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- “Mrs. Mercer?” Sebastian called out again, noticing that Iris had not responded.
- Octavia, quick to seize the moment, immediately stepped in to answer, “The things from the past, those happened decades ago. It was all managed by my mother’s ex–husband. She’s just an ordinary woman, and she doesn’t know anything about this. Anyway, she raised Joycelyn from childhood, there’s no doubt about that.”
- Sebastian shot her a sharp look, his irritation clear. “I didn’t ask you to speak. Please remain quiet,” he commanded in a cold vode.
- Octavia’s smile faltered, and she gave a sheepish grin, replying, “Okay,”
- “Mrs. Mercer,” Sebastian continued, his voice icy and sharp, “If you can’t answer these questions, then we have every reason to suspect that you didn’t legally adopt Joycelyn–that maybe you bought her from human traffickers or kidnapped her. That’s a crime.”
- Iris’s face went pale as Sebastian’s words hit her like a slap.
- Back at the mansion, Joycelyn, watching the scene unfold on the screen, felt a pang of curiosity. How had she been adopted all those years ago?
- But despite her best efforts, she couldn’t remember a thing. Her family had moved away shortly after, and they had no contact with relatives. She had been cut off from her past, with only her adoptive parents as a point of reference.
- Iris, visibly trembling, quickly responded, “No, we didn’t commit any crimes. We didn’t steal or kidnap her.” She was desperate to defend herself, as though trying to avoid being labeled a criminal.
- Sebastian, without showing any emotion, pressed on. “Then how did you adopt her? Explain it clearly.”
- Iris, becoming more anxious by the second, finally gave in and told the whole story. “At the time, both my late husband and I were orphans with no family.
- “We had been married for several years without a child, and one New Year’s Eve, we were passing down a quiet road when we saw someone throwing a bundle into a ravine. We didn’t think much of it at first, but then we heard a child crying from the bottom of the hill.
- “My late husband climbed down to check, and it was a little girl with blood all over her head. We felt sorry for her, thinking she was just a child someone had abandoned, so we brought her home.”
- Joycelyn touched the scar on the back of her head as she listened to the story. So that was how she got the scar.
- “Why didn’t you call the police?” Sebastian asked, his voice cutting through the air.
- “In those days, no one cared much about a girl. We thought she was just unwanted, so we took her in. After we nursed her back to health, she was so cute, we couldn’t bear to send her to an orphanage. I couldn’t have children of my own, so we decided to raise her ourselves,” Iris explained, her voice filled with a mix of guilt and resignation.
- She knew well that people with money had the means to dig into everything, and she didn’t try to hide anything.
- “That’s how it happened,” she concluded.
- Octavia, unable to contain herself, spoke up, “Even though it wasn’t the most proper adoption, my mom and 1 Joycelyn’s life and raised her. That’s an undeniable act of kindness.”
- saved
- “The truth will be investigated. We do indeed thank you for raising Joycelyn,” Timothy said, his voice firm, signaling his assistant to pass over a prepared document.
- When Octavia and Iris saw the sealed envelope, their eyes widened.
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- “This is a set of the best real estate in the city center, registered under Mrs Meroy’s name, dong with a
- fund for your retirement The Schultz family will also arrange for you to live in the beet murning home and provide the best care for you in your later years. Timothy said, handing it over
- Octavia immediately grabbed the document, eyeing it suspiciously. “You, the Schultz family, and the Grant family are on rich, and this is all you’re offering? It’s just a suite. Why not at least give us a villa?
- Iris, who didn’t have strong feelings about the offer at first, began to agree with Octavia, feeling the amount was a bit too linle
- “To little? Even though you raised Joycelyn, our investigation shows that after the entered the Mercer family, the Stred under poor conditions, Jeff suddenly spoke, his tone stern.
- Octavia and Iris froze, their expressions shifting uncomfortably. The words clearly uruck a nerve
- Jeff, his anger rising, continued, “Joycelyn had to take out student loans, work part–time to pay for food, and even gave her earnings to the Mercer family. After starting work, she had to give up most of her salary, and her meals were never more than 2 dollars.
