Ch. 561..570

Chapter 561: She is My Daughter

Joshua Clarke exclaimed in surprise, “Cindy Clarke?”

Christy Xenos was sitting and drinking tea. Upon hearing these two words, she immediately put down her teacup and rushed over.

“What did you say? It’s Cindy?” Christy grabbed the phone from Joshua’s hand and answered it herself.

“Who are you looking for?” Christy hurriedly asked.

At this time, Cindy had already taken the receiver and said, “Mom, it’s me, Cindy.”

Only Cindy knew how difficult it was for her to call out “Mom.”

If she didn’t want to hear Christy go crazy over the phone, she wouldn’t want to call at all.

“How did you know we were here?” Christy was astonished.

Did Cindy have such great abilities?

They hadn’t contacted them in advance, yet she could find them directly on her own.

“Why don’t you let me come up first and we can talk?” Cindy said. “I’ll give the phone back to the hotel staff, and you can tell them to let me come up.”

“Fine!” Christy’s anger was boiling, and she was about to burst at any moment.

She was just waiting for Cindy to come up so they could settle their scores.

Cindy then returned the receiver to the hotel staff.

Christy then told the other party, “That’s my daughter, let her come up.”

After hanging up, the staff called for a room service employee to open the elevator for Cindy.

Cindy followed the staff member there.

In the room, as soon as Christy hung up the phone, she called Wendy Clarke: “Wendy, Cindy found us herself!”

After the last competition, they hadn’t been able to get close to Cindy. Christy had told Wendy about it when she came back.

“How did Cindy know where you were staying?” Wendy was also puzzled.

“I don’t know, I asked her, but she didn’t say,” Christy said. “I wonder what great abilities she has gained over the years. I’ll ask her when she comes up, and I’ll give you the details later.”

“Okay.” Wendy hung up the phone.

At this time, she was chatting with her high school friend, Erica Yves, in a café.

After Wendy’s family became wealthy, she didn’t have much contact with her former classmates.

Because she looked down on them.

She felt that they were no longer on the same level.

The only one she still kept in touch with was Erica Yves.

This was because Erica was a college classmate of Ella Doone, the daughter of the Richest Businessman in Nork City, and they were roommates in the same dormitory.

Later on, Ella went abroad for her postgraduate studies.

According to Erica, Ella was coming back soon.

Wendy wanted to get to know Ella through Erica.

Although Nork City is a small and unimpressive city, one cannot underestimate the richest person in the city.

As the Richest Businessman in Nork City, Ella’s connections were not limited to Nork City.

That’s not to mention…

Just in Nork City alone, Ella was an influential figure.

Her enterprise in Nork City has created a lot of GDP for the city.

The Mayor of Nork City was very courteous to her, even going so far as to offer her many incentives to stay in Nork City.

It was because of Ella’s influence in Nork City that Wendy wanted to become friends with her and try to develop a close friendship.

As for this afternoon, Wendy simply wanted to vent to Erica.

These days, she had been busy dealing with restaurant matters, becoming exhausted and frazzled.

This afternoon, she finally had a rare moment of leisure and could take a break.

After hanging up the phone, Erica asked, “Was that your Aunt?”

“Yes, they’re in Belfard looking for Cindy. Cindy and my parents don’t have each other’s contact information, so I didn’t expect Cindy to be able to find their hotel without saying anything. I’m curious about how capable she has become,” Wendy said.

“By the way, why did you book such an expensive hotel for your parents?” Erica was quite surprised. “After all, they’re going to be in Belfard for a long time. If you always stay at a five-star hotel, it’s not a small amount of money. It’s not as cost-effective as renting a homestay.”

“Of course, I know you don’t lack this bit of money. I accidentally thought about it with my own mindset,” Erica immediately added another sentence.

“It’s not really that,” Wendy sighed, afraid that Erica might think she’s trying to take advantage of her, and quickly explained, “You know what kind of person my Mom is, she cares a lot about appearances.”

“Honestly, in recent years, our family has made some money from the restaurant, but we haven’t made as much as outsiders think. There are huge costs in running a restaurant, and there’s a lot of initial investment, so we can’t make any profit at first. It wasn’t until last year that things started to improve. But after deducting costs and other expenses, we still don’t have as much left as we would like.”

