Chapter 22: 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