- If it weren’t for Ellison, she might’ve been sold to an old man with a high dowry! This house and the trust are given because of your late husband’s involvement. Otherwise, you wouldn’t see a penny?
- His words, biting and full of resentment, hung in the air like ice.
- The atmosphere in the room grew even colder.
- Joycelyn felt a warmth inside as she watched this unfold.
- Ellison, noticing something was off, quickly messaged Timothy asking about the man who had tried to harm Joycelyn. “Did you ask her about the man who tried to harm her all those years ago?” Ellison asked, watching the interaction closely.
- Joycelyn, curious, glanced at the screen and then asked Ellison, “What did you message Timothy about?”
- “I asked him to inquire about the man who hurt you,” Ellison replied softly.
- At that moment, Timothy’s voice echoed through the room as he asked, “Do you remember the man who left Joycelyn in the ravine?”
- Iris paused, her face showing signs of hesitation as she began to recall. Before she could speak, Octavia cut in sharply. “Mr. Schultz, my mother’s cooperating with your investigation, shouldn’t you show some appreciation?”
- Octavia, sensing the shift in the situation, took advantage of it and pressed for more.
- “Why don’t you just answer them?” Timothy’s voice turned icy as he looked at her. “What do you want?”
- “We don’t care about the money or the house. We just want to remain a family with Joycelyn, just like before, living happily together,” Octavia said, wrapping her arm around Iris. “My mom is getting older and wants Joycelyn to stay close. After raising her for almost twenty years, how can she just let her go? You understand, right?”
- Iris, sensing the tension in her arm, nodded quickly. “Yes, after raising her for so long, money doesn’t matter. Having my daughter with me is what counts most.”
- Joycelyn, watching from the screen, could feel the deceit and manipulation in their words. It made her laugh bitterly.
- Ellison, squeezing her hand, whispered, “Your step–sister is probably eyeing one of your brothers, but she’s clev use you to get even more later on.”
- nough to
- “What should we do about it? I have a feeling I wasn’t just lost… someone is trying to harm me,” Joycelyn said, her expression tightening, her usually soft face now showing a rare seriousness.
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- She had always been a cute child, and if she had fallen into the wrong hands, they would have definitely wanted to self her at a good price–if not that, they might have wanted her dead.
- “You guys aren’t helpless; don’t worry,” Ellison reassured, patting her hand and signaling her to continue watching
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- As Timothy and the others were still pondering Octavia’s intentions, Sebastian, the lawyer, was the first to speak up. “Are you sure about this?”
- “Yes, yes,” Octavia replied confidently. “Money is just material, the true joy is being together as a family
- She gave off the impression of being above money, pretending to be lofty and self–righteous.
- “ARight, then draft an agreement to give up any compensation and support. At the same time, you have to guarantee that you won’t consume my sister’s reputation or anything related to her.” “Alright then,” Sebastian said, continuing with his professional tone. “We’ll need you to sign an agreement waiving any claims for compensation or support, and it will also ensure you can’t damage Joycelyn’s reputation or interfere with anything related to her.”
- With that, he quickly began making changes to the contract template on his laptop.
- In no time, two copies of the contract were printed and handed to Octavia. The speed was so quick that Octavia almost thought they had prepared the contract in advance.
- “Why do I need to sign this?” Octavia glanced at the document, clearly not eager to sign.
- Although the house wasn’t incredibly valuable, it could easily fetch a million dollars. And with the trust fund added, it was still a decent amount. But Octavia wanted more–signing this agreement meant she’d walk away with nothing.
- “Are you trying to protect yourselves? Isn’t this a little overboard?” Octavia said, the smile on her face starting to falter, her irritation becoming evident.
- “People’s intentions are hard to measure. We’re doing this to protect Joycelyn, to prevent any future slander or cyberbullying. She is now Mrs. Grant and the youngest daughter of the Schultz family. Her reputation matters,” Sebastian replied coldly, his gaze fixed on Octavia.
- His every word made Octavia burn with envy. The Grant Group was among the richest and most prestigious families in the world. Their connections were not just about wealth but power and status.
- “If we sign this, will Joycelyn accept me as her mother? Will she be comfortable living with us?” Iris asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.
