Chapter 866
Everyone present had heard whispers about the Walton family’s way of doing things.
Johanna’s methods were ruthless, but she lived by a simple creed: if others didn’t cross her, she wouldn’t cross them. Beneath that hardness, she was loyal, deeply emotional, and valued righteousness.
The reason she and Victoria had become close friends stemmed from a single incident-when Victoria once stepped in to defend her. From that moment on, Johanna had never forgotten the kindness.
Whenever Victoria encountered trouble, Johanna would solve it if she could. If she couldn’t, she would turn to her elder brother, Jamie.
Johanna and Jamie had relied on each other since childhood, and he valued this younger sister above all else. That he had later fallen hopelessly for Victoria owed much to Johanna’s influence.
One could say Johanna was Victoria’s sharp blade. Everyone present knew it. And Johanna herself was well aware.
But she didn’t mind. Every relationship had to be built on mutual benefit.
She was Victoria’s blade, while Victoria was her strategist.
With Victoria’s guidance over the years, Johanna had established herself firmly within the Walton family. She was no longer the pitiful girl who once cowered behind her brother’s shadow, forced to live at the mercy of others.
Jamie had his own work and couldn’t protect her every moment. And the Walton family was a family that devoured its own. In the past, Johanna had nearly lost her life to their endless schemes.
After meeting Victoria, that never happened again. She carved out her own place in the family.
Feelings alone were too fragile to sustain relationships. Real bonds came from the value one brought to the other.
Until Thomas appeared, Johanna had always believed this.
She wasn’t as clever as Victoria, but neither was she a fool. Victoria would never waste time on someone hopeless.
Johanna always knew when to cooperate with Victoria. Though in her mind, letting Sharon take the blame for tonight’s incident would have been best, Victoria was still held back by considerations of blood and family ties.
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Hearing Victoria and Johanna’s words, the expressions on Richard and Rick’s faces eased noticeably. They, at least, wanted to avoid siblings turning against one another.
Lex, however, thought differently. He believed Johanna was only covering for Victoria. 2
Soon after, Victoria was wheeled into her hospital room. Lex had already begun contacting a team of doctors for her treatment.
Once inside, Richard turned to Johanna, Thomas, and the others.
“Our family has matters to discuss privately. I hope you can wait outside for a while.”
Johanna, Thomas, Lex, and Cole took the hint and left.
When the door shut, Richard spoke.
“Sharon, everything for your return to the Kalen family is ready. Your brothers and I have made all the arrangements. I want to host a grand party to formally announce your identity. When would you be free?”
Sharon blinked in surprise at him. 1
This was the same Richard who, for the sake of appearances—and to spare Victoria, the nation’s number one socialite, from scandal-had once considered publicly declaring her a mere foster daughter. Even as an “adopted child”, he had insisted she learn every rule and wait several years before being acknowledged.
Now, without mentioning adoption at all, he was recognizing her as his true-born daughter.
It caught Sharon off guard.
It didn’t fit the Kalen family’s usual way of doing things. Surely there was a trap hidden somewhere.
She couldn’t believe Richard had suddenly found a conscience. After all, only moments ago, they had been questioning her. (1)
Sharon considered briefly before replying, “The international competition is about to begin. Let’s wait until it’s over.”
“No problem,” Richard said warmly. “By the way, Sharon, congratulations on the success of
your concert.” 1
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