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Chapter 102

Chapter 99 The Ties That Bind and Strangle
+8 Pearls
Jonathan’sgaze casually swept past Dickson as the boy hurried out the door. But in that brief glance,hissharp eyes caught something offaboutDickson’s pants. Histhinlips curled slightly, his expressionturningicycoldbehindthe lenses ofhisglasses. A faint scoff slipped from his lips.“Idiot!”
Meanwhile, Sierra had no idea what Dicksonwasabout to do. Shehadalready arrived at the hotel restaurant. By the timeshestepped in. James and Yulia had just arrived as well. Neither of them had ever been to such a high–end place, and their uneasiness was painfully obvious. Especially Yulia, she looked like she didn’t knows where to put her hands, glancing around uncomfortably,
The moment she spotted Sierra, she visibly relaxedandhurried over. “Sierra!” But as she reached out, Sierra stepped back. Her movements were subtle but deliberate. The avoidance was clear.Yulia’sface fell, looking hurt.
James was’t much better off, though he tried to mask it with a forced air of confidence.
Seeing Sierra, he relaxed slightly, before scoffing, “At least the Xander familyfinallyfound some conscience. After all these years, they finally rememberedthedaughter we raised forthem.”
Sierrawas just about to respond, but before she could, the private diningroomdoorswung open again. This time, theXanderfamily walked in, leading the way were Franklin and Eleanor. Right behind them was Denise Xander, cradling a bouquet in one arm and carrying several exquisitely wrapped gifts in the other, her face glowing with happiness.
But the moment her eyes landed on Sierra; the smile froze for a brief second.
She quickly recovered, forcing herself to greet her, but then, she noticed James and Yulia. Her face instantly drained of color.
Sierra caught everything; her lips curved slightly, and she turned toward James and Yulia with an innocent smile.
“Weren’tyoutwo missing your daughter? Well, here she is.”
The entire room went silent; expressions shifted immediately. Sean frowned,hispatience snapping. “What the hell are you saying?”
Sierra tilted her head, looking completely unbothered. “Oh? Did I say somethingwrong? From a purely biological standpoint, they are Ms. Denise’s real parents. Not even God can change that. And since you invitedusall here for a nice little meal,” she smiled sweetly. “Isn’t it the perfect time for a heartfelt family reunion?”
Sean’s face twisted in frustration. He wanted to refute her,butthe words stuck in histhroat. Franklin, sitting at the head of the table. let out a low cough,hisbrowsknitting together.
“Sierra’s right. Fate brought both families together. Let’s sit down and eat
His tone was calm,buthiseyes scanned the room sharply. Then his gaze flickered.
“Where is Madam Lily?”
Sierra immediately understoodwhathe was getting at. Franklin was tryingtouse her grandmother as leverage.
She smiled, but her tone remained cool: “Grandma is’t feeling well. She doesn’t have the energy for socializing.”
She could practically see the irritation in Franklin’s eyes. But before he could press further, she turned back toDenise.
“Besides,” Sierra continued lightly, “Ms. Denise has already met my grandmother. So, today’s gathering should be focused on her meeting herrealparents, don’t you think?”
Every single word struck like a dagger. With each sentence, Denise’s face grew paler and paler.
Seeing her daughter’s distress, Eleanor finally spoke up. “There’s nosuchthingasreal or not real in this family. You and Denise are bothourdaughters.”
Sierra arched her brow. “Oh, but that’snotquite right,is it?”
10.51 AM
Chapter 99 The Ties That Bind and Strangle
+8 Pearls
should be asking Denise, not me. If they run into trouble and need help, Denise should be the one stepping in, not calling me and crying about it. And if James gets drunk and starts getting violent.”
Her voice remained calm, but the air in theroomsuddenly felt suffocating. “After all, I’ve already taken my fair share of beatings for fifteen years. Wouldn’t you say that’s enough, Madam. Xander?”
Eleanor’s face went sheet white. Her lips parted, but no words came out. She had never really thought about it before.
When they had first discovered the identity swap, she had been too shocked to accept it.
And when she heard about Sierra’s difficult childhood, she had simply ignored it.
But she had never once imagined what it was like for achildto grow up in such a household. Seeing her at a loss for words, Sierra finally turned to Dennise.
Her gazewassharpand unyielding. “Ms. Denise, since everyone is here, let’s settle thisonceand for all. From now on. whatever issues Mr. Coleman and Ms. Lewis have. They are yours to deal with. Don’t push them onto me again. Understood?”
“Enough!” Evan, who had been silent up until now, finally snapped. His expression was dark, his voice cold.
“Blood ties mean nothing compared to the bonds of family. No matter what, they raised you for fifteen years. Shouldn’t you be grateful?”
Sierra let out a low laugh. A mocking, bitter laugh. “Grateful?”
Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “You want me to be grateful?”
She slowly stood up, her eyes glinting coldly. “Do you know what those fifteen years were like? Ever since I can remember, it’s been a home full of constant shouting and fights–my father, a drunk and a gambler, and my mother, always crying.”