Chapter 0005
+25 BONUS
The elderly preferred a quiet environment, and I didn’t want to disturb Elijah and Iris because of the commotion. Though I was reluctant, I went outside to face Tyler.
Gone were the disgust and hesitation in his eyes–now they held only regret and guilt.
“I’m sorry, Sienna. I made a terrible mistake.”
“None of this was intentional. I… I was manipulated by Jenna and Florence. I’ve already kicked them out of the house. From now on, I’ll stand by your side, no matter what.”
Tyler offered me a few books as a peace offering.
“I know you love these authors, Sienna. I went to great lengths to buy these limited editions, and I even got the authors to sign them and write a personal note to you.”
I pushed the books back to him. “I asked for these five years ago, for my birthday. I don’t care for them now.”
Back then, he bought Jenna a luxury watch that cost him a year’s salary. All I had wanted was a book signed by an author he managed, worth maybe a hundred dollars, but he wouldn’t even do that for me.
Tyler forced a smile. “I know I was wrong before. From now on, I’ll give you anything you want. Just give me a chance to make things right.”
I responded bluntly, “Then return my inheritance. And I want three million in compensation for the years of psychological distress and the permanent damage you’ve caused to my body. That seems reasonable to me.”
Tyler, desperate to keep me calm, nodded quickly. “Yes, of course. That’s reasonable. I’ll get it done right away!”
He rushed off to fulfill my demands, suddenly attentive in a way I had never seen before.
But even though Tyler was treating me well for the first time in my life, I felt nothing but disgust.
Where was this concern when I actually needed it?
Now that he was offering it, I no longer cared.
Since I was already outside, I decided to take a walk after dinner. But my timing couldn’t have been worse. I had only walked a few steps when I ran into Florence.
I turned to leave.
She hurried after me and grabbed my arm.
I yanked my arm free in disgust, and she stumbled to the ground. Wearing high heels, she twisted her ankle, which quickly swelled.
Florence grimaced from the pain, but she forced a smile, trying to mask her discomfort.
“I’m fine, Sienna. Don’t feel guilty. I twisted my ankle because I wasn’t careful–it’s not your fault.”
My face remained emotionless as I replied, “You’ve maligned and bullied me for over twenty years, and now you’re suddenly playing the role of a loving mother? Don’t you find yourself disgusting?”
“Sienna, it’s all my fault. I’m truly sorry… I must have been blind to treat you this way. I’ll make it up to you.”
Florence choked on her sobs. “I’ve cut ties with Jenna for good. Whether she lives or dies has nothing to do with me now. From now on, I’ll only love you.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0005
She reached out, trying to hug me.
I stepped back, dodging her embrace. “You’re not apologizing because you feel guilty. You’re only doing this because you discovered your ex–husband tricked you, and Jenna isn’t your real daughter. Look at how hypocritical you are!”
Tears streamed down Florence’s face. “Please don’t say such hurtful things, Sienna. It breaks my heart. I know I was wrong in the past, but I’ll do anything to make it up to you.”
She had always been so proud, never once showing this level of vulnerability in front of me. But even now, her pitiful state didn’t move me. She deserved this.
“Make it up to me? How exactly do you plan to do that? You’ve done nothing but yell at me and beat me since I was a child. You started taking blood from me before I could even speak.”
“Do you have any idea what that did to me? My health deteriorated from giving blood too often. I’ve been sick my entire life–I’ve never known what it feels like to be healthy.”
2
