Chapter 22
Chapter 22
Just then , a well – dressed woman appeared on the screen , and with her was none other than Rowen – a familiar face to everyone watching
“ This .
” Allica’s mouth fell open as she took in Elysia’s appearance .
She hadn’t expected the girl , raised in such an underdeveloped area , to look so fair , delicate , and refined .
But Rowena , in contrast , showed no surprise .
Her tone was playful as she greeted Elysia with a mocking smile .
“ Well , well , we meet again , Elysia ”
Elysia’s pupils dilated when she saw Horena , and her face twisted with shock and confusion .
“ What are you doing here ? Where’s my dad ? Where’s the police officer ! Why hasn’t he shows up yet ? ”
The officer who had escorted them into the room glanced between the his women , clearly confused .
“ Aren’t they your family ? ”
Elysia’s heart sank as she processed the conversation she had just overheard , She quickly shook her head , panic creeping into her voice .
“ No ! I don’t know them ! My dad inj
“ Rupert , right ? ” Althea cut her off with a sharp , dismissive tone , Tim bis wife now-
on .
let’s go home .
”
now – your mother .
Come on
Althea pulled out a recent family photo , showing Rupert , Althea , Torin , Fenwick , Caellan , and even Rowena , all smiling in the frame
“ Do you recognize everyone ? Ch .
and this little one is my child with your father – Callan , ” Althea said .
Rowena pointed at
d at the photo and smirked .
This was taken last summer when Dad took us in Flaspus for vacation .
”
It was a family photo – bur Elys wasn’t in it
“ Alright , enough looking .
Your mother’s dead .
Time to go with us now Althea said , her voice cold and impatient as she grabbed Elysia’s sleeve , pulling her toward the car with mechanical efficiency .
ail Elysta on shoved into the car and the door slammed shut with a loud thud that the harsh reality of her mother Valerie’s death truly
The live – streaming screen now flushed with comments .
( Oh my God , I can feel how heartbroken Elysia is .
My chest hurts for her .
]
[ Rowena and Albea are ruthless ! That conversation earlier – about making her dad hate Elysia – did they really say that ? How despicable .
]
[ What a manipulative bitch , using a family photo to pull this sting .
]
[ What’s wrong with using a family photo ? They didn’t bring Elysia into the picture because she doesn’t belong , right ? Some people are way 100 sensitive ]
Rupert nodded at the last comment , thinking there was some truth to it .
He felt certain Althea’s behavior could be explained – after all , Elysia’s poor background and lack of respect had clearly set her off .
He remembered the last time he saw Elysia – ten years ago .
She had been dark – skinned , wearing torn clothes , withdrawn and lacking the grace or poise expected of someone from a prominent family
In comparison .
Rowena was the picture of refinement .
It made sense than Althea didn’t like her .
“ My mom … she “ Elysia tried to speak , but before she could finish , Rowena showed a bottle of foundation into her hand .
“ Take this , Rowena ordered .
“ Open it and put it on .
If you don’t , you won’t find out how your mather died .
”
The live – streaming screen now flushed with comments :
[ Wait , isn’t that the darkest shade of foundation from Chanel ? No , not my delicate , fair Elysia II
Threatening her with her mother’s death ! Rowena really crossed the line .
]
It’s just foundation ! She’s not asking her to do anything dangerous .
Rowena’s just messing around .
It’s not illegal Besides , why would her dad disown hier just because she gets a little darker ? ]
J’s legal , but it’s still messed up I
Rupert clenched his fist as he read the comments .
While he knew Bowena had gone too far , he also considered that playful mischief was to be expected .
at she was just a c
a child-
But when he looked at Elysia , he couldn’t help but notice how cold and detached she seemed .
After hearing g about Valerie’s death , she hadn’t shed a single tear .
Her indifference was chilling , and it made his heart tighten
10:49 AM c
Chapter 22
As these thoughts ran through his mind , the scene in the screen shifted again .