- “Yes,” Octavia added quickly, showing no attempt to hide her intentions. “If we sign, will we be able to live with Joycelyn?”
- Her desire to enter high society was blatantly obvious.
- “It seems like you aren’t satisfied with what’s offered here. Fine, you don’t want it? No problem. If you refuse to sign, we’ll go ahead with legal action if you continue to harass Joycelyn in the future.”
- Sebastian shut his laptop and stood up decisively. Shao closed his notebook and stood up.
- Timothy and Jeff followed suit, their actions synchronized.
- The pressure worked. Octavia and Iris could no longer sit still.
- Octavia, unable to mask her concern over losing everything, stopped pretending. She didn’t sign the contract but instead reached for the house deed and trust documents.
- “I won’t sign this now; it feels too cold. Let’s wait until Joycelyn has some free time. We can all sit down and has together and talk things through. She’ll understand how hard her mother has worked all these years.”
- ineal
- Octavia handed the house deed and trust documents to Iris, who quickly stuffed them into her bag, as though fearing they would be taken away.
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- “Mom, hold onto it,” Octavia urged, her voice soft.
- “Alright, Iris responded immediately, carefully placing them in her bag, clutching them as if they were her lifeline.
- “This matter is being live–streamed. I believe the audience will have formed their opinions by now,” Timothy said, standing up slowly, his voice serious. “As for what happens next, I suggest you think carefully. Don’t let yourself be used.”
- Iris and Octavia froze when they heard about the live–stream. They looked around the room, suddenly realizing that a camera had been recording everything.
- “Live–streamed? Is that really necessary?” Octavia’s smile turned awkward, her voice now tinged with panic.
- She quickly saw the phone set up on a nearby table, confirming that everything had been broadcasted live. All of their actions, including the price negotiations and refusal to sign the document, were now available for the world to see.
- “We had to make the situation public, as the matter is causing quite a stir, and everyone is curious about how it will be resolved,” Timothy explained, giving his assistant a signal to turn off the live–stream.
- Once the stream was off, Timothy turned to face Iris. “Mrs. Mercer, now can we talk about it? Can you remember anything about the man who tried to harm Joycelyn?”
- Iris swallowed hard, noticing the security guards at the door. “It was dark at the time, so I couldn’t see clearly. But he was tall, thin, with short hair, probably a left–handed man. That’s all I know.”
- “Got it,” Timothy nodded, swiftly walking out of the room, with Jeff and Sebastian right behind him.
- Octavia tried to follow, but was stopped by an assistant, who blocked her way.
- Back at the mansion, Joycelyn, watching everything unfold on the screen, couldn’t help but feel a warm sensation in her chest.
- She had no doubt that Timothy would handle everything perfectly and ensure that the Mercer family couldn’t deceive them into taking the house or anything else.
- Now, however, she was more curious than ever: who was the man who had tried to kill her?
- “Can you call Timothy for me?” Joycelyn asked, turning to Ellison.
- He immediately dialed Timothy’s number, and the call was quickly answered.
- “Timothy, did she say anything useful?” Ellison asked, his voice filled with concern.
- “She said the man was a lefty. Do you remember anything?” Timothy replied.
- Joycelyn shook her head. “No, I can’t remember anything from back then.”
- “Don’t worry. I’ll get to the bottom of it,” Timothy reassured her before turning his attention to the retired bodyguard who had been with her grandfather.
- Timothy made the call, not expecting much, but to his surprise, he uncovered some new information.
- “Payton Weiss,” Timothy muttered to himself, entering the name into Jeff’s phone.
- After hanging up, he quickly pulled strings to investigate further.
- “Timothy, this man moved abroad after Joycelyn’s incident, and now he’s made quite a name for himself. His business ventures are tied to the Schultz family,” Sebastian said, sharing the background check with the others.
- Meanwhile, someone else was also worried about the past being dragged into the light.
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- Lily, having seen the live–stream, quickly picked up the phone and dialed an international number.
- “Payton, the man who left that little girl in the ravine, someone saw it. What are we going to do if they trace it back to you?” Lily’s voice was laced with anxiety.
