Chapter 481
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After hanging up, Wendy noticed something off in Sharon’s expression.
“Sharon, what’s wrong? Did something happen?”
Sharon told her what had just transpired. Wendy frowned after hearing it.
“It just disappeared? That’s… strange.”
A flicker of something passed through her eyes, as if she’d stumbled onto a troubling thought. She whispered, “Sharon… do you really think Xavier can be trusted?”
Sharon caught the implication immediately. “I think he can.”
“But you clearly recorded it, and now it’s just gone? Doesn’t that strike you as suspicious? Sharon, maybe I’m being paranoid, but that recording was important. For you and Kelly. If Xavier’s been playing a long game, getting close to you for her sake, then
She trailed off, but Sharon understood perfectly.
After all, it wasn’t like Cole hadn’t pulled something similar in the past.
Still, Sharon shook her head. “Xavier’s helped me a lot. I’d sooner believe one of his friends was behind this than suspect him.”
Wendy blinked, realization dawning. “You’re right… It could’ve been the person who fixed your phone. But Sharon, if the recording really was deleted… what then? That was a major piece of leverage against Kelly. Losing it would be such a waste.”
Sharon said, “Even if it was deleted, there’ll still be traces. Xavier will look into it.”
Wendy thought about it for a moment. That made sense. They had enough on their plates already. Taking down Kelly was just one task among many.
They didn’t have the luxury of wasting more time on her.
Besides, their performance for Uriah’s event was tomorrow. $1
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Chapter 481
“Rick, do you still resent your mom for leaving you and your brothers behind?”
Rick’s footsteps stopped short.
With his back turned to Richard, it was impossible to read the look on his face.
“She had her reasons…” he said quietly. “And besides, she’s gone now.”
Richard let out a long, heavy sigh. “I didn’t know she was already pregnant with Jenna when she left. If I’d known, I never would’ve let her go. But it’s too late for that now.
“To be honest, I’ve regretted kicking Jenna out in a fit of anger ever since. It was just a man. If she liked him, I should’ve let her have him. Victoria didn’t care about Cole anyway.
“Oh, right…”
Something seemed to occur to him.
“Cole is Uriah’s grandson, isn’t he? We’ll probably see him at Uriah’s birthday celebration. Give him a heads-up; he still owes Jenna something. He needs to take responsibility for what happened.”
Rick couldn’t hold back anymore. He turned to face his father.
“But Jenna’s already married. She has a child…”
“She’s divorced, isn’t she?” Richard raised an eyebrow. “Were you hoping to marry Victoria off to Cole instead?” (1)
Rick fell silent.
The Malcolm family’s background was a good match for the Kalens. But Cole himself was far from exceptional. Certainly not worthy of someone like Victoria.
Victoria was the pinnacle among the daughters of noble families-no ordinary man could ever be enough for her.
But Jenna? Cole was more than enough for her.
Even if Jenna weren’t twice married, even if she didn’t already have a child, she still wouldn’t measure up. 1
Rick said nothing more.
Love wasn’t something you could force. And when it came to the future, who could say how things would unfold? There was no point in arguing over something so uncertain.
That day, Sharon got a call from Xavier.
“Sharon, I had your phone repaired,” he said. “But there’s no trace of the recording from that night.”
Sharon froze. “What?”
“Are you sure you actually recorded it?”
“I’m sure,” she answered without hesitation. “She pushed me completely out of nowhere. But right as I fell into the lake, I hit
the save button.”
“I see,” Xavier replied. “I’ll ask someone else to look into it.”
“Okay.”
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Chapter 481
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After hanging up, Wendy noticed something off in Sharon’s expression.
“Sharon, what’s wrong? Did something happen?”
Sharon told her what had just transpired. Wendy frowned after hearing it.
“It just disappeared? That’s… strange.”
A flicker of something passed through her eyes, as if she’d stumbled onto a troubling thought. She whispered, “Sharon… do you really think Xavier can be trusted?”
Sharon caught the implication immediately. “I think he can.”
“But you clearly recorded it, and now it’s just gone? Doesn’t that strike you as suspicious? Sharon, maybe I’m being paranoid, but that recording was important. For you and Kelly. If Xavier’s been playing a long game, getting close to you for her sake, then
…”
She trailed off, but Sharon understood perfectly.
After all, it wasn’t like Cole hadn’t pulled something similar in the past.
Still, Sharon shook her head. “Xavier’s helped me a lot. I’d sooner believe one of his friends was behind this than suspect him.”
Wendy blinked, realization dawning. “You’re right… It could’ve been the person who fixed your phone. But Sharon, if the recording really was deleted… what then? That was a major piece of leverage against Kelly. Losing it would be such a waste.”
Sharon said, “Even if it was deleted, there’ll still be traces. Xavier will look into it.”
Wendy thought about it for a moment. That made sense. They had enough on their plates already. Taking down Kelly was just one task among many.
They didn’t have the luxury of wasting more time on her.
Besides, their performance for Uriah’s event was tomorrow. 1
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Chapter 482
The next day, Sharon, Matty, John, and the others arrived early at the performance venue.
As they stepped inside, Wendy looked around at the opulent surroundings and couldn’t help but let out a sigh.
“I thought I’d seen it all after so many years as a manager,” she said. “But I guess poverty still limits the imagination. This place
is insane.”
Sharon took in her surroundings too. She’d spent years living in the Kalen household, but back then she’d still been in school and rarely had the chance to visit private clubs like this, let alone a venue this lavish.
The performance hall wasn’t huge, with seating for about a thousand people. Not nearly enough for a full-scale concert or symphony, but just right for a private tribute like today’s event.
Before long, Xavier arrived.
Wendy blinked in surprise. “Xavier? You’re early.”
He smiled. “Thought I’d come ahead and see if there’s anything I can do to help.”
His gaze settled on the violin in Sharon’s hands. “You didn’t bring Shaluna today?”
Sharon nodded. “It’s out for maintenance. I brought my regular violin this time.”
She rarely used the violin her mother had left her-Shaluna-and only brought it out for very special occasions. She had planned to use it today, but just a few days ago, the tuning started acting up. She’d sent it in for adjustments.
The Shaluna had a distinct tone, different from any other violin. Anyone with a trained ear could tell the difference immediately.
Xavier nodded thoughtfully, then turned back to her.
“Sharon,” he said, “my friend got back to me. Your phone recording was wiped by a top-tier hacker. But I’ve found someone to work on audio recovery. It’s going to take a while.”
He hesitated awhile, then said, “I’m really sorry.”
Sharon shook her head. She didn’t blame him.
“Even if it hadn’t been you,” she said, “whoever else I brought it to would’ve run into the same problem. Someone clearly doesn’t want that recording to get out. They were always going to find a way to destroy it.”
She saw it clearly now. If the recording could be erased from Xavier’s end, there was no way it would’ve survived with her.
She admitted to herself-there had been a moment, just a flicker, when she’d doubted him. But she’d been through similar situations before. She knew what a calculated approach looked like.
Xavier didn’t feel like Cole.
Cole had always claimed to be estranged from Victoria, but thinking back, he’d never actually done anything to harm her.
Still… who was behind the deleted recording?
Nate couldn’t have pulled it off.
Carter? He might have the skills. But would Kelly really have told him the truth-that Sharon had something on her phone that could ruin her?
Or maybe she lied to him about the content and just said she wanted something deleted to avoid trouble.
Back then, Carter would’ve helped her without a second thought. But now? Even Sharon could see that the trust between them
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Chapter 48
had eroded. Blindly deleting data from her phone without asking questions? That didn’t sound like him anymore.
Besides, Sharon had been there that day. She’d said what she said right in front of them.
Carter wasn’t stupid. There was no point overthinking it. D
“We should get ready,” she said. “Uriah will be here soon.”
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At the Biggs family estate, early that same morning, Madeline and Denise were already busy preparing for the evening’s banquet celebrating Uriah.
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Chapter 483
Madeline and Denise took this banquet seriously. Facials, hair, makeup, and dress fittings had occupied their entire day.
Denise was practically vibrating with excitement and couldn’t contain herself.
“I heard Ginny’s coming tonight. And even Victoria, the top socialite! Ginny and Victoria are my ultimate goddesses. I have to get their autographs!”
On any other day, Madeline would’ve scolded her for being so undignified. But today, she let it slide.
Every family invited to Uriah’s banquet was either on par with the Biggs family or ranked far above. If Denise could form even a single connection tonight, it would be a step up.
Standing in front of the mirror, Madeline adjusted her reflection, then turned to her daughter.
“Pay attention to the three Kalen brothers tonight. They come from a solid family, they’re capable, and they don’t have any bad habits. Marrying into the Kalen family would be a blessing you earned from a past life.
“If none of them are interested in you, then look toward the Malcolm boys. I heard Cole and Damien are both still single. You need to seize the opportunity.”
Denise’s excitement deflated immediately.
She wasn’t interested in men. Her fascination was reserved for women like Victoria and Ginny-true winners in life.
But she knew better than to argue with Madeline. Her eyes darted thoughtfully before she offered up a compromise.
“Richard, the head of the Kalen family, will be at the banquet too. If you can talk to him, just a little, it’d help me get closer to the Kalen boys. But you’ll need to tone it down a bit. Don’t come off so aggressive. Men like gentle women.”
Madeline instinctively glanced at herself in the mirror.
The woman staring back wasn’t young, but she’d aged well. She’d kept her figure, avoided the typical middle-aged bloat. Her silhouette was still proportioned and elegant.
But the years of being forceful and uncompromising had left their mark. There was a certain severity in her face, a cold edge that made her seem unapproachable.
At her age, and after two failed relationships, she no longer had much interest in men. But if getting close to someone meant raising the Biggs family’s standing and helping Denise, she was willing to try.
Something shifted in her expression. She spoke as if thinking aloud.
“If Carter hadn’t been married before, given time, once the Biggs Group stabilized, even someone like Ginny or Victoria wouldn’t have been out of reach.”
Compared to the Blakely and Kalen families, the Biggs family still came up short. After all, both were century-old lineages.
But Carter himself was exceptional. He was capable and sharp, every bit the equal of Rick, the Kalen family heir.
She paused. Her expression darkened slightly, distaste slipping across her face at the thought of Sharon.
“Carter’s life was ruined by Sharon.”
Denise smirked. No one questioned her brother’s competence. But the truth was, the Biggs family didn’t have deep roots. The company had gone through several crises.
When Carter took over, the company had been in chaos. He’d spent years fixing the mess.
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Chapter 433
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Rack, on the other hand, inherited a thriving empire. There was no comparison.
Why would someone like Victoria or Ginny choose to marry a “promising future” when they could have a fully-formed dynasty?
Just then, the butler walked in briskly
“Madam, Master Carter’s car is waiting at the front gate.”
Madeline nodded, then turned to Denise. “Let’s go.”
“Okay.”
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Chapter 484
The car waiting at the front gate was a stretched luxury van.
When the door slid open, Carter, Kelly, and Theo were already seated inside.
Seeing Madeline and Denise approach, Theo offered a polite greeting. “Grandma. Auntie.”
Madeline responded with a faint “Mm,” but her gaze landed squarely on Kelly.
Today, Kelly wore a well-tailored gown that emphasized her delicate figure, soft features, and quiet grace.
Madeline’s brow creased. “Why are you bringing her to Uriah’s birthday banquet?”
Carter replied calmly, “The invitation I received included Kelly’s name.”
Madeline looked genuinely surprised. “They invited her? What ties does she have to the Malcolm family?”
Kelly answered, “Maybe because I’m now Maestro Warner’s student. That might be why they extended the invitation.”
Madeline’s expression eased slightly.
She had, at one point, considered the possibility of letting Kelly into the family. But that had always been under the assumption that Carter still intended to reconcile with Sharon.
Lately, though, he hadn’t mentioned Sharon at all. Madeline had begun to think that perhaps he’d finally moved on.
Her thoughts started to shift again.
