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Luna explained anxiously, “I was scalded by the water Mrs. Barrett splashed on me, so I had no choice but to undergo skin grafting surgery on my ankle. I also removed my tattoo in the process.”
“But I remembered Mrs. Barrett splashing the water on your body, not on your foot. Did you cover up the tattoo on your ankle out of guilt?”
Grabbing Luna’s wrist, Mia asked again, “Did you cover up the tattoo on your ankle out of guilt?”
“What nonsense is that? I removed my tattoo because I was scalded, not because I felt guilty. I’ve no idea what you’re talking about!”
Mia glared at her. “I clearly saw the culprit who knocked me out had the exact same tattoo as yours on her ankle. It’s too much of a coincidence for you to suddenly remove your tattoo. You must be guilty.
Jasmine went up to them and chimed in, “It must be this bitch’s doing. Since she’s already used countless despicable schemes to return to the Shelbert family, I bet she had no issues with getting rid of Mrs. Barrett Senior to go back to the Barrett family.”
“Jasmine, stop spouting nonsense! Why would I get rid of Mrs. Barrett Senior?”
“It’s definitely because she doesn’t approve of your status, just like how my mother doesn’t. Anyone could see through your intentions!”
“You’ll have to bear the consequences for slandering me. You want to accuse me just because of a tattoo? Go ahead and call the police then.”
Luna wrenched her hand away from Mia. “Don’t think that you can slander others at will just because you’re the daughter of the Lane family. I’m still the mayor’s daughter!”
Chapter 1053
Unfazed, Mia withdrew her hand and looked at Luna. “Since when were you the mayor’s daughter? Your identity hasn’t been revealed publicly yet, right?”
Jasmine continued mocking, “You’re just his illegitimate daughter. How dare you claim to be a Shelbert? Believe it or not, the entire city will condemn you once your identity is revealed. Do you still think Dad wil side with you then?”
No mayor would expose themselves for having an illegitimate child. It was like telling the whole world their weakness.
Defiance flashed across Luna’s eyes. “Go ahead and expose me then. See whether Dad takes your side or mine.”
Luna knew what Raymond was like. She had sought him out in the past, but he merely dismissed her with some money. He even had men threaten and monitor her, warning her not to run her mouth freely. Otherwise, she’d have to deal with severe consequences.
But now things were different. She’d agreed to let Raymond adopt Asher because he had always wanted an heir. Surely, his attitude would’ve been different.
Luna made the right move, and she would continue down this path. Although her identity couldn’t be revealed just yet, she was already leading a very different life. She just had to be patient enough to wait for Asher to grow up. What would she have to fear once he inherited everything from the Shelberts?
In an instant, Jasmine screamed, “Just you wait!”
As Luna pranced off, Mia’s gaze fell on her ankle. How coincidental was it that Luna happened to remove the tattoo on her ankle?
She initially thought the tattoo might be a coincidence, but Luna’s deliberate actions said otherwise. Luna must’ve been the one who attacked her back then.
Due to her amnesia, Mia hadn’t been able to remember anything for the past five years. Luna was able to roam free for five years as well. Now that she had regained her memories from the past, Luna’s good days were numbered.
Brushing off her tears, Jasmine muttered, “Mia, I think what you said back then was right. The only leverage that bitch, Luna, has is to let my dad adopt her child. Only then can they gain his support. But if I agree to have only Asher return to my family and convince my grandparents to accept him, Luna doesn’t stand a chance of returning back to our family.”
Mia patted Jasmine’s shoulder. “It’s best if you can come to terms with this. In fact, this isn’t necessarily the best solution out there. I’m merely giving you a suggestion. Whether to do it or not is up to you.” Jasmine’s expression turned sullen. “Do I even have a choice? Luna is cunning, and she has my dad wrapped around her little finger. He’s still oblivious to her true colors, and he’s turning a blind eye because of that so-called grandson. Now that I’m aware of the truth, I don’t think I should hesitate any longer.”
Noting Jasmine’s expression, Mia knew she had matured and grown more resilient. She had refused when Mia first suggested that the Shelberts accept the child to impose on Luna. But now, she was willing to go along with the idea again. She must’ve been very disappointed in Raymond.
Jasmine clenched her teeth. “My dad will be thrilled as long as our family accepts the child. Severing ties with my grandparents won’t do him any good after all, and divorcing my mom won’t benefit him for his re-election either. I must make that bitch Luna pay a heavy price. Dealing with a four-year-old once she’s gone will be a piece of cake.”
Chapter 1054
Luna had only herself to blame for her own misdeeds.
Jasmine, however, would vow to protect everything Alison had established. She absolutely wouldn’t let her scumbag father surrender it all to a bastard born out of wedlock.
The surgery ended swiftly, and Alison was wheeled out. She was still unconscious with an oxygen mask on.
Staring at Alison’s frail frame, Mia lamented over her fate. Her family’s conundrum had yet to end, and both Jasmine and her would be in deep waters if Luna defeated Jasmine.
Jasmine wiped her tears away. “Rest assured, Mom. I won’t let Luna’s little bastard return to the Shelbert family and take everything from us.”
Mia thought about Jasmine’s predicament after she left the hospital. She wondered if Jasmine could truly pull herself together.