- Payton, on the other end of the line, remained calm. “It’s fine. It’s been years, they won’t trace it back to us. Besides, our daughter is now the Schultz family’s youngest daughter, We’ve made plenty of money over the years. If they come for us,
- we’re not afraid.”
- But Lily, ever the careful planner, couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.
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- “Make sure Lizbeth figures out Timothy’s preferences. We need to control the Schultz brothers. I want everything locked down, Lily said, her tone hardening.
- They had waited so long for everything to fall into place, and now, they needed to move quickly before any complications
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- Half a month later, Joycelyn’s pregnancy had stabilized, and she was no longer receiving injections to protect the baby. Her health checks had returned to normal levels, and everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief.
- For Joycelyn, it felt like she had made it through the first major hurdle. In high spirits, she went on a shopping spree for baby items, nearly turning the house into a mini shopping mall.
- Today, Timothy had arranged for her to visit the Schultz family’s ancestral home to reconnect with her roots.
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- The Schultz family’s influence mostly lay abroad, but they still had an old family residence in the country. The visit would involve a ceremonial reestablishment of her family’s lineage, a change of surname, and a chance to pay respects to her grandparents, as well as her mother.
- It was said that after Joycelyn’s grandfather lost her, he passed away in deep sorrow within a couple of years. Her mother, unable to bear the blow, also died in the same year. It was said that she kept calling Joycelyn’s name in her final moments, not even able to rest in peace.
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- The Schultz family ancestral home was located in the southern regions. It wasn’t as grand as the Grant family’s estate but was an ancient, elegant garden house passed down through generations.
- Pavilions and corridors wound through the lush greenery, creating an air of timeless charm.
- As they walked, Joycelyn couldn’t help but admire the beauty of the garden, feeling as though she had stepped back in time. auty of the garden, feeling as though she had stepped back in time. Every corner seemed to exude ancient charm.
- Ellison walked beside her, quietly accompanying her.
- They hadn’t replaced Septima’s name; instead, they had added it, keeping everything else unchanged.
- Joycelyn gazed at her mother’s memorial plaque, feeling a heavy weight in her heart. Timothy had told her that her mother had died before reaching forty. How devastating must it have been for her to have fallen into depression?
- “Mom, Joycelyn’s home now. You can rest in peace. I’m happy now, and I’m going to be a mother too,” Joycelyn said, gently caressing her mother’s name. The emotion in her eyes welled up, and tears began to fall, uncontrollable.
- Ellison moved forward, pulling out a handkerchief and gently wiping her tears. He leaned down and softly coaxed her, “Don’t cry. You don’t want mom to be sad, do you? Who knows, you might end up giving birth to a little crybaby.”
- Joycelyn nodded and sniffed.
- After she finished lighting incense and stepped aside, the Spencer family began to pay their respects to her mother.
- Unable to hold back, Joycelyn tugged at Timothy’s sleeve. “Timothy, did my mother really die from depression?”
- “Yeah,” Timothy replied, nodding. He was in his teens when it happened, and he remembered it clearly.
- “But as a mother, even if she lost one child, she still had you and Jerome. I don’t believe that depression could have taken her life in just two years. A mother can become very strong for her children,” Joycelyn continued. “And both the Schultz and Spencer families have considerable wealth. How could her life end so suddenly?”
- Timothy looked down at his younger sister, his voice soft. “Do you think something’s wrong?”
- “It’s just a feeling. No real evidence,” Joycelyn replied with a sigh, brushing away another tear. “Maybe I’m just overthinking
- it.”
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- “Hmm.” Timothy, worried about her being overwhelmed, raised a hand to gently pat her head. “Don’t overthink it. Afterward, I’ll take you to eat something nice.”
- “Okay.”
- Outside the room, Lily and Bellina hadn’t entered. As Timothy was present, Lily, as his stepmother, wasn’t supposed to appear in such a formal setting. Moreover, Joycelyn’s maternal family was also there, making her even less qualified to enter.
- “Mom, I’ve been thinking. I believe your plan might actually work, Bellina said, quietly speaking to Lily as they stayed outside.
- ?
- Lily glanced back at the imposing church, then pulled Bellina into the small garden outside. “Then you’d better be careful
- “I know!” Bellina said with determination.