If Carter could marry a proper heiress from a respectable family, why settle for Kelly?
True, Kelly was better than Sharon in many ways. But there were certainly other young women out there with both pedigree and ability-girls who might not even mind that Carter already had a son.
This banquet was the perfect place to meet them.
She wouldn’t dare dream as high as Victoria or Ginny.
But the Malcolm family had its share of eligible young ladies-daughters of powerful families, women worth knowing.
If none of them proved suitable, then and only then would she reconsider Kelly. $1
Now that Kelly was Maestro Warner’s student, and his final student at that, she wasn’t without merit. If only her background weren’t so lacking, she’d be almost ideal.
Madeline asked, “Will Maestro Warner be attending tonight?”
Kelly nodded with a smile. “Yes, he will.”
Only then did Madeline look away. Her gaze shifted to Theo, who had been sitting in silence. “Theo, how are your studies going? Have you fallen behind?”
Theo shook his head.
But something in his expression didn’t sit right with her.
She studied his face. “What’s wrong? Are you not happy?”
She had specifically asked Carter to bring Theo along tonight.
The older the guest, the more they liked children. And Theo was a bright, lovable kid. Maybe he’d win over Uriah and help the
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Biggs family strengthen its ties with the Malcolms.
Theo finally looked up, his voice barely audible. “I miss Mommy.”
It had been a while since he’d seen her.
Not long ago, he’d watched her pick up Matty-the “bad kid”-from kindergarten a few times.
But recently, even that had stopped. She wasn’t picking anyone up anymore.
He had no idea what she was doing. He wanted to call her, but pride got in the way.
Back when he came home from school, she was always there, hovering around him, fussing over every little thing. Always telling him what he could or couldn’t eat, bundling him up if it got too cold. Constant, nagging care.
At the time, he’d thought she was just noisy. (1)
But now…
Now the house was too quiet. So quiet, it didn’t feel like home at all.
At the mention of Sharon, Madeline let out a cold snort.
“You miss her, but that doesn’t mean she misses you. If she really cared, would she have stayed away this long without even checking in? She’s too busy these days. Busy getting cozy with that boy, Matty’s father.
“Why would she bother with you anymore? Instead of wasting time missing that cold, heartless woman, you’d be better off helping us find you a new mom…”
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Before Madeline could say any more, Carter cut her off coldly, “Mom, what are you even talking about?”
Madeline was clearly displeased. “Am I wrong? Ever since the divorce, has she visited Theo even once?”
Carter’s handsome face darkened. “No matter what happens between us, Sharon is and always will be Theo’s mother. That won’t change.”
Madeline opened her mouth to argue again, but Denise stepped in at just the right moment.
“Mom, let’s not talk about this now. Uriah’s banquet is more important.”
With that, Madeline gave a sharp snort but said nothing more.
A low-profile luxury van sped smoothly down the road. Inside, three members of the Kalen family sat quietly.
“There was an urgent matter at the company,” Rick said. “Scott and Silas can’t make it to the banquet for now. They’ll be waiting at home for Jenna to return.”
Richard nodded. He’d heard something had gone wrong at their respective companies and didn’t ask further. Instead, he turned to Victoria, concern softening his expression.
“Victoria, are you feeling alright?”
Fatigue lingered in Victoria’s delicate features. Her eyes were dull, and her voice was soft as she shook her head. “I’m okay.”
Richard replied, “Since you’ve got a competition coming up, focus on that. Your brother and I can represent the family at Uriah’s birthday banquet.”
Victoria smiled. “The main reason I came to Amstern City is to bring Jenna home. She and I had some misunderstandings back then, and I worry that if I don’t explain things clearly, she’ll still hold a grudge.
“Besides, I heard Maestro Warner will be at the banquet too. He’s a world-class violinist. I’d love the chance to meet him.”
Richard nodded slowly, clearly pleased by her mindset.
His own plan was to attend the banquet and then go see Jenna.
Jenna’s current identity was still delicate-too complicated to make public.
Thinking of her, he turned and asked, “Victoria, what are your feelings toward Cole?”
Victoria had already guessed Richard’s intentions from what Rick told her.
She smiled. “I’ve only ever seen Cole as an older brother. There’s nothing romantic between us.”
Richard was satisfied with her sense of propriety.
“Victoria, Jenna has had a tough time these past few years. Unlike you, she didn’t grow up in comfort. She’s had to fend for
herself.
“You’re a year older than her. You’re her older sister. So if the two of you clash in the future, I hope you’ll be the one to step back.
He paused, then continued with quiet weight.
“Victoria, you and Jenna are different. I’ve always been stricter with you. I hope one day you’ll understand that it was because I expected more from you.”
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All these years, Richard had demanded perfection from Victoria.
Even for someone as gifted as she was, there were times she almost buckled under the pressure.
At first, when her father refused to let her study business, Victoria had resented him.
She thought he favored sons over daughters–or worse, that because she was born out of wedlock, he saw her as a burden.
But then, something Rick said opened her eyes.
Her father had never looked down on her for being a woman. Nor had he ever distrusted her because of her background.
Richard had placed such high expectations on her, not out of bias, but because he believed in her.
In contrast, he made no demands of Sharon. He let her live freely, without interference. Not because he respected her choices. But because, in his heart, he had already given up on her potential.
Otherwise, why had he given company shares to Theo, but never once considered entrusting them to Sharon?
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Chapter 486
Perhaps some people preferred a carefree life like Sharon’s.
But Victoria was nothing like Sharon. She was a woman with ambition and drive. She had no intention of living an unremarkable, mediocre life.
That was why she did her best to meet every expectation Richard placed on her.
In today’s society, men and women might appear equal on the surface, but true equality remained elusive.
As a woman trying to enter the Kalen Group and deal with powerful figures from elite families, she would inevitably face discrimination. However, mingling with society’s noblewomen and heiresses would be much easier in comparison.
She had heard that during the years her father lost his memory and the Kalen Group was left without leadership, it was Shayla who had leveraged her influence among wealthy ladies to stabilize the company’s crisis.
In the upper echelons of society, a woman’s influence was not to be underestimated.
Richard hadn’t forbidden her from studying business or joining the Kalen Group out of disregard. His true intention was for her to build social capital in the circles of debutantes and society ladies. Because in this era, connections could be more valuable than ability.
So while she claimed this trip was to pick up Jenna and to meet Maestro Warner, in truth, she also saw Uriah’s birthday banquet as an opportunity to expand her network.
She was already known as the number one socialite in their circle, highly visible and well-liked. But who would ever complain about having too many connections?
The Blakely family, the Ferrero family, the Malcolm family, and the Westin family…
These were all names she needed to forge ties with.
As for Sharon…
They may have shared the same blood, but closeness had never come naturally. From the first time she laid eyes on her, she knew they were born to walk different paths.
She never saw Sharon as a threat.
Even if Sharon somehow managed to gain some shares, she never saw her as competition.
A person’s starting point defined their height. No matter how hard Sharon tried, she would never be able to reach her level.
The kind of people she had come to know over the years, Sharon wouldn’t even dare to dream of meeting. There was no way Sharon could shake her status.
She often advised Scott and Silas not to view Sharon with hostility. It wasn’t empty kindness; she genuinely meant it.
If Sharon had grown up in the Kalen household, maybe Victoria would have felt threatened. But a girl raised outside the family? She was hardly a threat.
If Sharon wanted a better life in the Kalen family, let her come back. All she really wanted was to marry well.
But men? They were never something worth Victoria’s concern. She had no intention of marrying anyone, let alone depending on a man to live. 1)
Scheming for favor in the inner courtyard, playing petty games with other women-that was the life she despised most. All she wanted was to fulfill her own ambition to rise to the very top.
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“What? Grandpa’s throwing this extravagant birthday banquet just to support a woman?”
When Cole learned the truth, he laughed.
“Don’t tell me she’s some illegitimate daughter he secretly had behind Grandma’s back?”
“Don’t talk nonsense,” Damien said with a frown. “I heard from Uncle that this woman’s been helping out at Grandpa’s clinic for years. She’s always taken good care of Grandpa. They get along well, and Grandpa’s been thinking of taking her as his apprentice.”
Cole held a cigarette between his lips, his expression roguish and relaxed. A hint of wildness in his brows and a pair of small canine teeth showed when he grinned.
“Isn’t Grandpa famously aloof? He’s never accepted any apprentices before. What’s so special about this woman? Does she have some miraculous gift for medicine?”
Damien shook his head. “Quite the opposite. Grandpa hasn’t taught her much of anything, and honestly, her medical skills are below average. But he likes her. He originally wanted to accept her as a granddaughter. Somehow, he changed his mind and decided to make her his apprentice instead.”
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Cole exhaled a lazy puff of smoke and said lazily, “If Grandpa took her in as a granddaughter, she’d become family, and then marrying her into the Malcolm family would be out of the question.
But as a disciple? No conflict there.
“It’s just a convenient excuse anyway. What’s the difference between a disciple and a granddaughter? Still, the question remains. Is she really as virtuous as Grandpa says? Or… did she already know his identity and deliberately get close to him?”
Damien asked, “Which one do you think it is?”
Cole replied, “I’m leaning toward the latter.”
Damien shot him a long, contemplative look. “Since when did you get so perceptive? That’s not like you.”
Cole gave a faint, melancholic chuckle. “If I hadn’t made any progress, I wouldn’t even be qualified to stand next to Victoria as a friend.”
Damien raised an eyebrow. “Still hung up on Victoria? From what I can tell, she doesn’t seem the least bit interested in you.”
Cole didn’t flinch. “So what if she’s not? I’m not bothered. I’ve always known I wasn’t good enough for her. Being able to watch her from afar and see her happy… that’s enough for me.” (1
Damien scoffed. “How noble of you. Such selfless men like you are a rare breed these days. But…”
He paused, then changed the subject.
“If you know you and Victoria aren’t meant to be, why not give her sister a chance? What was her name again… right, Jenna. She might be an illegitimate child, but her background still matches the Malcolm family well enough. 1
“She treats you with real sincerity, too. Cole, these days, it’s hard to find a girl who genuinely cares about you.”
At the mention of Jenna, Cole’s expression clouded over. His mood soured instantly, and his voice turned cold.
“Your girlfriend stayed by your side after your accident, looked after you when you were blind, and stood by you through your lowest point. She stuck with you for years. Even your parents approved of her as a future daughter-in-law. And yet, you couldn’t forget your first love who abandoned you when you needed her most. Anyone with a conscience wouldn’t have done what you did.” 1
Damien frowned, his brows tightening. “I haven’t been pining after her. I’m just… making her pay for leaving me.”
Cole lifted an eyebrow. “Really? So humiliating her in public, making sure no man dares approach her-that’s your version of payback?”
He let out a soft chuckle. “News of your little brawl with that Abney family playboy because of your first love spread like wildfire in our circle. Now, everyone knows just how much you care about your first love. And that’s not all…”
Cole gave him a meaningful look. “You were so worried she’d be bullied, you brought her back to work at your side, as your assistant. That’s your so-called revenge?”
Damien’s pupils flickered. “Keeping her close is the only way she’ll see just how well I’ve done without her.”
Cole let out a derisive laugh. “You might be able to fool yourself with that line, but do you think your girlfriend bought it? If she really believed you, would she have broken up with you? Would she have left without a word?
“If the one you can’t have is the one you think is ‘best’, then why don’t you just go be with your first love? Why drag your ex back
into this?”
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Damien had no interest in continuing the conversation. He said, “If you have the time to talk to me about this, you’d be better off figuring out who that woman really is, and whether she deliberately approached Grandpa.”
Seeing his cousin shift the subject, Cole didn’t press the issue any further.
Backstage, Sharon received a call from Uriah.
“Sharon, a lot of old friends showed up today. I’m swamped over here, so I probably won’t make it in time to see your performance. Just stick to the program we finalized. Once the show’s over, I’ll introduce you to those old geezers.”
Even over the phone, Sharon could hear the noisy chatter in the background.
