard not to. Victoria was dazzling-strikingly beautiful, effortlessly elegant. Even in a room filled with socialites and heiresses, she stood out without trying.
Surrounding her was a group of young women, all from elite families. Abby scanned the crowd, quickly recognizing familiar faces. Every one of them was a daughter of a powerful house.
Victoria was chatting and laughing with a girl her age, whose features were delicate and refined.
“See the one across from Victoria?” Abby asked. “That’s Lisa Ferrero, one of Victoria’s closest friends, and the eldest daughter of the Ferrero family.”
“The Ferrero family?” Sharon echoed.
Abby nodded. “The Kalens, Blakelys, Ferreros, Waltons, Malcolms, and us-the Westins. We’re the six biggest names in high
society.”
She was specifically talking about families of their heritage, whether from Zachemaine or the wider diaspora. Other foreign dynasties weren’t part of this inner circle. And Uriah, being deeply traditional, hadn’t extended invitations to those outsiders tonight.
As Abby spoke, Sharon slowly realized she was familiar with most of the names.
The Kalens and Malcolms? Obviously.
The Blakelys-that was Ginny’s family, her close friend.
The Westins-John’s lineage.
Only the Waltons and Ferreros didn’t ring any bells.
Abby went on, “You probably already know about the Malcolms and Westins, so I won’t bore you with the details. The Kalen family has three sons and a daughter. All of them are incredibly sought after. Right now, the eldest Kalen brother is rumored to be forming an alliance with the Blakely family. A power marriage.”
She paused, then lowered her voice slightly. “As for the Walton family… The current head of the Walton family is said to be one of Victoria’s admirers,” Abby said. “Word is, he rose to power just for her.”
Sharon turned to her. “What do you mean?”
Abby smiled. “His name is Jamie Walton. He’s supposedly an illegitimate child, never really acknowledged. He and his mother lived in the shadows of the Walton household. He had no presence, no ambition. Just drifted along, kind of… broken, you know?
“And then one day, at some fancy event, he met Victoria.
“A girl like her is born into wealth, beauty, and brilliance. Every privileged heir out there wants her. Someone like Jamie didn’t even register on the radar. But something must’ve happened between them, though no one knows the details. Victoria once said, she only likes the strongest.
“After that, Jamie fought tooth and nail and clawed his way to the top, becoming the head of the Walton family.”
Curiosity flickered in Sharon’s eyes. “And after that? Did Victoria accept him?”
Abby made a face. “He went to the Kalen family to propose, and her father kicked him out. Apparently, he used ruthless methods to rise in the Walton family. There’s a lot of blood on his hands, and a lot of skeletons in his closet. Richard would never marry
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his daughter to someone like that.
“But Jarnie… for all his darkness, he’s ridiculously devoted. Still waiting for her, even now.”
Sharon nodded. These were the kind of stories she’d never heard during her time at the Kalen residence.
Abby leaned in again. “And the Ferrero family… honestly, they’re strange.”
“Strange how?”
Abby glanced around and dropped her voice even more.
“The head of the Ferrero family has never appeared at any formal event. Not once. It’s… weird.”
Sharon asked, “Why?”
“There are rumors. Some say he was in a car accident and became disabled. Others say he was disfigured, that his face is completely ruined. They say he’s so ugly now, he doesn’t dare show himself.”
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Sharon listened quietly as Abby recounted the gossip.
Through her words, Sharon pieced together a picture: Victoria had no shortage of admirers. And the men who admired her were all remarkable in their own right.
In that crowd of elite young men, Cole didn’t even make the list.
Abby said, “Honestly, Cole was never really Victoria’s fiancé. It was just something the parents joked about back in the day. They grew up together, that’s all. Neither of them took the so-called engagement seriously. And to be honest, he’s not in her league. Even his uncle is more impressive than he is.”
From what Abby said, Cole’s uncle was widely seen as the next likely heir to the Malcolm family-and he, too, seemed
interested in Victoria.
Knowing he had little chance, Cole simply stayed by her side in silence, offering quiet protection.
Apparently, someone from the Ferrero family liked Victoria as well, though Abby wasn’t close with them and only knew of it through whispers from other young ladies.
With so many extraordinary men drawn to Victoria, it was no wonder Richard valued her so much.
Sharon asked, “Is she engaged to anyone now?”
Abby shook her head. “No. Not even dating. Honestly, it doesn’t seem like she’s all that interested in men…”
Just as the words left her mouth, Victoria seemed to spot someone across the room. She broke away from the group she was chatting with and walked over to greet him.
Sharon’s brow twitched slightly. A faint trace of emotion stirred in her eyes.
Carter.
Victoria knew Carter?
Abby knew that Sharon had been married, had a five-year-old child, and that her ex-husband was Carter. But she had never
seen a photo of him.
When she caught sight of the man Victoria had gone to greet, her face registered clear surprise.
“Him?”
Sharon turned to her. “You know him?”
“Yeah,” Abby said. “A few years ago, Victoria was performing at a concert. Someone in the orchestra was jealous of her and tampered with her costume. She not only couldn’t go on stage, but almost had a wardrobe malfunction. It was that man who stepped in and helped her. She was incredibly grateful.”
She looked into the distance, lowering her voice. “He’s one of the few men I’ve seen who’ve looked at Victoria and remained indifferent. They didn’t exchange contact info, didn’t even ask each other’s names.”
Sharon said nothing.
Carter wasn’t the kind of man to be easily swayed by beauty. She knew that better than anyone. She was more beautiful than Kelly, and yet he had chosen Kelly without hesitation.
In a way, that kind of constancy was its own form of devotion.
Sharon didn’t want to run into Victoria. She said, “I’ve got something to take care of. Let’s catch up another time.”
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Abby nodded. She knew Sharon was the guest of honor tonight and couldn’t stay here chatting for long
“I’ll introduce you to Victoria another time.”
Sharon smiled and walked away
After the banquet, Xavier took Matty home.
Wendy and Casey, who were headed in the same direction, left together.
John had planned to drive Sharon home, but just as they were leaving, Abby latched onto him.
Sharon, wanting to give the siblings a chance to reconnect, texted John and left on her own.
Outside, a light rain had begun to fall, soaking into the night.
Seeing her biological father had stirred nothing in Sharon’s heart. Her mood remained untouched, as calm as ever
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