- She had been relegated to the sidelines, and the treatment felt like a slap in the face. Once the center of attention, now she was being ignored, left out of the spotlight. That fall from grace stung deeply, and the humiliation burned.
- “Joycelyn, how about we go see your childhood room? Maybe it will help you remember something Shirley suggested, walking over to Joycelyn.
- Jeff walked over too and, with a smile, took Shirley’s hand. “After dinner, we’ll go. We can spend a few more days here and enjoy ourselves.”
- “Okay, I’d like that,” Joycelyn replied, taking Shirley’s hand. “Let’s sit together.”
- Joycelyn sat beside Shirley, and Ellison and Jeff exchanged glances. They both quietly withdrew, with Ellison assuming a protective stance, his hands behind his back.
- Joycelyn wasn’t deliberately trying to monopolize Shirley. She had something on her mind that she needed to clarify. “Do you think someone with depression could really die within two years after being intervened with?” she asked.
- “You don’t believe your mother died from depression?” Shirley immediately recognized the doubt in Joycelyn’s voice.
- “Honestly, I don’t believe it. I feel that both the Schultz and Spencer families were very protective of my mom. How could she have died so quickly?” Joycelyn’s expression was serious. “She had two sons–mothers are much stronger than we think.”
- Shirley, sensing the concern, responded softly, “It’s been a while, but we’ll look into it after dinner. We can check out your mom’s medical records, and I’ll help you review them.”
- “Good. I’ll have my brother pull up her records before we talk,” Joycelyn replied.
- “No problem,” Shirley assured her.
- Just then, Jeff came over, and seeing them talking, he asked, “What are you two whispering about? Can’t I listen?”
- “Nothing,” Joycelyn replied, her smile mischievous. She didn’t want to bring it up now but planned to revisit it later when everyone was more relaxed.
- However, things didn’t go as expected. The next morning, a loud, piercing scream shattered the peace.
- “Is that Bellina screaming?” Joycelyn woke with a start, having just had a dream about her mother. She was about to ask about her health when Bellina’s shriek interrupted her.
- Soon, Lily’s voice could be heard from outside, shouting in panic, “Bellina! You two!”
- The door to the room was thrown open as everyone rushed to see what had happened.
- Lily stood in the doorway in her nightgown, frozen in shock like a statue.
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- “What’s going on?” Richard rushed over.
- When he saw the mess inside the room and the figures on the bed, he almost collapsed from the shock.
- “You! Lily stuttered, her voice trembling.
- Jerome, who had drunk heavily the night before, groggily opened his eyes, his head pounding as if it had been hit with a hammer.
- “Jerome! How could you do this to me!” Bellina cried from the bed, wrapping herself in the sheets, pretending to be the vidim.
- Jerome, horrified by the situation, quickly sat up and said, “Bellina, how did you end up in my bed?”
- As he tried to get out of bed to avoid further complications, he realized he wasn’t wearing anything. His eyes fell on Bellina, who was in the same state.
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“What exactly is going on? Jerome, explain yourself!” Richard’s voice thundered with fury, his face twisted in utter disappointment as he stared at his son.
Jerome, taken aback by his father’s shout, snapped to attention, his handsome face stiffening with a solemn expresion. “Dad, I…” he stammered.
The rest of the family, woken up by the ruckus, rushed to the door, eager to see what was happening. As they reached the doorway, the scene inside left them all frozen in shock.
They quickly turned away, not daring to get involved.
Joycelyn, who had been on the third floor, descended when she saw the others‘ troubled expressions. She whispered. approaching Sebastian, “Sebastian, what happened?”
Sebastian, his face pale and taken aback, finally managed to mutter, “Jerome and Bellina… they’re in bed together.”
“What?!” Joycelyn’s soft white face stiffened in disbelief. She thought she must have misheard.
“Impossible, right? I didn’t think Jerome was that drunk last night,” Joycelyn muttered, recalling the dinner at the Schultz family the night before. The atmosphere had been lively, even Ellison had had a few drinks, but nothing had suggested this level of chaos.
She had always seen Jerome being especially affectionate with Bellina, but it had always been the innocent love of a big brother for his younger sister. This… it didn’t add up.