“All right, don’t worry about us,” she replied. “I’ll handle everything on this end.”
After hanging up, Sharon glanced at the time and began organizing the lineup.
“John, you’ll open with a solo.”
John was well known-perhaps not to all the elderly guests, but having him open the concert was a gesture of respect for the performance.
However, John didn’t respond immediately. He just stared off into the distance, lost in thought.
He hadn’t been himself lately. Even during rehearsals, he’d been making frequent mistakes, something that had never happened before.
Was he still unable to move on from what happened last time?
Just as Sharon was trying to make sense of his state, Casey returned. 1
She had included Casey in this performance as well.
Both Casey and John played the violin, as did Matty. Having too many violin performances back-to-back could easily lead to audience fatigue.
Luckily, with Casey on board, Sharon decided to insert her piano piece as a transition.
Uriah had supported the idea, encouraging her to take full charge of the arrangement.
Though this was just a charity performance for the elderly, for Sharon, it was her first official public appearance. She was taking it seriously.
Noticing something off about Casey’s expression, Sharon asked, “Casey, is everything all right? Did something happen?”
Casey snapped out of it, hesitating a moment before answering honestly. “I think I saw my ex-boyfriend.”
“Your ex?” Sharon blinked.
Casey nodded. “A lot of people arrived just now. In the crowd… I thought I saw him.”
Wendy, overhearing this, asked curiously, “You sure you didn’t mistake someone else for him?”
After all, this was supposed to be a simple performance. Most of the guests were elderly-grandpas and grandmas. What would her ex-boyfriend be doing here?
Casey said, “His name is Damien Malcolm. Do you think he might be… related to Uriah?”
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At first, when she learned Uriah’s surname, it hadn’t crossed her mind to connect him with Damien.
And from what she’d heard from Sharon and Wendy, Uriah seemed to be just a retired alternative medicine doctor who wanted to give something back by organizing a performance for left-behind seniors before his full retirement.
He’d even spent most of his life savings renting such a grand venue for the event.
But it wasn’t until she spotted Damien earlier that she began to suspect something.
Damien came from an exceptionally well-off family. If not for her unwavering support during his lowest point, his parents never would have accepted her.
With a background like his, could there really be some connection to Uriah?
After hearing this, Sharon and Wendy exchanged a look.
Sharon said, “I’ve helped out at Uriah’s place for quite a while, but I’ve never once seen any of his family members.”
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Wendy thought for a moment. “Maybe Damien is a distant relative of Uriah? Or… maybe he came along with his grandparents?”
It was entirely possible that Damien was indeed related to Uriah. But ultimately, it didn’t concern them much.
Sharon lowered her voice and asked, “Casey, will you be okay during the performance?”
Casey quickly nodded her head. “I’ll be fine, Sharon, don’t worry. I won’t let anyone distract me again.”
Although Sharon was technically her boss, the two of them usually interacted more like friends.
Sharon smiled and gave her a reassuring nod.
www
An hour before the banquet began, Nate arrived at the venue with his parents.
Before handing over the invitation, Nate’s father, Karl, glanced nervously at the security guards in front of him.
He still couldn’t believe that the prestigious Malcolm family had actually sent an invitation to the Hendricks family, personally inviting them to this banquet.
The invitation even named Nate specifically.
At first, Karl thought it was a prank and called to confirm it himself, only to find out it was all real.
The Malcolm family had truly invited them.
Though he’d spent decades navigating the treacherous waters of the business world, Karl couldn’t help feeling anxious now. After all, the guests attending this event were all from the highest circles of society.
Compared to a family like the Malcolms, the Hendricks family was nothing.
The security guard scanned their invitation and smiled politely. “You may enter.”
Karl exhaled quietly, barely perceptible to anyone else.
It wasn’t until they entered the grand ballroom that Nate’s mother finally relaxed. Gone was the usual elegance she carried herself with-her every word and gesture now tinged with cautious restraint, as if terrified of accidentally offending some powerful figure she didn’t recognize.
She whispered, “We’ve never had any ties with the Malcolm family. Why would they invite us to something like this?”
Nate couldn’t hide the pride in his voice. “I heard Carter and Kelly were invited too… Since Uriah is in Amstern City now, it makes sense he’d show the Biggs family some respect by inviting Carter.”
He paused, then added with visible smugness, “And as for Kelly, she’s no ordinary woman anymore. She’s Maestro Warner’s student. Her status is completely different now. She’s far more distinguished than your average socialite.”
The banquet hall was bustling with unfamiliar faces, most of whom the Hendricks family didn’t recognize. Karl didn’t even dare approach anyone to greet them casually.
Nate scanned the crowd, searching for Carter and Kelly.
And then, he froze.
His pupils constricted as he spotted a figure he recognized.
He rubbed his eyes hard, thinking he must’ve imagined it. But no, he was certain. It was Sharon.
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But how had she managed to get in?
Before they left home, Karl had warned him in no uncertain terms not to cause any trouble at Uriah’s banquet.
Nate knew he’d been impulsive before-too hot-headed for his own good. He had already told himself to keep it together tonight, no matter what happened.
But just then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Carter entering the venue and suddenly everything clicked.
He stormed over to Sharon, his voice sharp with accusation. “Sharon, you’ve really got no shame! You actually followed Carter here? Do you even know what kind of place this is? And you think you belong here?!”
Hearing the familiar voice, Sharon paused mid-step. She turned, surprise flickering across her face as her gaze landed on Nate.
What was he doing here?
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Chapter 490
Though doubt stirred in her heart, Sharon couldn’t be bothered to waste her breath on someone like Nate. She cast him a glance,
then turned to leave.
But Nate misread her silence as guilt and quickly stepped in to block her path.
“So I was right, wasn’t I? You snuck in without an invitation!”
The moment he laid eyes on Sharon, Nate puffed up like a rooster ready for battle, completely forgetting everything his father
had warned him about.
He raised his voice, shouting, “Is there anyone in charge here? Someone just crashed the party without an invitation! A woman like this, with such ill intentions, should be thrown out!”
Just then, Carter and Kelly walked in, only to witness the scene unfolding before them.
Theo’s eyes lit up the moment he spotted Sharon.
“Mommy!”
He instinctively moved to run toward her, but Madeline caught him by the arm.
“Theo,” she said sternly, “you know how important today’s banquet is. Didn’t Grandma remind you about proper behavior?”
Theo hesitated for a beat, then lowered his head obediently and stood by her side.
Kelly hadn’t expected to see Sharon here either. But a moment later, something clicked, and realization flickered in her eyes.
She smiled. “Carter, I wonder if Sharon is here for you or for Maestro Warner. Why don’t we go and find out?”
Carter gave a faint nod. “Yeah. Let’s go.”
“I want to come too, Daddy,” Theo suddenly chimed in.
Carter remembered how long it had been since Theo had last seen Sharon. After a pause, he nodded gently. “Alright. Come with
us.”
Madeline’s face darkened slightly. She opened her mouth to object, but when she noticed the eyes of those around them, she
swallowed her words.
This banquet was far too important. She couldn’t afford to damage her reputation because of that woman.
Sharon was just about to leave when she heard a soft, honeyed voice call out behind her.
“Sharon,” Kelly said as she approached, “Maestro Warner is no longer accepting students. Sneaking in like this will only make things harder for him.”
Sharon turned and saw Kelly gliding forward like a picture of elegance, holding Theo’s hand and walking beside Carter.
The three of them at this moment looked like the perfect, happy family.
Before Sharon could say a word, Kelly continued, “Sharon, the maestro is getting older and his health isn’t what it used to be. I hope you won’t trouble him any further.”
Kelly didn’t believe Sharon had come for Carter. But she couldn’t forget the last time she saw Sharon all but begging Maestro Warner for a chance. It had left her with a lingering sense of unease,
Sharon was immensely talented. Kelly didn’t want to admit it, but in terms of natural ability, Sharon had the edge.
In fact, Maestro Warner had nearly accepted Sharon as a student. If Kelly hadn’t seized the opportunity first and officially
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become his last student before Sharon met him, that final apprenticeship spot might very well have gone to Sharon.
“Sharon, what are you doing here?” Carter asked.
He was dressed in a tailored black suit, his figure striking, tall, slender, and upright.
Sharon looked at the group before her, her expression cold and detached.
“I don’t owe any of you an explanation for why I’m here.”
She had only come to speak with the lighting technician about some entrance cues. She hadn’t expected to run into them. What rotten luck.
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“Mommy,” Theo’s voice called out, pulling Sharon’s attention back.
She turned and saw Theo dressed like a little gentleman in a crisp, formal suit.
It had been some time since she last saw him.
In the past, she had cherished Theo more than her own life. Even the slightest sign of discomfort from him would send her into
a panic. There were moments she truly believed that if she ever lost him, she wouldn’t survive.
But life had taught her otherwise-no one, not even her own child, was worth losing herself over.
She gave a slight nod in response to his greeting, acknowledging him without a word. (1)
At the same time, a faint sense of confusion stirred within her.
Why had Uriah invited them, too?
Could it be that Uriah was trying to ease the tension between her and Theo, so he invited the boy, and the Biggs family simply followed?
Their exchange soon drew the attention of the banquet’s floor manager.
A middle-aged man approached, his tone sharp with authority.
“What’s going on here? Why all the noise?”
Nate immediately pointed at Sharon.
“Sir, this woman doesn’t have an invitation. She snuck into the banquet! Today is Mr. Malcolm’s birthday celebration. You can’t just let unidentified people sneak in like this; it could ruin the entire event!”
The guy’s expression darkened at once.
Malcolm family invitations were limited and carefully managed. In fact, to prevent any suspicious individuals from crashing the party, no one-regardless of status-could enter without presenting an invitation.
So how had this woman gotten in?
He stepped in front of Sharon. “Miss, may I see your invitation?”
Sharon frowned slightly. “I’m sorry, I’m not a guest. I was invited to perform at the event. I don’t have an invitation.”
It was the venue manager who had let her in earlier.
But this man seemed different-probably a steward from the Malcolm household brought in specifically to manage the guest reception.
Just as she finished speaking, a soft laugh rang out.
Kelly stood nearby, a knowing look on her face, her eyes glinting with mockery.
“Sharon, if you didn’t receive an invitation, just admit it. There’s no need to make up such a story.”
She paused for dramatic effect, then added with false generosity, “Unless… you’d like me to speak to Carter for you? We could just say you came with us.”
Nate cut in with outrage. “Kelly, you’re too kind! She pushed you into the lake last time. She almost killed you, and you still want to help her? No way! People like her don’t belong here! Sir, get her out of here, now!”
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Seeing that Sharon still hadn’t produced an invitation and hearing how everyone spoke with such certainty, the man grew convinced she really had snuck in. His tone turned cold as he signaled to the security guards behind him.
“Escort this young lady out.”
Kelly’s eyes flickered with a hint of smugness. If Sharon were thrown out in front of all these people, her dignity would be thoroughly crushed.
By now, several guests had noticed the commotion and were beginning to whisper among themselves.
Sharon looked at the two bodyguards flanking her and calmly said to the man, “Sir, let me say this again, I’m here to perform.”
“And your staff ID?” the guy asked sharply.
Sharon sighed inwardly, her expression tinged with exasperation. She hadn’t expected such tight security for what was supposed to be a simple performance. She hadn’t requested an invitation from Uriah, nor had she prepared any employee
credentials.
Nate sneered, “Don’t have one, huh? What a lying little fraud you are!”
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Theo grew anxious as he watched the group of people surround his mother, seemingly trying to force her out.
“Mommy,” he said anxiously, “if you just apologize to Kelly for what happened last time, Daddy will help you.”
Not long ago, Kelly had been hospitalized again after falling into a lake. When he went to visit her, Nate told him that his mother had pushed Kelly into the water. He’d asked his father about it, and though his father didn’t confirm it, he hadn’t denied it
either.
So now, seeing all this, Theo naturally assumed his father was still angry at his mother over what happened, and that was why he refused to help her.