“If we really want to become truly rich, there’s still a lot of work to do,” Wendy lamented the state of their wealth.

Erica knew the inside story and laughed. In her heart, however, she scoffed.

Who are you pretending to be poor with?

“My mom has the mentality of a poor person who suddenly becomes rich,” Wendy said. “She was used to being poor and hadn’t seen much money, so now that she’s made a little, she thinks our family is incredibly wealthy.”

“You know, when I meet clients, I can’t dress too shabbily. Especially since, in other people’s eyes, I run such a high-end restaurant and have the image of a restaurant boss, a rich person. If I dressed poorly, clients would look down on me and not want to deal with me, so who would I do business with?”

“So, I have to get a few expensive things for myself,” Wendy shook her head. “Now that I’ve bought things for myself, I have to buy them for her too. Otherwise, I’d be ‘disrespectful to my parents.’”

“This time they went to Belfard, believe it or not, if I didn’t book a decent hotel for them, my Dad wouldn’t care, but my Mom would nag me every day about not being filial, only getting the good stuff for myself and not wanting to spend money on them,” Wendy explained, massaging her tired brows. “I’m just spending money to buy some peace and quiet. And my mom, at such a difficult time, she still…”

Seeing Wendy shake her head, Erica agreed somewhat.

After all, they knew a bit about Christy’s temper.

“But you should be able to relax soon, hasn’t Cindy found your parents already?” Erica said. “When the time comes, let her take on some of the burden of supporting the family and your parents.”

“Especially since she disappeared for five years, and you’ve been supporting her during this time, you need to settle this matter with her and not just let her go,” Erica said.

“Yes, that’s what I think too,” Wendy said.

“Oh, let me tell you some good news. Ella Doone will be back soon,” Erica said. “It should be next month. At that time, our old classmates will have a reunion.”

Seeing Wendy’s eyes light up, Erica said, “For a classmates’ reunion, I’m not very comfortable taking you there.”

“After all, it’s just a gathering of old friends, and they’re all strangers to you. If you go, it’ll be awkward. I’m also afraid of being criticized for not being tactful.”

Chapter 562: Do You Even Have Any Shame Left?

“I don’t really care if other people think I’m ignorant, but if Ella sees me like that, and it gives her a negative impression of our class reunion, it might backfire. Don’t you think?” Erica explained to Wendy.

Wendy was already unhappy, feeling that Erica was just brushing her off.

Since she had come back, why not take her with her?

But now, hearing Erica’s explanation, although it seemed reasonable, Wendy became even more unhappy.

What did Erica mean by that?

Did she think Wendy was narrow-minded?

Or did she think Wendy was particularly ignorant?

She didn’t understand these worldly things, but did she need Erica to teach her that?

Wendy was annoyed inside, but didn’t show it on her face.

After all, she still needed Erica’s help to get to know Ella.

***

The hotel in Belfard.

Cindy arrived at the door of Joshua Clarke and Christy Xenos’s room.

After standing there, she took a deep breath and adjusted her expression before pressing the doorbell.

Her confident and slightly cold expression disappeared.

She replaced it with a timid and difficult expression, then pressed the doorbell.

Through the door, she could hear the doorbell ringing inside.

Soon after, footsteps were heard from the room.

Then, the door was opened.

Cindy hadn’t yet seen who it was.

Suddenly, a slap came her way.

After not seeing each other for five years, Cindy had underestimated how Christy’s human nature had become even more shameless.

Fortunately, Cindy was quick to react. As soon as the shadow of a slap appeared in front of her eyes, she hurriedly dodged to the side without even thinking.

Although she was planning to deceive her father and Christy this time, she wasn’t ready to take this slap from Christy for real.

However, Christy’s move was just too fast.

Although Cindy managed to avoid the danger of being slapped in the face, she couldn’t entirely dodge it.

Christy’s slap landed on Cindy’s shoulder.

As a result, Cindy felt a sharp pain in her shoulder.

Christy really used a lot of force in that slap.

If it had landed on her face, Cindy suspected that her teeth could have been knocked out.

