Having heard that, Tina went into a complete meltdown. “Why did you come here, Kiara? Have you come to gloat at my misfortune?”
I simply ignored her, my gaze sweeping over to Kar
paid you back everything you spent on me, so I now
and Henry as I
d, “I’m sure you’ve all checked my past expenses. expect you to uphold our agreement to break off all ties.”
I’ve
www.
Karen’s expression, which had been pained moments before, twisted into one of utter anguish when she saw me. She then pointed at me and said, “I know we wronged you, Kiara, but
Your biological parents! How can you do this to us?”
Henry’s expression, which had held a flicker of guilt, immediately gave a
way to an ashen, enraged expression. “You honestly
think 60 thousand dollars can settle everything, huh? I’m the who granted you this life, Kiara!”
Liam, uncharacteristically, refrained from yelling at me thin
something different in/me.
time. He
merely fixed me with a hesitant gaze, as though he saw
I flatly stated, “I’ve paid back the money. And if you think you’re owed for giving me life, you are welcome to take it back now if you wish. It was Ms. Zimmerman who saved me when I almost starved to death all those years in the countryside. Ms. Zimmerman was also the one who jumped into the water to save me when Tina tricked me and I nearly drowned.
“You also ought to know that every bit of my school tuition and living expenses came from her. She scrimped and saved to give them to me. Your simple act of giving birth to me pales in comparison to the countless times I owe Ms. Zimmerman for my very existence.”
I spoke very deliberately, and for once, everyone in the room paid close attention. It was also the first time they truly believed me when the White family’s butler confirmed the abuse I suffered in the countryside and the torment Tina inflicted on me at school.
1/2
Chapter 10
+25 BONUS
Karen broke down into uncontrollable sobs and tried to embrace me, only for me to quickly move aside to avoid her. She said, “I know it’s all our fault, Kiara. I was completely unaware of everything you went through, as I foolishly assumed that you were putting on an act.”
Liam’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as he said, “I’ve just found out about this. I genuinely had no clue you were living through such hardship all this time.”
7