But Sharon simply looked at him-deeply, quietly.
That single look made Theo inexplicably uneasy.
Then Sharon spoke, “That won’t be necessary.”
At her words, Carter’s dark eyes grew even darker, his handsome features hardening noticeably.
If Sharon had just told the steward that she was the child’s mother, or even that she had come to see Theo, he would have stepped in and smoothed things over for her.
But she said nothing.
“Sharon, there you are! I’ve been looking all over-oh? Isn’t this Mr. Biggs?”
Xavier suddenly stepped forward. As his gaze swept across the crowd, a subtle glint of something unreadable flashed in his eyes.
“Well, what a coincidence,” Xavier said with a faint smile.
None of the onlookers seemed particularly surprised to see him. The Cooper family might not rank among the top elite families, but it was still a major player. Xavier’s presence at such an event wasn’t out of place.
The steward clearly recognized him too. Straightening quickly, he greeted him with deference. “Mr. Cooper.”
Xavier’s eyes flicked briefly toward Sharon. “What’s going on here?”
The steward lowered his voice respectfully. “Someone claimed this young lady sneaked in without an invitation… Mr. Cooper, you’re well aware of Master Malcolm’s rules.”
Xavier chuckled. “She’s my date.”
As he spoke, his eyes drifted casually, yet unmistakably, over Nate and Kelly.
“Would you like to check my invitation again?” he asked mildly.
The steward’s expression shifted into one of mild embarrassment. He turned back to Sharon and bowed slightly. “Miss, I’m terribly sorry for the misunderstanding.”
Sharon remained composed. “It’s fine.”
After all, she truly didn’t have an invitation, nor any form of staff ID.
Seeing Xavier come to Sharon’s defense, a flicker of barely disguised resentment twisted across Kelly’s otherwise pretty face.
No matter how she looked at it, she had no way to bring Sharon down today.
Sharon’s luck was too good. Right after divorcing Carter, she’d seamlessly latched onto Xavier. If not for him, Kelly would’ve crushed Sharon like an ant long ago.
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Xavier glanced at Theo, then turned back to Sharon with a smile. “Sharon, do you want to stay and catch up with them?”
She shook her head. “No.”
The performance would begin soon. She didn’t have time to waste trading barbs with them.
Xavier’s gaze swept across the crowd. Each person was wearing a different expression. His gaze finally rested on Madeline, who stood not far away, watching them with obvious disdain.
Madeline had always looked down on Sharon for her poor family background. But how would her expression change when she learned the truth about Sharon’s real lineage and her connection to Uriah?
Among everyone here, they might not know Uriah’s true identity—but Xavier did, with perfect clarity.
To Sharon and her team, this performance might have seemed like just another ordinary event. But Xavier understood its true significance.
Uriah had orchestrated the entire evening just to support Sharon. He’d even gone so far as to invite Maestro Warner.
If Sharon really had the talent, this would be her chance to strike a blow right to Warner’s pride… and to reclaim her name with dignity.
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If the performance failed, it would simply mean that Sharon lacked skills.
However, it seemed the Kalen family would also be attending the banquet.
What Uriah didn’t know was that Sharon was actually the long-lost daughter of the Kalen family. And as for the Kalens, when they saw the daughter or sister they had once cast out, not only far from destitute but living such a dazzling life, what kind of expressions would they wear?
Unlike Sharon and Wendy, who remained unaware of the true significance behind this performance, Xavier knew exactly what it
meant.
That was why, after learning the performance schedule, he asked Uriah for an invitation to avoid mishaps like the one just now.
Not long after leaving Carter and the others, someone spotted Xavier and lit up with recognition, walking over warmly.
“Mr. Cooper! I didn’t expect to see you here!”
Sharon glanced at the man and immediately recognized him as one of Xavier’s business associates.
She said, “Mr. Cooper, if you have business to attend to, go ahead. I’ll head backstage to prepare.”
Xavier nodded slightly. “I’ll come find you later. If anything comes up, call me.”
“Okay.”
Sharon made her way toward the backstage area.
She checked the time-just thirty minutes left until the performance.
Since only a few performers were involved, the corridor leading backstage was unusually quiet.
From one of the nearby rooms, the faint sound of Matty practicing the violin drifted out.
Sharon’s brows knitted slightly as she thought of John and his unfocused state lately. Something didn’t feel right.
She sensed that John’s recent distraction wasn’t simply due to the last incident. It felt like something deeper was going on.
She and John had grown up together, and she’d always seen him as an older brother. In her heart, he held a place even more important than her three biological brothers.
Lost in thought, Sharon accidentally bumped into someone.
She instinctively apologized, “Sorry.”
But the person didn’t respond.
Instead, the air around them shifted. Something about it suddenly felt… off.
Sharon sensed the tension and slowly looked up.
A sharply defined, mixed-race face came into view.
The man had striking, angular features and a prominent nose. A diamond stud gleamed on his ear under the overhead light, adding a touch of unruly charm to his already handsome appearance.
Sharon’s pupils contracted sharply.
Even if he turned to ash, she would recognize that face.
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The man standing before her was Cole-the one who had deliberately gotten close to her, only to humiliate her endlessly.
Sharon’s gaze grew colder by the second.
Cole’s eyes held a flicker of surprise when he saw her.
“What are you doing here?”
He glanced toward the performance rooms backstage and quickly pieced things together.
Narrowing his eyes slightly, he said, “Don’t tell me… you’re the one Grandpa invited to perform?”
Sharon’s voice was as cold and clear. “So, you’re Uriah’s grandson.”
Cole’s eyes settled on Sharon’s exquisite face.
If Victoria hadn’t told him that Sharon was already married and had a child, he never would’ve believed it. Looking at her now, it was hard to imagine that she was already a mother.
Whatever else might be said, her beauty was undeniable-every bit the equal of Victoria.
Even her demeanor lacked any trace of vulgarity. Standing next to Victoria, she wouldn’t seem inferior in the slightest.
Her appearance was dangerously deceptive.
Back then, he had nearly been fooled by that innocent, beautiful face.
A faint, unreadable smile curved Cole’s lips.
“You got close to my grandfather on purpose just to get back at me, didn’t you?”
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Chapter 494
Sharon had only two words in response. “You’re crazy.”
Cole was, without a doubt, someone she despised even more than Nate.
At least Nate had always made his disdain clear. Cole, on the other hand, had hidden his loathing behind a false facade of kindness, only to orchestrate a grand spectacle that ultimately ruined her reputation.
Noticing the open disgust on Sharon’s face, Cole let out a laugh, appearing completely unfazed.
To him, the hatred and resentment of the weak were utterly meaningless.
“Sharon, my grandfather was only fooled by you because he doesn’t know who you really are. But now that I’m here, I won’t let you keep deceiving him.”
Sharon looked at him calmly. “Then go ahead. Go to Uriah right now and expose me. I’ll wait right here.”
Cole’s gaze narrowed, studying her face.
She wasn’t afraid at all.
In fact, she had the boldness of someone with nothing to fear-either because she had something powerful backing her, or because she was confident that even if the truth came out, the old man would still choose to believe her.
Cole leaned toward the latter.
From what he’d heard, she’d known his grandfather for almost a year now. Clearly, she’d spent that year carefully weaving her spell.
Why else would his grandpa make such a spectacle over her?
If he tried to expose her now, it might not even work.
As his thoughts spun, a new idea took shape.
Cole’s eyes gleamed with malicious amusement as he looked at Sharon, like a predator watching prey make its last, futile struggle.
He chuckled. “Sharon, do you really think that just because you’ve won over my grandfather, I’m powerless against you?”
Sharon met his gaze, her smile cold and sharp. “Of course not. What couldn’t a man as devious as you do?”
His smile faltered for a beat.
He shrugged. “Since you know that, you’d better leave quietly. I’d rather not get rough with a woman.”
If he couldn’t persuade his grandfather to give up on her, then he’d make her give up voluntarily, just like she had once before.
As long as Sharon didn’t take the stage tonight, or better yet, ruined the performance and embarrassed the old man, no matter how much affection Uriah had for her, disappointment would surely follow.
With that thought, a flash of cold intent flickered in Cole’s eyes.
In a swift movement, he closed in and clamped a hand over her mouth.
He glanced around. No one was watching.
Then, without a sound, he dragged Sharon away.
In the backstage dressing room, Wendy was calling Sharon over and over, but no one answered.
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Frowning, she said, “What’s going on? Why isn’t Sharon picking up? The performance is about to start.”
Casey looked anxious. “You don’t think something’s happened to her, do you?”
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Ever since running into her ex-boyfriend Damien earlier, her right eyelid had been twitching, nonstop. It felt like something bad was about to happen.
Wendy, however, looked puzzled. “It’s just a small charity performance. What could possibly go wrong?”
At that moment, John-who had been lost in thought-finally snapped out of his daze.
“Maybe we should ask Xavier. Sharon might be with him.”
Wendy immediately dialed Xavier’s number. He picked up quickly.
After a brief exchange, she hung up and turned to the others.
“Well? Was she with him?” they all asked at once.
Wendy replied, “Xavier said she was with him just a little while ago, but they separated soon after. He ran into a business associate, so Sharon went ahead on her own. He’s looking for her now. He said he’ll call the moment there’s any news.”
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John checked the time. “Only ten minutes left. I need to head onstage.”
He turned to Wendy. “Push the ensemble and Sharon’s solo to later in the program.”
Wendy thought for a moment and nodded. Fortunately, since it was an internal performance, the order of appearances could be adjusted freely. As long as Sharon appeared a bit later, it wouldn’t be an issue.
Casey asked anxiously, “But what if Sharon doesn’t come back at all?”
John paused for a few seconds, then said in a low voice, “Then the rest of us will perform.”
He looked at Matty, who had been quietly waiting for instructions. “Matty, if Sharon really can’t go onstage, could you play two extra pieces?”
Matty gave a small nod. “Yes.”
He’d been learning the violin from Sharon recently and could play quite a few pieces. Performing a few more wouldn’t be a problem.
John then turned to Casey. “If Sharon doesn’t make it back, you’ll need to play a few more piano pieces as well.”
Casey nodded. “Got it.”
Although this performance wasn’t a formal concert, they were treating it seriously-no one was planning to slack off or make
excuses.
If something had truly happened to Sharon and she couldn’t perform, they would still see it through to the end.
Time ticked by.
By the time John and Wendy had finalized all the arrangements, the performance was about to begin.
The group took turns calling Sharon, but she still didn’t answer.
Seeing that it was time, John said to Wendy, “I’ll head up now. If Sharon comes back in time, we’ll stick to the original plan. If not, we’ll carry on as discussed.”
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Wendy’s expression turned solemn. “Okay.”
With his violin in hand, John stepped onto the stage.
The lights came up.
As he looked out over the audience, he froze for a moment at the sea of unfamiliar faces.
He realized at once-this wasn’t the small charity performance Sharon had described.
There were elderly people in the crowd, yes. But even more young faces.
Among them, he spotted Carter, Nate, and-
John’s pupils contracted sharply.
In the best seats, he saw members of the Kalen family.
Sharon’s father, her eldest brother, and… her half-sister.
Even then, he managed to stay composed.
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gaze swept across the other side and landed on members of the Westin family-his family.
His grip on the violin nearly slipped.
Why were they here too?
A small gasp rose from the area where the Westin family was seated.
“Isn’t that John?”
“It’s him… But why would he be here?”
Several members of the Westin family turned to John’s father.
He shook his head.
“I don’t know either. I’ve tried many times to bring him home. He’s always refused. Even when I resorted to force, he wouldn’t budge. I was afraid that pushing him too hard would only make him hate us more… so I had to back off for a while.”
As John’s father quietly recounted what had happened, John-ever the seasoned professional-steadied himself.
Moments later, he began to play.
Meanwhile, backstage, not long after John’s performance began, the dressing room door swung open.
Wendy turned around in surprise and delight. “Sharon! You’re back!”
