Chapter 932

Maria smiled faintly and waved at Sidney, like greeting an old friend. Sidney, however, coldly averted his gaze and walked off with Diana. Maria finally got a clear look at the girl, who was undeniably beautiful. Herman got into the car and asked, "Miss Conner, where do you live?" Maria gave him the address.

"Thank you, Mr. Evans."

Herman chuckled lightly. "You're Tiana's friend, no need to be so formal with me."

Maria's smile became a bit more relaxed. "Tiana is Tiana, and you're you. It's not the same."

Herman was momentarily at a loss for words.

He glanced at Maria again.

Earlier, she'd been quiet, almost reserved.

But now, in this more private moment, he realized she was different from most people.

She didn't seem to care about others' opinions, acting on her own whims with a laid-back, carefree attitude. It was as though she possessed a truly free spirit. Soon, they arrived at the entrance to her complex.

Maria got out of the car. "Goodbye, Mr. Evans."

Herman nodded slightly, watching as she walked away.

Just then, a middle-aged couple rushed toward Maria, grabbing her by both arms.

"Mary! I finally found you! I'm your mother!" The woman clung to her like she'd never let go, tears streaming down her face.

Maria frowned, pulling against their grip but unable to free herself.

She snapped, "Let go of me! I don't know you!"

The woman cried even harder. "You are Mary! You're my daughter! If you don't believe us, we can go to the hospital for a DNA test!" The man beside her added, "That's right, I'm your father."

The absurdity of the situation struck Maria, and she said, "Let go, or I'm calling the police."

But the woman tightened her hold. "Go ahead, call the police! They'll confirm we're your real parents!"

Without hesitation, Maria pulled out her phone and called the police.

The middle-aged man lunged forward, snatching Maria's phone from her hand and smashing it onto the ground, shattering it instantly.

"What do you think you're doing?" Maria's expression grew colder.

The woman was just as stunned. "Why would you break our daughter's phone?"

The man ignored her, grabbing Maria's arm. "No need to call the et police. We'll just go to the hospital for a DNA test. We'll cooperat Maria, her voice icy, said, "You just destroyed my property. This won't be resolved without the police."

With that, she turned to leave, but the man stepped in front of her, trying to grab her again.

Just then, Herman rushed over, shoving the man aside and positioning himself between them and Maria.

"Who are you? I've already called the police. What exactly are you trying to do?" He waved his phone in front of them.

The man's face darkened as he stared at Maria for a long moment, before turning to drag the woman away.

But Herman wasn't letting them off that easily. "You're not getting away!"

Right then, the sound of police sirens filled the air, and the couple's faces paled.

They hadn't expected the police to arrive so quickly.

With Maria's statement, the couple was swiftly taken away by the police. Since more details were needed, Maria and Herman were also asked to go to the station in a patrol car.

"Are you alright?" Herman asked.

Maria shook her head. "I'm fine. Thank you."

Herman nodded. "Don't mention it. You're Tiana's friend. If I didn't help, she'd have yelled at me for sure."

Maria smiled faintly, but a flicker of coldness passed through her eyes.

So, they had found her. But who gave them her address? And how were they so sure she was the daughter they abandoned at the orphanage all those years ago?

Chapter 933 At the police station, the identities of the middle-aged couple were confirmed.

The man was named Gorden Yates, and the woman was Tracy Harris.

Both of them insisted that Maria was their daughter.

They even presented a birth certificate from years ago.

When the police asked why they were only looking for their daughter now, they explained that the child had been lost years ago, and a relative had recently seen Maria in Cloudflare City and remarked on the striking resemblance, prompting them to come find her. It was clear they had come prepared with their story.

Since the situation had drawn police attention, it couldn't just be brushed aside. The authorities arranged for a DNA test to first confirm if there was a parental relationship.

Tracy looked at Maria with a face full of excitement and guilt. "I'm sorry, darling. It was my fault back then. After I gave birth to you, I was too weak. I had no idea you'd be taken away. You've suffered all these years."

Maria remained indifferent. "The test results aren't out yet. Don't try to get close to me."

Even after getting the test results, it wouldn't make a difference.

Tracy's smile faltered as she took in Maria's cold demeanor. She exchanged a nervous glance with Gorden, clearly uncertain. They didn't know much about Maria, and now they worried-would she even give them money? Gorden, however, seemed calm and confident.

His look reassured Tracy not to worry.

With the DNA test results still pending, Maria left the police station without delay.

"Mary, Mary! Wait for us!" Tracy hurried after her.

Maria turned, her gaze frosty. "What do you want?"

Tracy looked embarrassed. "We're new here and don't really have a place to stay. Can you take us in for a few days?"

"No."

Maria's refusal was immediate and absolute.

Gorden then snapped, "Mary, you're our daughter. We're sure of it. You have a responsibility to take care of your parents. You have to take care of us!" Maria scoffed. "And you think you deserve it?"

With that, she turned and walked away.

Not far off, Herman was waiting for her in his car. Seeing her approach, he opened the door, and she got in.

Gorden's face darkened. "Ungrateful brat. I raised her, and she'll pay for it, one way or another!"

Tracy, feeling anxious, whispered, "But she doesn't seem easy to deal with."

"Hmph, a girl like her? What's to fear? A few smacks will set her straight," Gorden dismissed her concerns. Tracy hesitated. "What should we do next then?"

Gorden grumbled, "Let's just find a motel for now. Things will fall into place in a few days."

That was their only option at the moment.

In the car, Herman glanced over at Maria, noticing the cold expression on her face. He hesitated briefly before asking, "If you need help, I can take care of this for you Maria's lips curled into a faint smile. "Thanks, but there's no need. I can handle it myself."

Since it was their first real interaction, Herman didn't press further and simply dropped her off at her building. Maria waved goodbye and entered the building.

Stepping out of the elevator, she was greeted by an unexpected sight.

Her expression shifted slightly, a mix of surprise and amusement playing on her features as she approached the figure standing there. She stopped directly in front of him her gaze fingering on him with a playful, teasing glint in her eyes.

"Sidney," Maria's voice carried a hint of curiosity, "What are you doing here?"

Sidney had been standing there for a while, having witnessed Herman drop her off. The sight of them chatting and laughing together sent a sudden wave of irritation through him, souring his mood instantly.