“Let’s get the kids dressed first,” Lily suggested, trying to calm Richard down as she moved to close the door.
Richard, clearly furious, slammed the door and stormed downstairs. “Jerome, get down here and explain yourself!”
Inside the room, Jerome struggled to recall the events of last night. Everything felt like a dream. The images were blurry, and what had seemed like a moment of passion now left him with a sinking feeling in his stomach.
Bellina was curled up in bed, crying inconsolably.
To Jerome, even though Bellina wasn’t his biological sister, the years of seeing her grow up by his side had created an undeniable sibling bond.
“Belle, I’m sorry,” Jerome said, sitting up with a hand on his throbbing temples, deeply apologizing.
Bellina cried even harder. She looked at him through tear–streaked eyes, wiping her face dramatically, purposely letting the blanket slip, revealing faint red marks on her fair skin.
Jerome’s gaze flicked to the marks, and he immediately looked away, horrified. He swallowed hard, his voice hoarse. He
didn’t know how to continue.
“Jerome, what should we do? I’m not a pure girl anymore. No one will marry me now,” Bellina sobbed louder, falling deeper into despair.
“First, get dressed. I’ll take responsibility for this,” Jerome said, pulling the scattered clothes off the floor and handing them to Bellina.
Bellina grabbed them but, the next second, threw herself into Jerome’s arms.
“Jerome, I’m scared…” she pretended to sob, her soft body pressing against him, rubbing against him intentionally.
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“Get dressed first,” he said, struggling to maintain his composure. He gently pushed her off, handing her the clothes and immediately turning away to give her some privacy.
Bellina, still crying, slowly dressed herself. Jerome rushed to the bathroom, splashing cold water on his face to regain some sense of clarity.
Ten minutes later, they came downstairs. The entire living room was filled with tense faces. The atmosphere felt as if a storm was about to break.
Joycelyn, who had been a bit late coming down, had gone to the restaurant to get some food since she was a little hungry. By chance, Shirley was also there having breakfast.
Joycelyn took her freshly squeezed juice and sat down next to her. “Shirley, what happened last night?”
After dinner, everyone had been chatting and strolling around the Schultz family estate, admiring the moon, discussing where to go next. By 9 PM, Joycelyn had been too tired and went to bed with Ellison, completely unaware of what had transpired after.
“Last night, everyone was chatting. Jerome and the others had a few more drinks and then went upstairs. No one knew what exactly happened,” Shirley explained. “Jeff said the home’s security cameras weren’t on, so we don’t know what happened after that.”
Joycelyn, holding her juice, stared blankly at the family portrait on the wall of the restaurant, lost in thought.
Soon, Jerome and Bellina came downstairs. As soon as Jerome stepped into the living room, Richard, unable to contain his fury, hurled a cup of water at him.
“You bastard!” Richard yelled, his voice full of rage. The force of the yell made Bellina, standing beside Jerome, drop to her knees in shock.
“Dad, don’t blame Jerome. It’s my fault. I’ve had sleepwalking episodes since I was young and would always go to find Jerome. He got drunk last night, and none of this was intentional,” Bellina pleaded, rushing to Jerome’s defense.
Jerome remained expressionless, falling to his knees in front of Richard. “This is my fault. I’ll take responsibility for Belle. I will marry her.”
His voice was firm, and his words hung heavily in the room.
Lily, hearing this, immediately intervened. She pulled Richard back from taking further action. “Richard, the situation is already done. Let’s think of a solution. They’ve grown up together; they’re practically childhood sweethearts. This could be a good thing.”
Richard remained stoic, grunting angrily, not speaking.
Timothy, after pressing his aching temples, said, “Given the circumstances, let’s handle the marriage quietly.”
Lily, hearing this, smiled awkwardly. “Timothy, it’s your brother getting married. How can we handle this quietly? Joycelyn is your real sister, but Jerome is also your real brother. Belle has always called you brother, hasn’t she?”
“Your real brother slept with the adopted sister. Someone might think the Schultz family was raising a wife for the son!” Timothy’s voice was cold, causing Lily’s face to blanch.
