Chapter 143
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But Derek let out a cold laugh . “ You’re all so fixated on whether Aria’s really a Saxon , but has anyone thought about where she was or what she has been through during those ten years ? ”
The family always showered Derek’s older brother with care – meals prepared with love , clothes handpicked by their mother – while Derek was left to be raised by the nanny .
He’d always thought they were biased .
But today , he realized the Saxon family wasn’t just unfair . They were downright absurd .
Even as a cousin , hearing about Aria’s ten – year disappearance made him instinctively worried . Yet all they cared about was a DNA test .
And Zoe had the audacity to call Aria cold – hearted , saying she was indifferent to her family . What a joke !
Zoe’s mind went blank , her voice trembling as she turned to Caleb . “ Caleb , you knew Aria had been missing for ten years ? ”
Caleb didn’t answer , and the realization hit Zoe like a blow . Her face crumbled . “ You knew but didn’t say anything . Aria is your sister . She’s also my daughter ! ”
Caleb’s expression darkened , his voice heavy with frustration . “ Mom , would it have made any difference if I told you ? Would you have done anything ? ”
The living room fell into a suffocating silence .
“ Alice mentioned Aria’s ten – year disappearance , and your first reaction was to doubt her bloodline and demanded another DNA test . Is that all you can
do ? ”
Caleb’s voice was sharp with anger . “ Do you even know what she’s been through ? Dominic and Alice abused her relentlessly – beatings , starvation , neglect . They even took out a high – value insurance policy on her and set the house on fire , trying to kill her for the payout . She barely escaped , and her back is covered in scars from that fire .
“ They sold her for one thousand dollars . And when she managed to escape and come home , they didn’t feel a shred of guilt . Instead , they sold her off again . ”
Caleb’s eyes were bloodshot as he pleaded , “ I’m begging you . Just let Aria live in peace . After everything she’s been through , it’s a miracle she’s still alive . ”
The damage was done , and they’d never be able to make it up to Aria .
What was the point of feeling guilty ? She was thriving , strong , and didn’t need anyone’s help .
All Caleb wanted was to stay by Aria’s side .
Derek’s eyes widened , his chest tightening as if something heavy was crushing him , leaving him gasping for air .
So , that was what Aria had endured all these years !
Zoe’s hands trembled as she grabbed Caleb’s arm . “ No , no way ! Caleb , you’re lying , aren’t you ? ”
Logan’s eyes narrowed in shock . “ So , when you left home , you were investigating this ? ”
“ Yeah ! ” Caleb lowered his gaze , a bitter smile tugging at his lips as tears welled up . “ Hard to believe , isn’t it ? That Aria , always so strong independent , never showing weakness , never asking for help , went through all of this ? ”
He pushed Zoe’s hand away , his gaze icy as it landed on the woman on the floor . “ Did you really think , Alice , that with Dominic and Austin behind bars , you’d walk away unscathed ? ”
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Alice’s eyes widened in horror as realization hit her . “ It was you ! You ruined my son ! You sent my husband to prison ”
She had come to beg for help from her enemy !
Consumed by rage , Alice lunged at him , but Caleb kicked her aside without hesitation .
His expression was colder and fiercer than ever . “ Your son’s crimes are his own . I didn’t need to frame him . But don’t worry . You’ll be joining him in prison soon enough . ”
Alice knew all too well the Saxon family’s power . There was no way she could save her son or husband ,
Alice tilted her head back and let out a wild , bitter laugh , her eyes blazing with hatred as she glared at the Saxon family . “ I should’ve killed Madelyn when I had the chance ! ”
“ I starved her , froze her , burned her , sold her off , and still , she survived it all . Ten years later , she crawled back alive . That girl’s life is disgustingly tought