BuzzNovelHe took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. “Ileana, is there something you're not telling us? If there's
anything troubling you, you can talk to us. Mom, Dad, your brothers-we’ll do everything we can to help.”
“And what exactly can you helpwith?” lleana’s face was openly mocking, not even trying to hide her scorn.
“Can you getinto the academy? Buya thirty-thousand-dollar dress? Or maybe moveout of this tiny,
filthy apartment building? What is it, exactly, that you all can do for me? What can you possibly givethat |
actually want?”
Her words hit like a slap, leaving everyone in the room visibly shaken and pale.
“Are you serious about all this?” Ethan, the eldest, was usually the most composed. His gaze was dark and deep
as a midnight well, fixed on Illeana, but she didn’t even flinch.
And at that moment, he finally understood.
“So, when exactly did you find out you were the Tate family’s missing daughter?” Liam finally voiced the
question none of them dared to ask, and lleana’s eyes flickered with a hint of guilt.
“That's not something you need to know.” Ileana stood up, impatience creeping into
her voice.
“I only cto let you know: from today on, we'll go our separate ways. If we cross paths, let's just pretend
we're strangers. Don’t bother me, and | won't bother you. As for the million dollars | promised, you turned it
down yourselves-so don’t you dare ccrawling back to ask for it later!”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe stood there, chin lifted high in defiance.
“Fine. We'll leave each other alone. As far as I'm concerned, the Morton family never had a daughter named
Illeana!” Brendan's voice was eerily calm. “And about that million-you can rest easy. Even if the Mortons are so
broke we're sleeping on the street, we'd never lower ourselves to ask you for money.”
He closed his eyes, shutting down every trace of emotion. “Go. If we ever meet again, we'll just act like
strangers.”
From that day forward, Ileana never cback.
The bus announced the next stop, and Zachary stepped off almost on autopilot,
1/2
16:44
Chapter 88
still dazed by everything that had happened. He looked up at the sky; the evening sun was sinking slowly,
streaks of crimson and gold painting the clouds-beautiful yet somehow leaving a hollow ache inside him.
Elsewhere, though not entirely by choice, Alessia found herself being ushered into a restaurant by Max.
The maitre d’ led them to their table. The whole place was empty except for staff and the two of them-Max had
reserved the entire restaurant in advance.
“Take a look and order whatever you want. After all, you wouldn't have a chance to dine here if you were still
with the Mortons,” Max said, handing her the menu.
Alessia wasn’t bothered in the slightest. She gave a faint, amused smile and pushed the menu back to him.
“With you around, | doubt | could stomach even the finest feast.”
Max gave a soft chuckle, not the
least bit offended. The waiter iin
by, pretending, not Hear: Ftign fully,
Either DF {Rem made things difficult
for the staff, and the order was
placed without incident. The content
is on novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
“Sir, your bill qualifies you for a complimentary eggnog. Would you like to try our newest recipe?”
“No, this will be enough,” Max replied, closing the menu.
“Certainly. Please wait just a moment.” The waiter collected the menus and left.
“So, out with it. What are you really
after? You SU (7 ]
I
refuse fIBRIRVE it s just for dinner.”
“My dear sister, after living under the sroof for seventeen years, can’t | take you out for a meal?”
Alessia snorted. “Seventeen years,
and you suddenly remember to treat
your sister to dinner? That's Prefiy
IEE evep.fohybu. By the way,
RT be mixing things up—your
real sister is the one you dumped at
the school gate earlier. Thanks to
you, my life just gained another
enemy who wants to tearto
pieces.” The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
“You're welcome.”
Max raised his glass of plain water, arching an eyebrow as he clinked it in the air, a mock toast hanging between
them.
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