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212
Chapter 496
The moment Wendy saw who it was, the smile on her face froze.
“Xavier.”
Xavier glanced around. “Sharon hasn’t returned?”
Wendy shook her head. Worry clouded her eyes. “I’ve been calling her, but she hasn’t answered, not even once. Her phone’s still on, though.”
She looked at Xavier. “You haven’t heard from her either?”
A rare look of solemnity settled over Xavier’s face. “Start the performance without her. I’ll check the surveillance footage.”
Just as he was about to leave, a small hand tugged at his sleeve.
Xavier turned and saw Matty gazing up at him with wide, worried eyes. “Daddy, Sharon will be okay, right?”
Xavier gently patted Matty’s head. “She’ll be fine.”
“Then promise me, Daddy. Promise you’ll find her.”
“I promise.”
With that, he turned and walked out, the door closing softly behind him, letting in a gust of cool air.
The others stared at the now-shut door, their expressions heavy with concern.
In the audience, Victoria glanced at the nearby seats, where the members of the Westin family sat visibly shaken. Her eyes flickered with intrigue.
In a hushed voice, she asked, “Abby, do you know the performer on stage?”
Abby Westin hesitated, then murmured, “That’s my brother… my biological brother.”
Victoria’s gaze sharpened. “You mean he’s your dad’s… illegitimate son?”
Abby gave a small nod. “Yes. My dad spent years trying to find him. He wants him to return and inherit the family business.”
Victoria’s expression shifted slightly.
In high society, there was never a shortage of scandalous stories.
And the drama surrounding John’s father had once made quite a splash.
Back in his youth, John’s father, Kenneth Westin, had fallen in love with a woman of humble background. Their romance had been passionate and public.
For her sake, he defied the Westin family and severed ties with them.
But a love not blessed by family rarely endured. Stripped of his powerful family backing, Kenneth stood no chance against the might of the Westin family.
They did everything in their power to break the couple up and eventually forced him to marry someone from a respectable, well- matched family.
Though he never loved his wife, he also never rekindled anything with his former lover.
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He and his wife lived like polite strangers-distant, but civil.
+15 BONUS
Unfortunately, his wife had always loved him. Watching him once give up everything for another woman only deepened her bitterness. She couldn’t accept such an indifferent relationship.
Over time, she became increasingly volatile.
Whenever Kenneth so much as exchanged a few words with another woman, she accused him of infidelity.
As a man of wealth and status, he naturally attracted attention-women constantly threw themselves at him.
Even though he rejected them, the stream never ceased.
His wife noticed. And she resented it deeply.
At first, she simply hired people to teach these women a lesson.
But her methods escalated.
She had faces slashed, orchestrated car accidents, and drove women to despair.
Eventually, she didn’t even stop at threats. Some simply vanished without a trace.
Yet no matter how ruthlessly she acted, Kenneth never once looked at her the way he had looked at his first love.
Deep down, she knew he had never moved on from that woman.
And so, in her obsession, she turned her sights on the woman from his past.
By then, the two hadn’t spoken in years.
But the wife’s relentless harassment drove the desperate woman to reach out to Kenneth, begging him to rein in his wife.
He finally stepped in and tried to stop the madness, promising his wife they’d settle down and live peacefully from now on.
By then, they already had a son and a daughter. But she didn’t care. She swore she’d wipe his first love once and for all.
What she didn’t expect was that, in her digging, she’d discover something shocking.
That the woman had secretly given birth to a boy.
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A paternity test confirmed the truth. The boy was indeed Kenneth’s biological son.
The revelation nearly drove his wife mad. She didn’t kill the woman directly-Instead, she used the cruelest of methods to torment the boy until he died.
When Kenneth learned the truth, he severed all ties with his wife and, despite the family’s objections, divorced her. The once- courteous couple became bitter enemies.
Amidst their escalating conflict, Kenneth’s first love took advantage of the chaos. While no one was paying attention, she quietly left with another child and vanished without a trace.
It turned out she’d given birth to twins. She knew, as a commoner, she couldn’t win against the powerful Westin family. So she disappeared, hoping to save at least one of her children.
Back then, the scandal between Kenneth and his ex-wife had shaken high society. Even Victoria had heard whispers of it.
The ex-wife’s venomous nature became common knowledge. People shunned her. No one dared marry her. No one even dared get close. Her appalling actions had disgraced her within the Westin family.
Everything she’d done-her violence, her cruelty-was eventually exposed. Her own family abandoned her, and a few years after Kenneth had her imprisoned, she died.
The custody of her two children fell to the Westin family.
Kenneth’s eldest son, raised under his close guidance, had grown into an exceptional young man. He was the family’s pride and heir-apparent, poised to inherit the company after completing his studies abroad.
But fate seemed to punish the sins of the mother. On the very day of his return to their country, the boy died in a car accident.
Only Abby was left.
Abby had no interest in business or power. All she wanted was to coast through life as a carefree heiress. She had no ambition and couldn’t care less about running the company.
With no heirs in sight, the Westin family appeared to be on the verge of decline.
Perhaps it was desperation, or perhaps nostalgia-whatever the reason, Kenneth began thinking of his first love. He believed her child had died, but clung to the faint hope of a miracle and began searching for her.
What he discovered left him stunned.
His first love had died years ago from overwork, but not before giving birth to a son. Only then did he learn that she had borne
twins.
He had another son.
The news filled Kenneth with uncontrollable joy.
Abby was thrilled, too. She finally had an out-no more forced business lessons from her father.
Perhaps because she’d grown up with her father’s love, she harbored no resentment toward John.
On the contrary, she pitied him.
She desperately hoped he would return to the Westin family.
If he did, her father would finally stop focusing all his energy on her. (1)
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After hearing Abby’s account, Victoria understood everything.
The Westin family had no one left to shoulder its future. John had to come back.
Her gaze swept across the stage to the handsome man playing the violin, a glimmer of intrigue flashing in her eyes.
This news was far too valuable to her.
The future head of the Westin family…
If she could approach him now, before he officially returned, maybe she could leave a good impression.
One day, when he stood at the pinnacle of success, he might remember the person who offered him support during his lowest
days.
By the time Casey finished her piano performance, Sharon still hadn’t returned.
Wendy’s concern had shifted from whether Sharon would make it on stage in time to whether something bad might’ve happened to her.
Even John’s brows were tightly furrowed. He glanced at the time, then looked toward the door.
Two minutes before Casey’s performance ended, he leaned toward Matty and said, “Go ahead and start. Stick to our plan, play one extra piece.”
Matty nodded, though he looked back several times as he left.
Moments later, the door to the dressing room swung open again.
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Wendy had already lost hope, but the moment she saw who entered, her eyes widened with surprise and delight.
She rushed over. “Sharon, are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Something unexpected happened,” Sharon replied, walking in. “Sorry I’m late… Did it affect the performance?”
“Not at all! You’re just in time!” Wendy said quickly. “Right now, John, Casey, and Matty are performing an ensemble. I’ll let them know through the earpiece that you’ve arrived. Get ready. You’ll be onstage soon.”
Sharon nodded.
Wendy accompanied her into the dressing room, helping her into her gown while quickly briefing her on what had happened
out front.
“Just now, John took the stage. He said today’s performance… wasn’t what we thought. It isn’t a simple charity show for seniors.
“Not everyone in the audience is elderly. He noticed a lot of unfamiliar faces. And even… people from the Kalen family. Including your father, your older brother… and that illegitimate daughter.”
A flicker passed through Sharon’s eyes.
Thinking back to Cole, to what Casey had said about an ex-boyfriend, and considering Nate and Carter’s reactions, it all began
to make sense.
Back when she lived with the Kalen family, she’d heard of the Malcolm family. But she had never connected Uriah and the top- tier family. She only ever knew Uriah as a gray-haired old man running a worn-down clinic, spending his days surrounded by
the smell of herbs.
Ever since his wife passed, Uriah had become reclusive-so much so that even Victoria had barely seen him.
That kind of elite, powerful family seemed worlds apart from the dusty, faded clinic with the peeling signboard.
But there was no time to dwell on that. Wendy chose only the key points to brief Sharon, helping her mentally prepare for what awaited her onstage.
Sharon listened closely, her expression calm as she nodded.
Once she’d changed, and with a few moments to spare, Wendy couldn’t help but ask, “Sharon, what happened? Where were you all this time?”
“I ran into Cole,” Sharon said. “He’s Uriah’s grandson.”
Wendy gasped. “Cole? He’s Uriah’s grandson?!”
But a moment later, things began to click for her.
“So when he saw you… did he cause trouble again?”
Sharon nodded. “He did. But don’t worry, it’s handled. Xavier is helping take care of the aftermath.”
Wendy blinked. “The aftermath? There’s more?”
Sharon said calmly, “With Cole’s personality, he’d never let us finish this performance peacefully. Rather than wait for him to sabotage us, it’s better to cut off the threat entirely-make sure he won’t cause trouble again.”
“Cut off the threat…?” Wendy asked cautiously. “Sharon, you didn’t… eliminate him, did you?”
Sharon thought for a moment. “Something like that.”
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Wendy gulped, unsure what to say. Before she could ask more, the ensemble onstage-featuring John and the others-was nearing its end.
Sharon picked up her violin. “I’ll explain in more detail after the performance.”
With that, she turned and strode toward the stage.
In the audience, Theo spotted Matty and John performing onstage and couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wait… is Mommy really here to perform today?”
Kelly smiled. “Maybe she wants Maestro Warner to see how much she’s improved lately.” (1)
Nate scoffed, “Her? Performing? Matty’s better than Sharon, and even he’s just average. The show’s been going on for so long, but we have yet to catch a glimpse of her onstage.”
Chapter 499
“If Maestro Warner sees her perform, he’ll probably thank his lucky stars he never took her on as a student… Hahahaha!”
But before the laughter could fade, the dim lights flared to life once more.
Sharon stepped onto the stage with quiet elegance.
Under the soft glow of the spotlight, she stood like the brightest star in the night sky.
Carter’s gaze sharpened ever so slightly.
For a fleeting second, he felt as if the entire atmosphere around him had stilled.
Beside him, Theo murmured in awe, “Mommy… it’s really Mommy!”
Madeline frowned, her expression filled with disdain. “No matter how you dress up a pheasant, it’ll never become a phoenix.”
Denise, however, couldn’t help but marvel, “Is it just me… or is Sharon getting more and more beautiful?” (1
Kelly’s expression soured.
Nate, on the other hand, felt a sharp sting to his pride, like a slap to the face. It burned.
Elsewhere in the audience, Melanie excitedly grabbed hold of Ginny’s hand. “It’s Sharon! It’s really her! I haven’t seen her perform in so long!”
Carol added, “I thought she wasn’t going to appear tonight. Turns out… she’s the grand finale.”
Ginny smiled as she gazed at Sharon, who now seemed bathed in a golden radiance on stage. A trace of fondness flickered in her eyes. “This… is the Sharon I remember… at her most dazzling.”
Maestro Warner had been invited as a special guest and was seated beside Uriah.
Back in the day, Uriah’s late wife had loved music, and through her, he’d built a friendly rapport with Maestro Warner.
Given Warner’s age and status, it wasn’t at all strange for him to sit beside such a distinguished host.
When John and Casey performed, Maestro Warner had sighed in admiration, surprised that Uriah could invite such gifted performers. It was no small feat.
When Matty took the stage, Warner felt the young man had genuine musical potential, worth nurturing, with a promising future.
But when Sharon stepped onto the stage, he was momentarily stunned.
In another section of the audience, Richard sat with his eyes fixed on the stage, staring at the familiar silhouette, disbelief flickering in his gaze.
“That performer… she looks just like Jenna. Is it… her?”
“That’s Jenna,” Rick replied, his tone calm but his brow furrowed subtly. “It seems she’s one of the performers Uriah invited.”
In Rick’s eyes, to perform at someone else’s birthday celebration-even one as prominent as Uriah’s—was no different than parading oneself like a street entertainer.