However, Christy didn’t get off easily either.

Cindy was thin, with slender shoulders and not much flesh.

A slim, straight-angled shoulder.

When Christy’s hand struck, it wasn’t as exaggerated as hitting a nail, but the sharp angle of the shoulder inflicted a pain that made her cry out loud.

Christy yelled, “Why did you dodge!”

“Alright, alright,” Joshua hurriedly held back Christy, “What are you doing? Why do you start hitting her as soon as you see her? Won’t you let her explain first?”

“She left without saying a word, and we haven’t seen her for five years. She made us worried and scared, so why can’t I hit her! If I don’t hit her, it would be unfair to my five years of worry!” Christy shouted shrilly.

“Ok, do you really want to beat her up before we can talk properly?” Joshua pushed Christy back inside the room, “And besides, making a scene in the hotel corridor, aren’t you afraid people might hear?”

Cindy also entered the room, rubbing her shoulder while seemingly admiring the hotel room with envy.

It was as if she had never seen such a fancy place before.

Christy disdainfully clicked her tongue and said, “You’ve been in Belfard for so many years, don’t act like you haven’t experienced anything!”

Cindy’s neck shrank, but she couldn’t help sneaking glances around the room.

Soon after, her face revealed a surprised expression: “Mom, Dad, you’re staying in such a nice hotel in Belfard? This hotel must be expensive, right?”

Imitating Christy’s greedy expression, Cindy asked, “How much does it cost per night?”

Joshua frowned slightly. After not seeing her for five years, why had Cindy become more and more like Christy?

She wasn’t like this before.

There’s a saying that near ink is black.

But in these five years, Cindy hadn’t been living with Christy.

Christy’s face stiffened, and she immediately suspected that Cindy wanted to take advantage of them for money.

Christy was planning to ask Cindy for money, so how could she give Cindy this opportunity?

Christy asked right away, “Tell us how you found us first.”

“You left without saying a word and never contacted us. We don’t know your contact information. If we want to see you, we have to go to your Competitions first. But you’re pretty capable, knowing that we’re in Belfard and finding us directly.”

“Zoe Silverstone told me,” Cindy said, “She has my contact information, and she told me about it.”

Cindy frowned slightly and said, “I thought it was really strange, she obviously had my contact information, so why didn’t she tell you guys?”

“What?” Joshua exclaimed, “She has your contact information?”

“Yeah,” Cindy nodded, “Didn’t she tell you? How would I know that you guys were coming if she hadn’t told me?”

“Also, she only told me last night. It was too late for me to come over at night, so I came first thing in the morning,” Cindy explained earnestly.

Upon hearing this, Christy suddenly slapped her thigh, “I knew it! That Zoe Silverstone was trying to swindle our money!”

“Scam? What money did she scam from you?” Cindy asked immediately.

Christy remained silent.

She had always been astute. How could she admit to being swindled?

Joshua awkwardly explained the situation of buying the tickets.

“The tickets don’t need to be this expensive,” Cindy said, “You actually spent that much money. Even if the official tickets are sold out, you can go find a scalper. It wouldn’t be that exaggerated, it would just be a bit more expensive, like a hundred or two hundred more.”

Cindy sighed sadly, “Ah, it’s such a shame, all that money you gave her. If you gave it to me instead, it would have been so much better.”

“What did you say?” Christy glared at her sharply.

As expected, Cindy really intended to ask for money.

“We haven’t even asked you for money yet, but you’re already trying to take ours. Have you no shame!” Upon hearing that Cindy dared to calculate her money, Christy’s eyes widened with anger.

She swung her hand, trying to hit Cindy again.

But how could Cindy let her hit her, she raised her hand and grabbed Christy’s wrist.

Christy hadn’t expected Cindy to have become this strong.

In the past, when Cindy helped out with the family restaurant and learned to cook from Joshua, she had held many pots and pans.

But she was never this strong.

That was all because Cindy had been taking care of Morgan Zhekova all by herself since his birth.

When Morgan was sick or crying, she had to hold him.

And she held him all the time.

When Morgan was still unsteady on his feet as a child, and they went out to play, he would get tired after walking for a while and needed Cindy to carry him.

