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Chapter 103

Chapter 100 Debts of Blood and Betrayal
Sietta’s voice was calm,unnervingly so,asshespoke.
+ Pearis
“Every time my father lost money, he would come home and beat my mother. When I was little, I tried to protect her. I’d throw myself in front of her, thinking it I took the hits instead, she’d be spared”
She let out a small laugh, bitter and cold. “But she never once tried to protect me. If anything, she was relieved. Because if I was there to take the blows, she didn’t have to”
A suffocating silence filled the room. But Sierra was’t finished.
“Whenever I was beaten,she’d just hide in the room, peeking through the door. Then, once he was done, she’d come out and squeeze out a few useless tears. And the next time, She’d do it all over again, pushing me forward without hesitation.
Sierra’s words struck like a whip, each sentence lashing across the pride of the Xander family. Their faces twisted; their expressions frozen in horror
But Sierra continued.
“Inearlydropped out of high school because we couldn’t afford the tuition. I had topickup trash with my grandmother just to scrape together enough money tostudy. At the time, I actually believed I had a future.”
Herlipscurled into a mocking smile. “But then my father lost me in a gamble.”
The air in the private dining room grew suffocating. “He let me away to a man in his fifties. If Mr. Cameron hadn’t arrived. thatday, I would’ve been sold off like livestock.”
A chilling pause.
“And even then, do youknowwhat my so–called father said? He regretted it. Not because he felt guilty, but because he realized he could have sold me for a higher price.”
Sierra tilted her head slightly, her gaze fixing itself onto Evan. Her smile was razor–sharp. “So, tell me, dear Mr. Evan, how exactlyshouldI repaythatkind of upbringing? Should I carve out my heart and offer it to them?”
Theroomwasdeathlysilent.The Xander family sat stiffly,theirfaces grim,their pride in tatters.Eleanor’seyes were red, brimming with guilt and shame.
She wanted to reach out, to hold Sierra, but she stopped herself. Because she knew, Sierra wouldn’t let her.
She had said everythingina calm tone, hervoicedevoid of hatred or resentment. But that only made it worse; the pain was too deep. The betrayal had long since becomepartof her bones. As for that so–called upbringing.”
“Didn’t they already sell me off to the Xanders? I’d say that more than covered their investihent.”
Sierra’s icy
icy gaze swept over the room. “Now, let’s talk about blood ties. I think I’vealreadyrepaidthose, don’t you?”
Her words landed likesharpblades, slicing through the tension in the air. No one spoke; notasingle person dared to.
Even Denise, who had been tremblingsinceSierra’s first sentence, remained utterly frozen. Sierra’s sharp eyes locked onto her. “Evan, instead of lecturing ine,shouldn’tyou be focusing on your precious little sister? You hold such a high moralstandard, so surely,yourdear Denise wouldn’t dare shark her own responsibilities, right? After all, Mr. Coleman and Ms.Lewisareher biological parents. She should be the one takingcareof them,no?”
Denise’sfingernailsdug into her palms; her breath uneven. I hate her. I hate her so much!
Her existence alone was a constant reminder, a reminder that Denise was nothing but a misplaced imposter. But she knewhowto play the game.
Swallowing her rage, she forced her voice to tremble as she whispered, ‘Sierra, I know you never liked me. And I’m sorry; this is all my fault. I stole your place, mom and dad’s love. I stole everything from you; I’m so, so sorry.”
10:51 AM
Chapter 100 Debts of Blood and Betrayal
+8 Pearls
And just like that, the Xander family snapped. Bradley brows furrowed. “Denise has been helping her biological parents.”
His voice was firm, as if trying to erase any doubt. “She’s been supporting them for years.”
But the next moment. James snorted loudly, cutting in, “Well, Mr. Xander, I justhaveto say something here! Forget about everything else, but Denise has never once helpedusover the years. Help? She probably wisheswewere dead! The last time I went to see her, she acted like she didn’t even know me. Not only that, she even had her driver try to run us over! If I hadn’t reacted quickly, I might not even be standing here today.”
“Impossible!” Sean didn’t even think before snapping back, “Denny is not that kind of person! She told us herself that most of her monthly allowance was spent on helping you. Mr. Coleman, heaven is watching. You better not make things up!”
Hearing this. James shot up fromhisseat, his face red with anger. At this point, he nolongercared about the fact that he couldn’t afford to offend the Xander family. Raising his hand, he swore loudly, “You’re right, heaven is watching! I swear, if I’ve evertakenasingle penny from her, may I get hit by a car the moment I step outside. No, may I lose every bet I ever place!”
Now, that was a real curse. After all, for a gambler, nothing was more devastating than never winning again. Looking at James, burning with indignation, and then turning to the Xander family members, who all wore expressions of shock and disbelief, a slow, amused smile crept onto Sierra’s lips.
She turned her gaze towardDenise, who was sitting there with her headdown, her body trembling slightly. Whether it was from fear or just another act well,thatremained to be seen.
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