The grand villa stood as majestic as ever , the swing still hanging at the front entrance , but now the yard was cluttered with things that didn’t belong
Elysia’s eyes were red , her face still in shock from the news of her mother’s death .
She walked in a daze , as if on autopilot , following them inside like a zombie .
When the large gate opened , a tall , imposing figure stood motionless , as if waiting for a long time .
“ Elysia … Elyda , is it really you ? ” Rupert’s voice cracked as he stared at the figure in front of him , unable to believe the dark , disheveled girl before him was his daughter .
“ Dad ! We brought Elysia back Reena suddenly dashed ahead , leaping g into Hupert’s ans
At the sight of Ruperi – the man she hadn’t seen in ten years – Elysia froze .
Her body tensed , unable to move , Watching him embrace someone else felt so warm in natural .
She longed for that warmth too ….
“ Dad ” Elysia whispered , her voice trembling as she slowly extended her hand toward him
But to her shock , Rupert took a step back .
He moved Rowena aside and hugged her even closer , as if oblivious to Elysia’s outstretched hand.
He seemed at a loss for words , his lips switching awkwardly , before he finally managed , “ Elysia .
.
It’s just good that you’re home .
”
Rowena leaned against Rupert’s chest , smirking one moment and then bursting into tears the next.
“ Dad , Dad .
Elysia said I’m not your child ! She sold me to leave you or she’d hurt me ! I don’t want to leave , Dad
Tears flowed uncontrollably from Rowena’s eyes , and Rupert’s heart seemed to break as he gently stroked her head .
“ Rowena , don’t cry , sweetheart Don’t worry , Daddy won’t let you go .
Elysia , how can you treat Rowena like this ! She’s your sister ! ”
n the mountains , and … ”
Elysia just stood there , rooted to the spot , staring at them in confusion .
“ No .
.
no , I didn’t say that , and Rowena .
.
I saw her in
“ Hey , hey , hey , don’t be so upset , honey Althea interrupted , stepping between them .
She covered Elysia’s mouth to silence her .
Feigning sympathy , she spoke in a falsely gentle tone .
“ Elysia .
I understand you’re upset .
Getting caught stealing eggs from the neighbor’s house
anyone
“ But no matter what I’m your mother , and Rowena is your sister .
You insulted us in the car , rejected us , but you can’t lie to your father like this … ” She sighed heavily , her voice dripping with mock helplessness .
“ Ugh , no ! I didn’t ! ” Elysia struggled against Althea’s hand , her voice muffled .
“ I didn’t steal eggs , I didn’t insult anyone , and I didn’t lie
Rowena seized the moment , gently taking Rupert’s hand in hers .
“ Dad , don’t be mad .
Elysia’s been living in that far – bung area for so long .
She didn’t have a proper education .
She didn’t mean an steal or lie .
.
”
Hupert’s anger only grew as he listened .
He thought .
This girl – ugly as she is — has turned into a petty thief , disrespectful and morally corrupt .
Compared to Rowena , who is sweet , obedient , and well – behaved .
Elysia seems like a complete failure .
But this flawed girl is still my Besh and blood …
“ Forget it , forget it .
Go take a bath and change into something presentable before coming downstairs , Rupert said dismissively , waving his hand .
The live – streaming scre
screen now flushed with comments
[ Seriously , this old man is hopeless .
Elysia just came home , and before she left , her mom was perfectly fine .
How can be expect her to just accept another mother like this ? I
[ This woman is a plece of work , making up stories about stealing eggs ? She clearly escaped from some terrible experimental facility !
Rowena is a fake angel , and both mother and daughter are disgusting ! ]
Honestly , except for Elysia , the other three must have something wrong with their heads .
]
As Rupert read the comments , his rage fireil , thinking .
How can these netizens twist the facts so shamelessly !
Rowena is such a kind – hearted girl , and Althea is so understanding .
But Elys – she is a heartless ingrate , always bullying her sister
Frustrated , Rupert rushed to the keyboard , typing furiously about Elysia’s wrongdoings .
But just as he was about to hit send , the next scene on the screen froze him in his tracks …
10.
50 AM c