“The proper rituals should still be followed. Even though Belle grew up with the Schultz family, if she’s marrying in, we need to think of the dowry and wedding gifts. We can’t let it be worse than what Joycelyn received, right? They’re both our children,” Lily said, trying to smooth things over with a soft tone.
Everyone, who had thought the matter was over, now grew silent, the mood growing tense and complicated.
“What’s with all the drama? It’s family marrying family, why complicate things?” Zack sneered.
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“Exactly. If it wasn’t for the Schultz family adopting her, she might’ve been starving and neglected in some orphanage. After all these years of being treated like a princess, the nurturing is worth more than the dowry. As for extra funds, we brothers will make sure they’re provided,” Sebastian added, his tone sharp and indifferent.
“Though I was adopted, I’ve been here all these years, taking care of dad. Why are you treating me like I’m a beggar?
“Then what do you want?” Timothy’s voice dropped low, his gaze turning icy as he questioned.
Bellina, who had been crying, immediately stopped as she heard the harshness in Timothy’s tone. Her attitude shifted, and with a defiant look at Lily, she raised her chin and demanded, “The same dowry and wedding gifts that Joycelyn received. I want it too.”
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As soon as Bellina spoke, Timothy nearly burst out laughing. Even the Spencer family brothers chuckled.
“Belle, I’ve given you everything I can. Stop expecting more,” Jerome spoke gently, trying to calm the situation.
But Bellina wasn’t having it. She straightened up, no longer slumped on the floor. Her delicate face was filled with defiance. “Jerome, am I not part of the Schultz family? This is my home too, the family that raised me. Don’t you see, if we get married, it’s a double blessing?”
?
“And, if you hadn’t messed up last night, I wouldn’t have lost my innocence. I’m not asking for a fortune, I just want what Joycelyn got. The Schultz family isn’t poor, after all.”
Her tone was self–righteous, and she displayed no hint of guilt or shame. It was only when she mentioned the last her voice shifted, tinged with grievance.
Jerome wanted to reason with her, but clearly, the situation had spiraled beyond his control. Guilt weighed heavily on his chest, leaving him speechless.
Hearing all this, the others finally reached a conclusion. Bellina was trying to take advantage of the situation.
“Did you really sleepwalk last night, or was this all part of your plan to get a hefty dowry and bridal gift?” Joycelyn walked into the room, holding her breakfast, and took a seat beside Timothy. She placed her bowl gently on the side table, her gaze focused intently on Bellina, showing no sympathy.
Bellina’s face flushed with anger. “How is this my fault? Jerome was drunk. I’m innocent!”
“Everyone was here last night. If you’d called out, they would’ve stopped it, but you both slept through until morning,” Joycelyn smiled, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes.
“I was sleepwalking! I didn’t know anything until I woke up this morning!” Bellina continued to defend herself.
She glanced at Joycelyn, noticing the clear, steady gaze that seemed to see straight through her. Her heart skipped a beat. Lowering her head, she sobbed quietly, “You’re all bullying me. If you won’t give me what I want, I’ll just die. I won’t marry at ‘all!”
She tried to make her way to the kitchen to grab a knife.
Jerome quickly stood up and grabbed her.
Lily, equally distressed, rushed to calm Richard. “Richard, please, think about it. We raised her. She’s always been strong- willed, like Joycelyn. You knew that when you adopted her. We should figure this out without pushing her further.”
“Lily, we’re not forcing anything. This is about what needs to be done. Jerome wants to get married, and it’s a joyful
occasion.”
“But their situation is sensitive. If the wrong people get involved, what will they think of Jerome’s character?” Richard’s voice was low and strained, his concern evident.
Joycelyn, with her sweet voice, answered softly, contrasting Lily’s frantic tone. “Then what do you propose we do?”
Ellison had just taken his seat when he caught the sharp edge in Joycelyn’s voice, lashing out at someone.
His deep, enigmatic eyes flicked over, cold and assessing.
The sheer force of his presence was suffocating, a quiet dominance that sent a chill down the spine.
Lily swallowed hard, instinctively shrinking back, her neck tensing as if she could disappear into the chair.
