Chapter 9
“I’ve already signed the divorce agreement with Daniel Brooks, and we’ve filed the paperwork. In two weeks, it will all be finalized. Mrs. Brooks, there’s no need for you to act so polite with me.”
Her expression stiffened instantly. She stood there, awkward and silent for a long while. “I’ve heard about the divorce,” she finally said. “But this is all just a misunderstanding. Chloe is our adopted daughter. She and Daniel have grown up together since childhood. It’s only natural that their bond would be strong.”
“What I mean to say is-you’re being paranoid. To suspect something improper between them? If such rumors spread, it would disgrace our entire family.”
“But really, this is Daniel’s fault too. He didn’t soothe you properly. I’ve already scolded him for it. Once you’ve finished visiting your mother, come home with us. I promise this will never happen again.”
Her rare gentle tone might have moved me once, but now it only struck me as laughable.
Her calculation was plain in her eyes. Now that she knew my true family background, she wanted to play kind. Before, she would’ve celebrated if Daniel and I divorced.
Had she spoken these words to me years ago, I might have been touched. But now, after everything, I was utterly disillusioned with Daniel.
Whenever Chloe was involved, his heart would always, always tilt her way.
“No need,” I said coldly. “I have no ties left to your family. Whether your son and your adopted daughter share some inappropriate feelings-that’s your family’s business, not mine. I’m only here to see my mother. I don’t want your family interfering.”
Mrs. Brooks’s jaw tightened, her cheek muscles twitching with barely suppressed rage.
“Emma, don’t push your luck. The fact that I came here personally to persuade you is already me giving you face. From the start, I could see you weren’t honest. Married all these years, and you never once told us about your real family background. We were all fooled by you.”
“And now you throw dirt on my son, accusing him of something so vile? What kind of scheming woman are you? How could my son ever have such a relationship with his adopted sister?”
I didn’t respond. Instead, I pulled out my phone and sent a few quick messages.
Her attempts to sway me failing, Mrs. Brooks grew angrier, her breathing harsh.
Daniel jumped in at that moment, his voice sharp with accusation. “Emma, you’re going too far. No matter what, my mother is your elder. She’s speaking to you, and you’re standing there saying nothing?”
I turned my gaze on him. “Do you want me to remind you how your mother has treated me all these years? Every visit, she treated me like a servant.”
“Remember when your whole family went on vacation? To stop me from going, your
mother pretended to be sick, sent me running from the airport to fetch her medicine-while the rest of you boarded the plane and flew off without me. You never once treated me as family. And you-your heart has always belonged to your sister. So tell me, Daniel-what kind of family is that supposed to be?”
All the grievances I had buried for years spilled out, tearing away their last shreds of respectability.
Chloe tried to argue, her voice high-pitched. “You’re lying! You’re just jealous. My brother and I are completely innocent.”
I let out a cold laugh, lifted my phone, and played a video for everyone to see.
