Chapter 408
Chapter 408:
She also watched Helena laughing freely and making cheerful conversation with the people who had once welcomed her as their own. Liliana’s hands curled into fists, clenching tighter with each passing second.
She had only just returned to the country when news reached her that her parents had tracked down their real daughter. Back then, Liliana hadn’t given it much thought. But now, as she watched this picture-perfect moment unfold, a strong mix of hurt and envy surged in her chest.
“Miss Harrison, it’s getting cold. Don’t stay out too long,” Martha Barrett, the housekeeper, said softly as she placed a coat around her shoulders.
Martha had seen Liliana grow from a child into a young woman, cherishing her as the pride and joy of the household for all those years. With Natalie and Kareem’s biological daughter now back in the picture, she couldn’t stop herself from feeling a deep sense of injustice for Liliana.
Liliana stayed rooted to the spot. Her jaw tightened as she asked through clenched teeth, “Is Helena the reason Mom and Dad didn’t want me back p>
She’d been living overseas for her studies and had recently told them she wanted to come home. She expected Natalie and Kareem to be thrilled. Instead, they paused and gently pushed her to remain abroad a little longer.
Feeling that something didn’t sit right, Liliana had booked a flight without a second thought.
That was when the truth hit her like a punch to the gut.
Ever since Helena came back, Martha had personally witnessed how the couple had treated her like she was something precious and irreplaceable.
Martha understood they’d asked Liliana to stay away so that Helena, the long-lost daughter, could settle in without feeling uneasy or overshadowed.
Not wanting to break Liliana’s heart, Martha quickly shook her head. “Don’t burden yourself with ideas like that. Sure, Helena might be their flesh and blood, but your parents haven’t been part of her life since her birth—how close could they really be? They’re only being this kind because she’s married to Alden p>
The Harrison Group had been running their affairs abroad for years, but they had just shifted operations back home. Alden was an ideal business partner.
Liliana took Martha’s words to heart and let out a smug little scoff. “I knew it. Mom and Dad care too deeply about me to toss me aside for some girl just because she shares their blood p>
Ł∆Ŧéѕ† Ç♄₳þŧëяŞ ín GalπoνεlŞ.cø₥
The tension in her chest eased a bit. With no desire to keep looking, she turned around and walked off with Martha at her side.
While sitting in the dining room, Helena briefly spotted a young woman’s face through the window. Her curiosity got the better of her.
“Dad, Mom, who was that outside just now?” she asked.
“What? Someone was out there?” Natalie answered, her voice laced with unease.
Helena felt certain she’d seen someone, so Natalie said, “Probably just one of the staff. They’re not family, so no need to fuss. Just enjoy the meal p>
Helena picked up on Natalie’s discomfort but decided not to press the issue.