After what
you did?!” he bellowed. “Six years ago, you
cruelly abandoned her. If it weren’t for Chase,
my granddaughter wouldn’t be so successful.”
“Look at the child you raised–a fame-
seeking clown! If anyone finds out you’re
related to the Chen family, I’ll ruin your lives
in this city!”
Ashley and Mom’s faces flushed, but they
didn’t dare to retort. No matter how famous
<
they were, they couldn’t challenge Grandpa.
He’d cast out my worthless father without
hesitation. What about this mother–daughter
duo who betrayed the Chen family? If they
offended him, they’d face worse than Dad.
Mom looked pale, relieved Ashley had taken
her last name. “I understand, sir…” She
grabbed Ashley and scurried away.
Passing me, Ashley yanked her hand free
from her mother’s grasp and whispered a
threat. “Samantha, when I become the city’s
outstanding young person, I’ll have Grandpa
take me back and kick you out!”
“And I’ll make Chase leave you too! I’ll break
your legs and make you work in construction
just like me!”
I smiled faintly. “Is that so? I let you choose
twice. Don’t disappoint me, little sister…”
Ashley’s eyes widened. “Impossible! You…
you were reborn too…”
Before she could finish, Mom dragged her
away.
“Chase, you think my sister genuinely likes
you? She’s just using you…” Mom hissed.
“One day, you’ll regret helping her!”
My heart sank. I saw the darkness and
disbelief in Chase’s eyes. I couldn’t meet his
gaze, fleeing towards the gate.
Two days later, Chase came.
I rushed back to the villa. Empty liquor bottles
littered the floor. Chase, eyes red–rimmed,
sat by the window, his strong facade gone,
replaced by vulnerability.
“Sister, is what Ashley said true?” he
whispered, his voice laced with pain and
longing. “Are you reborn, and were you using
me all these years?”