Just then, Peyton turned toward her and said, “Ms. Lane, the CEO of Barrett Group is inviting us to collaborate on the hotel project again. The terms offered in their proposal actually seem quite appealing. This market has yet to develop in Bern City, so we’ll definitely reel in significant revenue if we work with Barrett Group.”
“I guess that’s a yes, then. But we can’t just accept their proposal right away-that’ll put us at a disadvantage. They have Bern City wrapped around their finger, after all. Why don’t we organize an investment banquet and let them know that we’re looking for a partner to work on the hotel project? Those who are interested in the collaboration will be invited.”
“Ms. Lane, won’t your identity as the hotel owner be revealed if you show up at the banquet? Didn’t you mention that you want to keep it a secret?”
“Yes, but times have changed. Keeping my identity a secret doesn’t matter anymore. But still, I won’t reveal my identity before finalizing the deal. Showing up at the banquet doesn’t mean I’m the owner, right?” “You’re right, Ms. Lane. I’ll get to work now. Our hotel has been thriving in Nord City, and many people have been eager to work with us. Their efforts were to no avail, though. I’m sure a lot of them will scramble for invitations to our banquet once the collaboration news gets out.”
Mia nodded. Suddenly reminded of Luna’s tattooed ankle, she frowned and said, “Look into what happened to Luna’s tattoo on her ankle. Was it really removed due to a burn?”
“Got it. Where to next, Ms. Lane? Back home or somewhere else?”
“Take me to the research institute.”
Mia figured that she would definitely be greeted with Dominic’s lecture if she returned to the Lane residence. In that case, she’d rather accompany Sage at the research institute. It was merely a few days until his discharge from the institute.
On her way to the research institute, she texted Eva to inform her that she was going to keep Sage company that night. She didn’t want her family to worry.
Sneaking into the research institute with a gift, Mia planned to surprise Sage.
Sage was currently planted in front of his computer, engaging in a fierce face-off with Timothy on the other end. His attempt to hack the scumbag’s computer with his friends last time failed miserably, and he was determined to settle the score now.
Chapter 1055
With his gaze affixed to the computer screen, Sage hammered away at the keyboard. His lips stiffened as he stared at the numbers jumping about on the screen. He seemed somber.
He had always been smart and was somewhat renowned in the hacker circle. It had been a while since he encountered any worthy opponents.
But now, things were different.
Although he hated Timothy, he had to admit that he had some skills. No wonder he could summon so many people to wage a major battle against the terrorists, ultimately eliminating them all shortly after. Realizing that he had become distracted, Sage quickly refocused. Why was he even thinking about the scumbag’s past?
Mia spotted Sage perching in front of his computer when she silently entered his room. He was clearly engaged in something, so she didn’t interrupt him. Instead, she took a seat on the couch. He had always been confined to the research institute, unlike the other kids who could go out and play.
It was mandatory for Sage to remain in a controlled environment. Otherwise, immediate medical attention wasn’t guaranteed if anything happened to him. In the past, his room had 24-hour surveillance and he was always accompanied by maids. He was never left alone.
Fortunately, Sage could finally live like a normal child and go to school after years of intensive treatment.
As Mia stared at his screen, it finally dawned on her that he was struggling against a formidable opponent. She knew how capable he was, and it was rare for him to meet his match, let alone to be cornered. A surge of anxiety washed through her, but she remained silent.
Sage also realized he was at the losing end. Just then, his minions, who had been watching, said, “Sir, you’re losing. Do you want us to help?”
“Yeah, I don’t believe we’ll lose if we team up.”
“No. I’ll handle it myself,” Sage stated solemnly.
On the other end of the server, Timothy monitored the screen and said, “You’re already quite impressive for your age. You’re even better than I was at your age.”
Sage didn’t think of it as a compliment. His goal was to defeat Timothy, after all.
His expression hardened as he snapped, “Shut up. I will defeat you. I haven’t even lost yet.”
He suddenly froze.
Meanwhile, Timothy was equally flabbergasted by the cute, boyish et voice. Removing his headset, he turned to Caleb and said, “Come here.”
“What’s wrong? Aren’t you going to defeat this kid soon?”
“That’s not the point. The point is, you said they are twin sisters.”
Caleb nodded. “Yeah. What’s the issue?”
Pressing his lips together, Timothy said, “But that voice was a little boy’s.”
“No way, really?” Caleb exclaimed, visibly surprised.
“Why would I lie to you?”
“That means Mia had fraternal twins. Damn, Timothy. I’m suddenly a bit envious of you.”
Timothy kicked Caleb. “Get lost. Find a wife and have your own kids.”
But Timothy was spiraling in turmoil as he turned back to the screen. No wonder his opponent had been tough to handle-it was a boy. Still, he wondered why Ginger could be so sweet and understanding while her twin was so aloof and obstinate.
Chapter 1056
So, it was a boy after all.
Timothy turned on his mic. “You’re unyielding, huh? Have you never been defeated before?”
Sage snorted, “No.”
“Then I’ll teach you a lesson today.”
As Timothy typed at a frantic pace, the defenses Sage had painstakingly built up suddenly collapsed.
Sage was flustered, not expecting to be defeated so quickly. He turned on his mic. “You were going easy on me? Didn’t I tell you to go all out?”
“The game would have been over by now if I didn’t go easy on you,” Timothy replied nonchalantly.