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Chapter 345
“Jerome is a responsible man,‘ she said, forcing a steadier tone. “He said if marriage is what’s needed, then so be it. We’ll have the wedding. The bride price and dowry will follow what Dad and Timothy agreed upon
But Joycelyn didn’t take the bait.
Something about this whole situation didn’t sit right.
Bellina was she really here for Jerome? Or for the sky–high bride price and dowry?
The Schultz family wouldn’t blink at the money–but giving it away so easily left a bad taste in Joycelyn’s mouth.
2
Lily, not liking the direction of the conversation, snapped back. “This is the Schultz family’s business. You’re married now. you can’t make decisions here.”
Richard interrupted sharply, his voice cold. “We’ll get them married, and as for the dowry and bridal gift, we’ll set up a trust fund. They’ll get what’s theirs.”
“Richard, this is a joyous occasion for our child’s marriage, and yet you speak as though it’s something shameful, Lily muttered, trying to restrain herself.
“Lower your voice. Is it really so disgraceful?” Richard slammed his hand on the table in frustration.
Lily held back her words, realizing the situation, and decided it was better to focus on the outcome than continue to argue. Bellina, realizing the matter was decided, stopped protesting. “Jerome, when are we going to register our marriage?”
Jerome, still emotionless, nodded. “Whenever you want.”
“In a few days, then,” someone finally said.
“Mm.” Jerome nodded numbly, as if he were merely going through the motions.
-And just like that, the decision was made–final, unquestioned.
Breakfast that morning was steeped in an oppressive silence, a storm cloud hanging over the dining room. No one spoke.
Once the meal was over, everyone quietly drifted outside to the garden, as if needing fresh air to clear the tension clinging to their skin.
Joycelyn idly stirred the plain porridge in her bowl, her mind far from the table.
“What’s wrong? Not to your taste?” Ellison sat beside her, watching the way her brows knit together. Without a word, he slid the fruit platter closer to her.
“This whole mess from this morning,” Joycelyn muttered, utterly devoid of appetite.
Bellina had only ever been an adopted daughter–someone she never had to concern herself with.
Ellison, noticing her discomfort, casually said, “Jerome clearly got played, but if he’s willing, that’s his choice. He’s the one who has to live with it.”
“You saw through it too, didn’t you?” Joycelyn asked, glancing at Ellison.
“Anyone with a brain could see it. Bellina used a classic tactic to lock him in. She’s been living with the Schultz family for twenty years; she knows your father and brothers better than anyone,” Ellison said, handing her a grape. “Eat, they say it makes your baby’s eyes pretty.”
Joycelyn ate a single piece before losing her appetite entirely.
Chapter 345
“Is there a second way to solve this?” she asked softly, her fingers wrapping around Ellison’s hand.
“There is,” he replied without hesitation. “But your father would never go through with it.”
“Tell me Joycelyn’s clear, bright eyes widened in anticipation.
“Throw her out.” Ellison’s words were curt and decisive, his dark gaze locking onto her face, unreadable.
“Emmm… Joycelyn pressed her lips together.
“She’s been in the Schultz family for twenty years–longer than you. She knows your father and your brothers too well. She played this game perfectly. If she were really thrown out now, Jerome might not even be willing to let her go.”
“Well, in that case, let him suffer through it.” She exhaled heavily. “One willing to trap, one willing to be trapped.”
Just as she finished speaking, Bellina walked in, her eyes red from crying. But the moment she spotted Joycelyn, she managed a smug smile. “From now on, I’m your sister–in–law,” she declared sweetly. “The Schultz family will always be my home.”
Her triumphant expression completely erased the pitiful act she had put on earlier.
Joycelyn’s lips curled into a slow smile, her voice laced with mocking sweetness. “You had to scheme your way into the Schultz family. I was born into it. You’ll never measure up.”
Bellina let out a cold laugh. “Well, my children will carry the Schultz name. Everything in this family will belong to them.” Joycelyn gave her a glance, unimpressed. “Let’s see if you can even give birth first.” She couldn’t be bothered to entertain her any longer.
An Joycelyn English Novel Chapter 341-345
An Joycelyn English Novel Chapter 341-345
Posted by , ? Views, Released on April 25, 2025
An Joycelyn English Novel
Status: Completed Native Language: English
