Chapter 552

Chapter 552:

Kelsey’s sharp tone cut through the hum of conversation, pulling Brielle’s focus. When Brielle’s gaze fell on Shepard, an unmistakable flash of panic flickered in her eyes before she quickly masked it with calm composure.

Yet Shepard, who had spent over two decades living with her, knew her too well. He immediately sensed her unease.

With the revelations of the past several days burning in his mind, Shepard advanced directly toward Brielle and Leandro.

Leandro’s guards instinctively stepped forward, but a single gesture from Leandro made them retreat.

Shepard’s lips curved into a sardonic smile. “After more than twenty years bound as siblings, won’t you even say hello to me p>

Brielle’s eyes darkened as she turned toward him. “Siblings? Did you—or Weldon—ever treat me as your sister p>

Noticing Leandro watching, Brielle added with an aggrieved look, “You’ve never cared for me like family p>

Shepard let out a laugh that rang hollow, heavy with scorn. As his amusement faded, his expression sharpened, his voice dropping to a chilling tone.

“Ungrateful to the very end, aren’t you p>

ո𝖾w 𝖼𝗵а𝗉𝗍𝗲𝘳𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝘳𝘺 𝘄𝘦e𝘬 oո

“You…” Brielle was momentarily speechless.

“Brielle,” Shepard said coldly, “you’re not just ungrateful—you’re also a liar p>

“Stop talking nonsense!” Brielle exclaimed, desperation spilling over as she turned toward Leandro. “Leandro, please, don’t believe him. He’s bullied me since I was a child. I p>

“Brielle, didn’t you tell Mr. Rodriguez the origin of that bracelet?” Shepard’s icy interruption sliced through her words.

The mention of the bracelet jolted Leandro from his silence, his eyes narrowing at once.

Shepard had intended to hold off on discussing the bracelet with Leandro until Wyatt had fully investigated the matter. However, this unexpected encounter at the restaurant made it the perfect moment to address it.

“Leandro, I’m full. Let’s just go,” Brielle said, rising to leave, but Leandro swiftly caught her arm to halt her. The movement exposed the bracelet on Brielle’s wrist.

“One final time, Brielle. Is this bracelet really yours?” Leandro asked, his voice low, his grip tight enough to make her wince.

“It is mine—I swear,” Brielle began.

She was cut off by Amelia’s phone ringing. It was a video call from Weston. Amelia’s face lit up when she answered. “Dad, how’s your recovery going?” she asked warmly.

At the time of Amelia and Wyatt’s wedding, Weston was still healing from his injuries and not yet fully recovered. Amelia had urged him to stay in Kretol, but Weston, not wanting to intrude on the newlyweds, had chosen to return to Hans. Sensing Amelia’s worry, he smiled. “I am recovering well p>

After a brief exchange, Weston grew serious. “Amelia, I need to tell you something important. The bracelet Brielle is wearing belonged to your mother. I gave it to Brielle on her eighteenth birthday, mistaking her for you p>

Earlier, when Shepard had left the Stewart Group, he had sent Weston a sketch of the bracelet and explained the situation. Though Amelia had suspected the truth, Weston’s confirmation still caught her off guard. The bracelet Leandro had been desperately searching for was her mother’s.

The restaurant fell silent; everyone heard Weston’s words clearly. “You lied to me!” Leandro roared. A shrill, anguished cry from Brielle cut through the room.

When people turned, they saw Leandro had broken Brielle’s wrist. Meeting his furious glare, Brielle shook her head frantically, tears streaming down her face. “I didn’t lie! It was a birthday gift from Weston, so it’s mine. You’re the one who p>

“You’re unbelievable, twisting words even now!” Leandro snapped. He released her wrist and seized her throat instead.

Brielle thrashed helplessly, unable to free herself from his grip.

In desperation, she looked to Amelia and the others for rescue, but they appeared unmoved, as if oblivious to her plight.

Finally, Amelia’s compassion surfaced. She looked at the enraged Leandro and said, “Killing her will only stain your hands p>

Her words cut through the tension, prompting Leandro to release Brielle. He yanked the bracelet from her wrist and approached Amelia slowly.

Before he could get close, Wyatt stepped protectively in front of her. “Is this your mother’s bracelet?” Leandro asked, holding it out.

Amelia started to reach for it, but Wyatt gently stopped her. He took the bracelet from Leandro and handed it to Amelia.

She inspected it closely, noticing her mother’s initials etched at the clasp. “Yes, this is my mother’s,” she replied.

Leandro’s eyes gleamed with expectation. “Do you remember what happened fifteen years ago on that cruise p>