Victoria also performed, but her appearances were mostly at formal competitions or professional concerts.
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Chapter 499
There was a fundamental difference between selling tickets for a prestigious concert and begging to perform at a private event.
Even Uriah, no matter how influential, wouldn’t dare ask someone like Victoria—a true socialite and heiress-to lower herself to perform onstage for others’ entertainment.
When Victoria saw Sharon, a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes.
Then she smiled faintly and gave a slow shake of her head.
Clearly, Jenna had fallen far, reduced now to performing for others like this. How unfortunate.
Any musician with a shred of dignity would rarely accept such private, frivolous gigs just to amuse a crowd.
After all, among the audience tonight, few truly understood or appreciated music. (1)
Most were simply here for the spectacle.
She had known for some time that Sharon could play the violin, but she’d never taken it seriously.
Their father hadn’t paid it much attention either.
Perhaps that was because they thought Sharon’s skill was only good enough to amuse the masses.
But while everyone was busy forming their own judgments, a sweet, lilting melody began to flow from the stage.
Sharon had begun her performance.
v
Chapter 500
Sharon played her original breakthrough piece, First Love.
The beautiful melody shimmered like countless stars scattered across the night sky.
A bright full moon slowly emerged, its pale light reflecting off the rippling water like a layer of frost.
The atmosphere in the hall gradually hushed.
This violin solo was serene and gentle, tinged with a faint melancholy, yet it was never bleak or despairing.
It didn’t weigh heavily on the listener but instead invited them to drift into memories of the past-an inexplicable resonance stirring within.
Richard sat in the audience, his gaze fixed on Sharon’s graceful figure on stage, his mind wandering into a haze.
Her silhouette seemed to merge with the image etched deep in his memory.
Suddenly, he recalled the moment he first fell for Sharon’s mother-seeing her play violin on stage with such earnest focus and
brilliance.
Even the darkness of night could not dim her radiant light.
He had never mentioned to the Kalen brothers or Sharon that their mother was an exceptional woman-brilliant and gifted, with musical talent nearly maxed out, achieving remarkable success at a young age.
During his years of amnesia, she had set aside her career to take charge of the Kalen Group. With unwavering strength, she turned the tide alone.
For a woman to steady a company surrounded by predators was no small feat. While managing the business, she also searched for him and cared for their three children.
When he finally returned, she relinquished control to him, even though his memories had yet to fully return.
Later, as he recovered his past, he became entangled with Victoria’s mother.
Deep down, he knew that having almost lost his life for her sake, with three children between them and her owning 20% of Kalen Group, she could never truly abandon him.
Yet she left decisively, taking nothing with her.
During her absence, deep inside, he resented her coldness and her abandonment of their family. That was why he never sought
her out.
He refused to believe she could truly leave her three children behind. 1
But not only did she leave-they never saw each other again, and she never left him a single word.
In his youth, Richard had loved another woman.
But now, hearing this piece titled First Love, the first image to rise in his mind was that of Sharon’s mother.
Sharon resembled Shayla closely.
But before this moment, he never thought Sharon looked like her mother.
Sharon appeared gentle, sweet, and obedient-nothing like Shayla’s steely resolve and fierce passion.
For Shayla, neither wealth nor power mattered-they could be discarded without a second thought.
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Chapter 500
If she wanted to leave, nothing could hold her back.
He hated her for that, yet he had to admit he loved her for it too.
Victoria’s mother was a wonderful woman as well. If not for family troubles, she might have had a brighter future.
They had been married for three years before her untimely death, which weighed heavily on his conscience.
He often remembered their happy times together.
Still, the one he loved most was Shayla.
Thus, after Shayla left, he never sought another. (1)
When Shayla sent Sharon back to the Kalen family, he thought it was a strategic retreat on her part.
Sharon was his biological daughter. He owed her his care and protection.
Chapter 501
All these years, Sharon had lived adrift, never once enjoying even a fraction of the Kalen family’s resources.
After the incident with Cole, had Sharon admitted her role on the spot, Richard might have seen her as bold and accountable, perhaps even gained a measure of respect for her.
He might even have chosen to let the matter go. 1
But her refusal to own up to what she’d done left him bitterly disappointed.
Apart from her looks, she hadn’t inherited any of her mother’s excellence.
After Sharon left the Kalen family, Richard had reflected on this. Perhaps, he thought, he had expected too much from her.
She hadn’t grown up like her mother, nurtured in privilege and afforded the finest education.
He already had an exceptional daughter. Hence, there was no need to demand the same from Sharon.
Yet now, watching his daughter on stage, he suddenly saw a flicker of Shayla in her. Perhaps she wasn’t as lacking as he had assumed.
Beside him, Victoria sat with a relaxed smile-at first. But as the violin’s notes flowed through the hall, her smile gradually faded, replaced by a glimmer of surprise.
Sharon’s violin skills… were far beyond what she had imagined.
Victoria remembered that Sharon had also studied the instrument, though Victoria had never heard her perform.
For some reason, Victoria had simply assumed Sharon wasn’t particularly good. At the very least, not better than her.
But Victoria was no novice-she could tell right away: Sharon’s technique was outstanding. Perhaps… even better than hers.
Out in the corridor of hall, a tall, lean young man with elegant features wandered toward the exit, bored and restless.
He had come hoping to meet Sharon in person.
He wanted to see what kind of woman could repeatedly make Kelly suffer-what charm she possessed that even Uriah, who was known for being eccentric and reclusive for years, had been coaxed out of retirement on her behalf.
But after waiting so long, all he got was a performance by a man, a woman, and a child. It was profoundly dull.
He did enjoy violin music and had developed a refined taste over the years. Naturally, he could recognize that the male performer played fairly well.
But the piece itself failed to move him.
For years now, there had only been one piece he truly loved-“First Love,” the one Kelly had played in the garden.
He had listened to it again and again, never growing tired of it.
And yet, that feeling he experienced the first time he heard it… no one had been able to replicate it. Not even Kelly herself.
She once explained that such transcendence in music couldn’t be forced, that it came only when the stars aligned. Some people might never experience it. For others, it might come only once in a lifetime. So she could not recreate that moment.
He understood. And still, he couldn’t help feeling disappointed.
Over the years, he had searched for a performer who could bring him that same sensation. But none ever came close.
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Until now.
The music drifting from the hall caught his attention.
There was something about it-something faintly familiar.
It echoed that night in the garden.
The timbre was slightly different, but the emotion… the soul of it… was unmistakably similar.
His steps came to a halt.
Bathed in the shifting interplay of light and shadow, his finely sculpted features came into view.
Eyes like polished obsidian-clear, luminous, sharp with curiosity. Long lashes cast a gentle shadow, softening his gaze.
He was a strikingly handsome young man, with an almost boyish air of purit
Chapter 502
After Sharon’s performance came to an end, the hall fell into a moment of hushed silence.
Then, someone began to applaud, followed swiftly by thunderous clapping that echoed through the entire venue.
Those who understood music could immediately recognize just how flawless the performance had been.
Even those who didn’t grasp the technicalities found themselves moved by the melody and offered their applause without hesitation.
The piece, First Love, had brought the evening to an emotional peak.
Sharon’s interpretation was unlike any of the previous performers-imbued with a rare, ethereal quality.
It was the kind of music even a layperson could appreciate. Far from the lifeless, rigid concerts many were used to, this was alive
and soulful.
In the audience, Abby couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.
“She’s incredible! Even someone like me, who doesn’t understand the violin at all, feels like listening to her play is a genuine pleasure. And she looks perfect with my brother! What a perfect match! No wonder he doesn’t want to come home. If I were him … I wouldn’t want to leave her either.”
Abby had already learned from her father that the woman on stage was none other than her brother John’s junior. They had studied under the same teacher. And one of the main reasons he refused to come home… was because of her.
At her remark, Kenneth shot her a sharp glare, a silent warning in his eyes.
Catching the hint, Abby muttered under her breath, “But she’s gorgeous… and she has such a striking presence. Even in our circle of socialites, she’d be considered top-tier.”
Kenneth gave a cold snort. “Your circle of socialites? You’re so lazy and frivolous. You dare call yourself a socialite?”
Abby coughed awkwardly. “Dad, please. Don’t expose all my shortcomings in front of everyone.”
Kenneth continued, “Look at Victoria. That’s what a true young lady should be. If you could be even half as accomplished as her, I’d wake up laughing in my sleep.”
Abby pouted. “Victoria’s the number one socialite in the circle-practically the gold standard. If I could be half as good as her, I’d already be in the upper-middle ranks. I mean, look at me. Do I really have that kind of talent or capability?”
Kenneth was left speechless.
Abby glanced back at Sharon on stage and said, “Dad, since she’s John’s junior, I’ll go and speak with her after the performance. Maybe if I build a good relationship with her, she can help convince John to come home.”
Kenneth hesitated. “But…”
Abby cut him off. “Dad, it’s a good thing you only pressured John and didn’t do anything to Sharon. At worst, he’ll be upset, but at least he won’t resent you forever.
“Back then, when his mom died, he had no family and almost no money. It was Sharon’s mother who took him in as her student, paid for his education, and helped him become the man he is today.
“Because of her, he got into Bell University. His education and manners are just as polished as any rich heir’s.
“When it’s time for him to inherit the family business, no one will be able to criticize him. Thank God you weren’t completely out of your mind back then…”
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Kenneth’s face darkened. “Do you think I’m that foolish?”
John’s birth mother hadn’t been nearly as capable as Sharon’s mother. She was an ordinary woman of modest means, forced to live a low-profile life while avoiding Kenneth’s former wife. John and his mother had lived in poverty for years.
After her death, young John barely scraped by on government assistance. If it hadn’t been for Sharon’s mother, he probably would’ve dropped out of school and taken whatever job he could find just to survive.
Even if Kenneth had tracked him down later, without that education and polish, John would never have been able to handle real
responsibility.
The truth was, Sharon’s mother had done the Westin family a huge favor.
Now that she was gone, the least they could do was treat her daughter with the respect she’d earned.
After a moment of reflection, Kenneth said, “Go make a connection with Sharon. Her mother helped John when he needed it most. To repay that debt, the Westin family will take her in as an adopted daughter.”
Chapter 503
Abby looked at her father with a flicker of surprise in her gaze.
“You want to adopt Sharon as your foster daughter?”
Kenneth nodded. “She and John grew up together and share a sibling-like bond. The Westin family has very few heirs. Taking in a foster daughter is hardly an issue.”
When Sharon was brought back into the Kalen family, she had still been in school and had never appeared in any public setting. Aside from those very close to the Kalen family, few had actually seen her in person. Most people simply assumed she was just an ordinary girl.
Although Abby and Victoria were on good terms, Abby had been studying abroad during that period. And Victoria, always guarded, had never once mentioned Sharon to her. And, of course, Victoria had no intention of letting others know she was an illegitimate daughter.
Abby scoffed. “You’re just worried John might want to marry Sharon, so you’re adopting her to cut off that possibility, aren’t you?”
Kenneth didn’t deny it. “Sharon is Carter’s ex-wife, and she has a child. That makes her unsuitable to become the future lady of the Westin family.”
Marriage between social equals was a tradition rooted in centuries of custom. When he was younger, Kenneth had believed that love could conquer all. But reality had taught him otherwise: marriages between families of equal standing were far more likely to endure.
Though his split with John’s mother had partly resulted from familial interference, the deeper issue had been incompatibility in daily life. Their separation had been civil.
Kenneth didn’t look down on Sharon. But as a divorced woman with a modest education, her limited perspective and life experience would inevitably restrict her.
After a pause, he added, “She may not be young, but learning has no age limit. Once she officially becomes part of our family, we’ll send her back to school for further studies. Becoming a well-rounded, cultured heiress will benefit her, especially if she considers remarriage in the future.”
He spoke with genuine consideration. He wasn’t thinking about status or image, but about giving Sharon a better future.
Abby was speechless. Sharon hadn’t even agreed to be adopted yet, and her father was already planning her entire path forward.
