Chapter 1206

“Removing him? What does human life mean to you, Ms. Samford? We live in a society governed by law. Do you understand the implications of your words?” Liam challenged.

Cecilia remained composed. “Do you think your father is innocent? Ask him what it means to clash with the powerful in this society. He might have more insight than me. Liam, there are countless hands manipulating things above us.”

Cecilia offered one final piece of advice, “Kevin and Zach are cut from the same cloth. List their crimes, and they’d be imprisoned indefinitely. You’ll learn more once you assume your father’s position.”

After a final glance at the closed door, Cecilia declared, “That’s all I have to say. Take good care of Blake. I’ll visit her tomorrow.”

At that moment, Blake weakly emerged from the ward, leaning against the wall.

“Blake…” Liam rushed to her aid, but she avoided him.

Blake, with a questioning gaze, turned to Cecilia. “So, your plan all along was to bring down Mr. Jardin and Kevin, then take over the company? Even so, you shouldn’t have targeted Kevin’s life! I have no memory of my childhood. I’ve been with the Dion family for as long as I can remember. I have no connection to you, and I’m not your lost sister.”

Blake had overheard everything from inside the ward and realized Liam’s identity. All she could think of was to escape, she did not want to stay there another moment.

Blake, where are you going?” Liam asked, following her.

“Don’t touch me,” Blake’ said, her mind in turmoil. “Liam, I’m sorry! I need to be alone. I want to go home.”

Liam, concerned for her safety, insisted, “It’s not safe for you to go alone. I’ll take you home.”

Blake hurriedly left, ignoring everyone.

Cecilia signaled her bodyguards to discreetly follow Blake. When Blake entered the elevator, she fainted.

“Blake!” Cecilia rushed over with a complex expression, but her bodyguards were quicker, preventing the elevator doors from closing.

Liam moved to help Blake, but Cecilia intervened, “You don’t need to do anything more. I will take her home. Mr. Xander, you should return to your duties. I was considering shutting down StartReading Literature, but for Blake’s sake, I’ll give you more time.”

Liam argued, “She should return to her family.”

Cecilia countered, “What for? What good are they? She should bear the Samford name.”

Samford was Cecilia’s mother’s maiden name. Growing up, Cecilia’s father had been an abusive alcoholic and gambler. Her mother, a weak woman, had died from domestic violence while protecting Blake. Her father, favoring sons, would have left Cecilia unnamed and unregistered if not for the intervention of the other villagers in their community.

After her mother’s death, Cecilia’s father remarried and began treating Cecilia and Blake worse, until eventually they could bear it no longer and escaped. The two of them barely managed to scrape by, but they were just happy to be free from being abused every day.

Cecilia recalled a cold autumn when she had been ill and Blake, trying to care for her, had stolen a sweet potato from a field. However, she had been caught and beaten, and had no choice but to clutch the sweet potato and run home, providing the only food they had.