Internally, she rolled her eyes but didn’t voice her complaints this time.
In fact, her father’s proposal suddenly sparked an idea.
Right… If Sharon became her non-blood-related “sister,” then her father would stop hovering over her every day, constantly nagging her to study.
Abby was a hedonist at heart. She had no love for academics, but her father had always been obsessed with education.
Back when her brother was still around, he had shouldered that pressure. But ever since John left, their father had turned all his expectations toward her.
Unfortunately, she was hopeless when it came to ambition. She had no lofty dreams or hunger for success. As long as she could enjoy a life of luxury and never run out of spending money, she didn’t even care about company shares.
She was born lazy, and she embraced it.
Now, she was more eager than ever for Sharon to officially join their family. She silently vowed to cultivate a good relationship
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with Sharon.
Later, Sharon performed again. This time, in an ensemble with John, Matty, and Casey.
The crowd was already buzzing with excitement, and their next piece brought an even bigger wave of applause.
An elderly woman with silver hair leaned toward the person beside her and asked, “What’s the name of that girl playing the violin? She’s lovely and so talented. My granddaughter is thinking of learning an instrument. I think the violin would be perfect. I’d like to hire her as my granddaughter’s violin teacher.”
Another guest chimed in with a chuckle, “Well, look at you! Gone for years, and you come back with actual musical taste. Who knew?”
Beside Uriah, Maestro Warner’s eyebrows lifted in quiet astonishment.
Sharon’s performance was far beyond what one would expect from someone who hadn’t touched a violin in five years.
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Chapter 504
Sharon’s natural talent rivaled-even surpassed-that of her mother, Shayla.
“First Love” was a notoriously difficult piece, often featured in high-level competitions. While many could perform it well, few could truly touch the audience’s soul. (1)
Over the years, countless musicians had attempted to interpret “First Love”, but no matter how skilled, their renditions always seemed to lack the original’s essence.
And yet, Sharon’s performance had come astonishingly close to recapturing that elusive spirit.
This discovery left Maestro Warner quietly stunned.
Uriah, oblivious to the flicker of surprise in Warner’s eyes, chuckled as he leaned over and asked, “Warner, I’m no music expert. Help me judge. What do you think of the girl’s violin playing?”
Maestro Warner returned to his senses. “Impressive. She has both skill and innate talent.”
Uriah arched an eyebrow, his smile dripping with playful provocation. “So tell me, how does she stack up against your golden pupil, Kelly?”
Maestro Warner stilled. A man of his experience recognized Uriah’s game immediately. “That musical prodigy you swore I had to meet… it was her, wasn’t it?”
Uriah played coy. “The pianist, the violinist, even the child performer-they’re all remarkably gifted. What makes you so certain I meant her?”
Awry smile touched Warner’s lips. “All this drama over rejecting one student. Did she complain to you after I turned her down?”
Uriah’s eyes gleamed with a deeper meaning. “Complain? Warner, you’ve always prided yourself on fairness and objectivity. Why pass judgment so quickly on someone you barely know? That’s not like you. Could it be that someone influenced your opinion? Planted a few choice words in your ear?” (1
Maestro Warner assumed Sharon had, for whatever reason, sought out Uriah and convinced him to intervene on her behalf. A trace of displeasure flickered across his face.
In the past, when selecting students, he had prioritized raw talent. But over time, he’d come to value character just as much.
He’d met many who had pursued him persistently in search of a chance. Even if he didn’t accept them as students, he would still offer guidance out of respect for their sincerity, and perhaps help them find other paths.
Sharon’s calm and gracious demeanor when he declined her previously had left him with a decent impression. But today’s turn of events made him question her character.
He had heard she came from an ordinary background. Now, seeing her push so hard to gain favor, he couldn’t help but suspect she was simply trying to boost her own value, perhaps to marry into wealth by adding a touch of prestige to her name.
Maestro Warner fell silent for a few seconds, then said, “I’ve already made it public that I won’t be taking on any more students. If I go back on my word now…”
Before he could finish, Uriah cut in with a grin. “Warner, there’s no need to worry about that. I’ve already taken her as my apprentice. Don’t get any ideas about poaching her.”
Maestro Warner blinked. “What?”
Uriah stroked his snow-white beard and replied with a leisurely air, “She’s mine now. I invited you here today to enjoy the music, not to eye my apprentice.”
Warner could hardly believe his ears. “You took her as your apprentice? But… she plays the violin, and you’re a physician…”
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Uriah shot him a sharp look and interrupted, “Who says a physician can’t take on a musician as an apprentice? Sharon is kind- hearted, capable, and has a strong moral compass. Not only will I mentor her, I plan to make her my granddaughter-in-law!”
Kind-hearted?
Kindness could be faked. Good intentions were judged by actions, not appearances.
As for capable…
Warner honestly couldn’t see how someone with only a junior high school education could be considered “exceptional.”
Still, he wasn’t the sort of man to speak ill of others behind their backs. Seeing how highly Uriah regarded Sharon, Warner simply offered a faint smile and said nothing more. (1)
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Chapter 505
After the ensemble performance concluded, the four musicians took the stage for a curtain call. Just as they were about to leave, the host gestured for Sharon to stay behind.
Though slightly puzzled, Sharon didn’t question it and remained onstage.
With a bright smile, the host announced, “Today is a special occasion… Uriah’s 70th birthday! Now, please welcome the man of
the hour!”
At that moment, Uriah slowly made his way onto the stage, supported by Damien.
Once onstage, Damien gave Sharon a brief, unreadable glance before quickly looking away.
Uriah wore a sharp, tailored suit, and his demeanor radiated energy and vitality. He offered Sharon a small nod and a reassuring smile before taking the microphone.
“Thank you all for coming,” he said graciously. “I know you’re all very busy, so I’m honored by your presence at my birthday
celebration.”
After a few polite pleasantries, his tone shifted.
“I’m sure everyone here has just seen this young lady perform,” he said, gesturing toward Sharon. “Allow me to properly introduce Sharon McKinzie. She is the first and only apprentice I’ve ever chosen to take under my wing.”
A ripple of murmurs spread through the assembled guests.
“My reason for this introduction is simple,” he declared, his voice gaining steel. “To certain individuals who would look at Sharon and see an orphan without connections, who would mistake that perceived vulnerability for weakness, hear me now. From this moment forward, she carries my name. She operates under my protection. And she will always have my unconditional
support.
“And if anyone-and I mean anyone-dares to trouble her again, they’ll answer directly to me. There won’t be second chances.”
As he spoke, he cast a faint, pointed glance in the direction where Nate and Carter were seated.
The hall erupted in shocked murmurs.
Everyone knew Uriah had been reclusive for years. Yet here he was, making a rare public appearance on his own birthday, just to formally introduce this young woman?
It was clear how seriously he regarded her.
Who exactly was she? His illegitimate daughter? Or perhaps, a secret granddaughter?
Even if she were family, wasn’t this a bit… excessive?
Nate, watching from the audience, looked as if he had seen a ghost. And it wasn’t just him. Carter and Kelly sat frozen in place, completely stunned.
Kelly’s voice trembled as she finally spoke, “H-He’s… he’s the mysterious and legendary head of the Malcolm family?”
She wanted to believe there had been some mistake.
But who else could gather this many top-tier families in one place? Only that legendary figure.
Madeline’s eyes lit up at Kelly’s words, her face growing visibly animated. “Kelly, you know Uriah? He’s an extraordinary man!
“Back in his prime, his medical skills were unmatched. He cured countless patients, many of them believed to be beyond saving. Some of his patients came from the most elite families in the country. In gratitude, they showered him with rare treasures and
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priceless gifts.
“But that’s not even the most impressive part. What truly made him formidable was the vast network of connections he built through his decades of saving lives. That network is what gave birth to the Malcolm Group.”
The Malcolm Group had started with a pharmaceutical company.
There was no need to explain how profitable that was. After all, everyone gets sick. Everyone needs medicine.
In just thirty years, the Malcolm Group had risen with unstoppable momentum to become one of the nation’s most powerful conglomerates.
Their rapid ascent naturally provoked envy.
But no one dared to challenge them. Because no one could guarantee that they, or their loved ones, wouldn’t one day need
Uriah’s help.
Within high society, Uriah was revered as a legend in his own right. Anyone who could gain his favor, even a commoner, might leap several social classes in an instant.
As Madeline continued her account, cold sweat beaded on Nate’s forehead and began trickling down his temples. The back of his
shirt was soon soaked.
He had never imagined that the man whose clinic he had once trashed in arrogance would turn out to be this powerful.
And now, he suddenly understood why the Malcolm family had invited the Hendricks family-why he, specifically, had received a personal invitation.
How could Sharon, whom he had always dismissed as a useless nobody, have ties to a powerful figure like Uriah?
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Chapter 506
A wave of tightness gripped Kelly’s chest. She had always thought Uriah was just a charlatan in elderly disguise. Never had she imagined his medical skills were the real deal.
If that were true… then wouldn’t he have already seen through her act of feigning illness?
Even with her slow reaction, Kelly realized in that moment that Uriah had been playing her from the start.
And Sharon… Sharon had probably known she wasn’t actually sick all along.
The reason Sharon hadn’t exposed her, and even played along, was likely to ensure she could get that 100 million from Carter.
If Uriah had been a powerless old man, Carter might have doubted his words. But Uriah was the founder of the Malcolm Group. Anything he said, Carter was very likely to believe.
She… she was about to be exposed!
From the corner of her eye, Kelly glanced at Carter and noticed the look of surprise on his face as well. Her heart pounded violently as panic coursed through her body.
Suddenly, a name flashed in her mind-Thomas.
Yes, she still had Thomas! 1
He had promised he would come to Amstern City.
While Carter’s attention remained fixed on the stage, Kelly quickly sent Thomas a message.
Elsewhere, in the corridor, Thomas received her text. His finely sculpted brows lifted ever so slightly.
He replied: [Don’t worry. I’ll take care of this problem for you.]
Only after receiving his response did Kelly finally breathe a small sigh of relief.
Still uneasy, she asked: [How do you plan to handle it?]
Thomas: [Come to the corridor.]
Kelly’s heart skipped. She scanned her surroundings.
Thomas was already here? Why hadn’t she seen him at all?
In a low voice, she turned to Carter and said, “Carter, I’m going to the restroom.”
He barely glanced at her, distracted by the events on stage, and gave a distracted nod. “Mm.”
Kelly swiftly made her way into the corridor.
There, leaning nonchalantly against the windowsill, stood a tall, lean man.
His posture was relaxed, yet he radiated an air of effortless elegance and noble refinement. At the sight of her, his eyes turned her way, glinting with subtle amusement.
“Kelly, it’s been a while,” he said in a soft, melodious voice that carried like a breeze.
Anyone who didn’t know him might mistake him for a warm, sunshine-filled youth.
“Thomas…”
Kelly opened her mouth to speak, but he raised a finger to his lips in a silencing gesture and nodded toward the hall.
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“Let’s talk somewhere else.”
Her expression tensed. Fearing eavesdroppers, she immediately fell silent.
The back garden was quiet and deserted. Everyone had gathered inside to watch the performance.
With her lies on the verge of being exposed, Kelly was visibly flustered. Fear of Thomas uncovering the truth took a backseat as she rushed to speak.
“Thomas, have you figured out how to deal with Sharon? If not, we should just make her disappear…permanently. Now that she has Uriah’s protection, she’ll only become harder to touch. We need to act fast.”
She didn’t bother putting on her usual innocent and harmless facade in front of Thomas. He wasn’t like Carter.
Thomas stood by people, not principles. He didn’t care about right or wrong, good or evil.
To him, if someone he cared about was a bloodthirsty demon, he would protect them without hesitation.
If he didn’t care about someone-even if they were as kind as an angel-he’d kill them without batting an eye.
What’s more, he despised pretenders and false sentiment.
Rather than pretending in front of him, speaking honestly was what he valued and respected most.
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Chapter 507
When he heard Kelly’s words, Thomas raised his eyebrows slightly.
“Kelly, didn’t you once say no when I offered to deal with her for you?”
Kelly froze.
He was right. He had suggested it before, and she had refused.
All she wanted then was to win over Carter. She wasn’t some cold-blooded monster who would kill without a second thought. There was no need to get blood on her hands.
But things had changed.
Now that Sharon had Uriah backing her, even Thomas would have a hard time going against the Malcolm family.
So why not go all the way and erase Sharon?
She parted her lips, instinctively searching for an excuse. But no words came out.
Time had changed her. Her heart had grown darker.
Seeing the shadow cross her face, Thomas didn’t press her for an answer. He never really expected one. Whether she was kind or cruel made no difference to him.
He said, “I can do this for you. But before I do, I want to ask you something.”
Kelly asked, “What is it?”
Thomas looked at her. His eyes darkened, with none of the clarity they’d held moments ago.
“All these years,” he said, “why have you never been able to play a piece like the one that night?”
Kelly froze, then understood immediately. He must have heard Sharon perform First Love just now, and it had brought back that
memory.
Everyone had their own playing style. She hadn’t been the one playing the violin that night. Naturally, she could never replicate the feeling he remembered.
She had tried, in her own way, to replicate that sound and sensation. But real feelings were elusive things. She had never been able to pin down exactly what it was he heard that night.
“I was in a really good state that evening,” she began to explain. “I—”
Thomas cut her off before she could finish.
“But today, when I heard Sharon play, it felt very close to what I heard that night.”
Kelly paused. “You mean… the original style?”
“Original style?”
She quickly added, “Her performance today was very similar to the original composition’s tone and feel.”
She glanced at Thomas, then continued, “Most beginners tend to mimic the original very closely. But professional violinists— true musicians-they develop their own style.
“Back then, when ‘First Love’ first started gaining attention, I practiced it in the garden almost every day. At the beginning, I followed the original’s style as closely as I could. But once I became familiar with it, I began to blend in my own interpretation.”
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She wasn’t lying. She really had developed her own style. Only amateurs got stuck mimicking. No matter how close the imitation, it would always be someone else’s sound
That thought brought her a flicker of ease. She let out a long breath and gave a soft smile.
“Thomas, you’ve had so many professional violinists play ‘First Love’ for you. But I’m sure you’ve realized, not many could capture the feeling you’re looking for. Not because they weren’t skilled, but because…. they’re all professionals. They already have a sound of their own.
“You think Sharon’s version sounds right because she’s still copying the original. She played ‘First Love’ at the kindergarten talent show too, remember? I honestly suspect she only knows how to play a handful of pieces.”
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Chapter 508
‘Right,’ Kelly thought, ‘how did I not think of that?’
Sharon kept circling back to “First Love”. Maybe she’d chosen that one piece and practiced it obsessively, copying it note for
note.
It made sense now. How could a woman who had been a housewife for five years possess such impressive musical talent? And as for Ginny and the others, claiming Sharon was some Hall of Fame member at Bell University?
Kelly let out a soft, dismissive laugh. Most likely, they had said it out of respect for Uriah. Who would dare go against him once he’d spoken?
She had really believed Sharon might have some real talent. But now… it seemed Sharon was nothing special after all.
Kelly repeated this to herself like a quiet chant, refusing to admit Sharon might actually be better than her. She clung to this reasonable excuse, soothed herself with it, and felt her mood gradually lighten.
She looked over at Thomas, only to find his expression thoughtful and distant. She couldn’t tell how much he believed.
Thomas didn’t care about her. His thoughts were always somewhere else, always circling back to that violinist in the garden. He wasn’t so easily deceived. (1
“If you like,” Kelly said, “I can go back and imitate the original version again. Unless…”
She hesitated a moment before saying, “You suspect the one playing in the garden that night wasn’t me?”
When talking to someone like Thomas, bringing things into the open was sometimes more effective than keeping them hidden.
He looked at her with a faint, unreadable smile. “I do have my doubts. After all, you don’t have the keepsake.”
Kelly never had the other earring.
Back then, he had been desperate to find that person. All his searches had led to one conclusion—at that specific time, the only one in the garden was Kelly. He had even found witnesses who confirmed she’d been practicing “First Love” there regularly.
When he confronted her, she hadn’t denied it.
Could he really have gotten it wrong? Could there really be such a coincidence in this world?
Kelly’s breath quickened without warning. Her fingers tensed slightly. “I can’t prove I was the one you’re looking for. If you don’t believe me… then forget it. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”
She lowered her head, ready to walk past him.
“Kelly,” Thomas said, stopping her gently, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “You took that seriously? I was just joking.” (1)
Kelly forced a small smile. “No… I just thought, what if you really did mistake me for someone else…”
“There is no ‘what if,”” Thomas said, his black eyes darkening with a cold, dangerous glint. “That ‘what if’ would mean you’ve been lying to me.”
His smile didn’t fade. His voice remained gentle. But deep within those eyes, there was only ice, void of any warmth.
“Kelly, do you know what it costs to lie to me?”
He was too dangerous.
Kelly knew that staying close to him was like bargaining with a tiger. One misstep, and she’d be torn to pieces.
But she had no way back. That door had already closed.
And maybe because of that, she made up her mind.
“I was joking,” she said with a dazzling smile. “You made a joke with me just now. I figured I’d return the favor. Seems fair, doesn’t it? You’re not mad at me, are you?”
Thomas smiled too. And just like that, the storm in his eyes passed.
“Kelly, what I like most is that all-or-nothing side of you. I’ll deal with Sharon. Don’t worry. However… this is Amstern City. And right now, she has Uriah’s full support. And her upperclassman is the Westin family’s heir. It won’t be easy dealing with her.
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Chapter
Chapter 509
“This needs to be approached with caution. Rushing it would do more harm than good,” Thomas said.
Kelly froze. “The Westin family’s heir? You mean… John?”
Thomas gave a slight nod. “Sharon doesn’t know yet, but she’s likely to find out today. Once she does, she’ll definitely try to persuade John to return to the Westin family. And he will.”
He turned to glance at her, his eyes dark and unreadable.
“With the Malcolm family, the Westin family, and even your beloved Carter’s family all standing behind her, it’s nearly impossible to touch Sharon now. She’s no longer someone who can be easily pushed around.”
During those years Sharon spent with the Kalen family, Thomas had been unable to dig up anything useful. He still didn’t know she had yet another hidden identity. 1
Thomas checked the time. “It’s getting late. I’ll head off now.”
He gave her a deliberately mysterious wink and whispered, “Keep my visit today a secret, will you?”
With that, he walked away without looking back.
Back at the performance hall, the Kalen family stared at Uriah on stage, stunned.
Richard muttered in disbelief, “Jenna knows Uriah? How on earth did they meet?”
Uriah had been eccentric even in his younger years. After his wife passed, his temper only worsened. When in a foul mood, he acknowledged no one, spared no feelings, and gave no face.
Over the years, countless people had invited him to events, yet not once had he ever accepted.
Rick frowned. “How did Jenna manage to get someone like Uriah to vouch for her?”
Victoria hesitated for a moment, then said, “Dad, do you think… maybe Jenna told Uriah that she’s from the Kalen family?
Maybe that’s why?”
Her words gave Richard pause. His expression darkened.
Rick scowled. “Jenna went to ask Uriah for help on her own? Now we owe the Malcolm family a huge favor. She’s so reckless!”
Debts of gratitude were always the hardest to repay, especially when it came to someone like Uriah.
Richard looked troubled. But thinking about the hardships Sharon had endured over the years, he forced himself to find a few excuses to soften the situation in his mind.
“Let it go… Back then, we shouldn’t have driven her out in the first place.”
Rick recalled something Uriah had said earlier. “But… why did he say Sharon was an orphan?”
Victoria thought for a moment. “Maybe Cole told him about our situation, and Uriah didn’t reveal her identity to protect Jenna’s dignity.”
Rick turned to Richard. “Dad, we can’t let Jenna keep claiming the Malcolm name. It’ll make our family look petty.”
Richard let out a sigh. “Once she returns home, we’ll officially announce her identity.”
Rick asked, “Are we still going with the original plan?”
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A flicker of hesitation crossed Richard’s eyes.
The original plan had been to acknowledge Sharon as an adopted daughter, not a biological one. The Kalen family couldn’t afford a scandal. Publicly recognizing an illegitimate daughter would damage their reputation. (1)
But judging from what happened last time, Sharon had a temper.
She had left home for all those years and never contacted the Kalen family once. If they tried to bring her back as an adopted daughter, she might not accept it.
Richard turned to glance at Victoria again.
Back when Sharon still lived in the Kalen household, things had seemed peaceful on the surface between her and Victoria. But beneath it, there must have been envy brewing.
Otherwise, she wouldn’t have gone after Victoria’s fiancé.
Chapter 510
Cole, on his own, wasn’t someone Richard cared much about.
But with Uriah now involved, Richard figured that Cole wouldn’t be in any position to oppose his plans.
When Uriah publicly acknowledged Sharon, the Westin family sitting in the audience was visibly stunned.
Abby couldn’t hide a hint of schadenfreude. “Dad, looks like you’re a step too late. You see how fond Uriah is of Sharon?”
Kenneth wasn’t ready to give up. “He only said he was taking her as an apprentice. He never said anything about taking her in as a granddaughter.”
Still, it was clear to everyone that Sharon now had Uriah’s backing. And that made it all the more important for Abby to be on good terms with her.
After the performance ended, the guests began moving toward the banquet hall. Abby was the first to dash out, eager to find
Sharon.
Victoria caught her in motion. “Abby, where are you rushing off to?”
That’s when Abby realized she hadn’t said anything to Victoria yet. She circled back and said, “I’m going to look for Sharon. You know she’s my brother’s junior.”
She looked around and lowered her voice. “My dad’s thinking about adopting her. I just want to talk to her first, see where she
stands.”
Victoria’s eyes narrowed slightly. Her normally composed face showed a flicker of disbelief.
“Adopt? As a foster daughter?”
Abby nodded. She had always considered Victoria her close friend and had never been good at keeping things to herself.
“My dad’s talked to John a few times, but he simply refuses to come home and take over the family business. Seems like he can’t let go of his junior. They grew up together. It’s not an ordinary bond.
“I heard she’s had a rough time. Just got divorced not long ago. My brother probably still worries about her. My dad thinks that if he adopts her, he can take better care of her while also cutting off any lingering romantic thoughts John might have for her. Kill
two birds with one stone.”
Abby rambled on, not noticing the change in Victoria’s expression.
At that moment, Victoria felt hollow.
Her father and brother were still agonizing over how to present Sharon’s identity to the public. Meanwhile, the Westin family had already made up their minds-they would adopt her without hesitation.
Victoria said, “But if your family suddenly adopts a foster daughter, aren’t you worried people will talk?”
Abby understood what she was implying. “My dad doesn’t care much about that stuff. Besides, my brother’s an illegitimate child
himself.
“My dad’s not trying to hide it. He says a lie takes a thousand more lies to keep up. It’s exhausting. He never cheated, never kept a mistress, so he’s not ashamed.” (2
John had been conceived while Kenneth was still with his first love. Though born out of wedlock, he wasn’t a disgrace. On the contrary, Kenneth now saw him as the family’s future, and he practically wanted to broadcast it to the world.
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you later.”
This wasn’t something she could ignore. Her father and brother had to know. (1)
The Westin family couldn’t be allowed to adopt Sharon. If she accepted, and her true identity was revealed later, the Kalen family would become the laughingstock of the city.
Though puzzled, Abby didn’t press.
“Alright. Come find me when you’re done.”
Uriah walked with Sharon through the hall, introducing her to powerful and influential figures.
Sharon understood that he was raising her up, giving her a place in their world
A quiet warmth bloomed in her chest. She was deeply grateful
Uriah’s actions made it clear: in his eyes, she was already one of his own.
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