Not to mention that even now, Morgan would still act spoiled with her when no one else was around.

Even though Morgan has been getting heavier, Cindy would still carry him whenever possible.

Over time, naturally, her strength had increased.

Christy found that her wrist was being held by Cindy and she couldn’t move it at all.

Chapter 563: The Modesty Cloth

Christy Xenos was furious, feeling that she could no longer control Cindy Clarke.

Back in Nork City, when she wanted to hit Cindy, when did Cindy ever dare to fight back?

“Well! You’ve grown up, been in Belfard for five years, and now you’ve grown wings too hard for me to control, huh!” Christy shouted, “I discipline you, and you dare to fight back?”

“Do you want to hit me?” Christy suddenly let go and leaned her face towards Cindy’s, “You’re so capable now that you want to hit me, your own mother, right?”

“Come on, hit me! Hit me!” Christy brought her face even closer, pointing at her own cheek.

“What are you doing!” Joshua Clarke helplessly pulled Christy away, “It wasn’t easy to find Cindy, can’t we just talk things out? Does it have to be this way?”

“Regardless of what grievances there are, we should at least understand each other clearly before we proceed!” Joshua said helplessly.

“Did my mom ever tell you why I left?” Cindy asked.

Christy’s face changed, hearing Cindy say this, wondering if she knew something.

Did Cindy know everything about the conspiracy against her back then?

That’s why she ran away without saying anything, and didn’t make any contact for so many years.

Being afraid that they would plot against her again.

Joshua was stunned: “What? Does…your mom know?”

“Mom and sister both know.” Cindy said sarcastically.

“What nonsense are you talking about!” Christy immediately interrupted Cindy, “You don’t even know why you ran away and made us search for you for so many years. What else do you want to say?”

“I’m saying that you and Wendy drugged me at the bar, put me in bed with a strange old man, hoping I’d have his child in exchange for money for you guys!” Cindy shouted.

“You’re talking nonsense! We didn’t do that!” While Cindy was talking, Christy was also shouting desperately, trying to cover up Cindy’s voice.

But Cindy was prepared, and her voice was even louder.

Now she sees herself as a common shrew, completely ignoring her image.

Anyway, the role she was playing today was just like that.

So no matter how much Christy shouted, Cindy didn’t stop.

She didn’t let Christy interrupt her, and she raised her voice, even if her throat hurt from shouting, she didn’t lower her voice.

“You’re talking nonsense! You ran away on your own, and then you come back and accuse me and your sister?” Christy’s face turned red as she spoke.

“This… this…” Joshua was in a dilemma.

Who should he trust?

Cindy suddenly burst into tears, grabbing Joshua’s hand and saying: “Dad, you must stand up for me!”

“I’ll never forget, five years ago, I was helping out at our small restaurant. At night, Wendy went to the restaurant after work, saying she wanted to have a drink with me. As soon as I had a drink, I passed out.” Cindy pointed at Christy.

“It was my mom and Wendy, together, who carried me to the hotel and wanted to give me to Mr. Lopez.” Cindy said, “Fortunately, I was lucky. I don’t know where they got the fake drugs, but I woke up early.”

“At that time, Mr. Lopez was already in the room, but he hadn’t touched me yet. I wanted to run, and of course, he wouldn’t let me. So he told me everything my mom and Wendy did.”

“He said that my mom and Wendy gave me to him! As long as I could give birth to a child, they’d get 10 million in return.”

“Of course I wouldn’t do it! No matter how much money they gave me, I wouldn’t do it, not even for a billion!” Cindy said, “So I fought back, injured Mr. Lopez, and took the chance to escape.”

“Wendy wanted the money to expand our family restaurant, so why didn’t she accompany Mr. Lopez herself? Why did she drug me and give me to Mr. Lopez?” Cindy shouted loudly.

“Besides, if you want money, work hard and earn it with your own hands! If you want to expand our family restaurant, just help out! Instead, she’s out partying and ignoring family matters, and still talking about expanding the restaurant?”

“Your sister is socializing and networking outside, she’s using her brains!” said Christy, “And besides, how do you know she didn’t try? The expansion of our family restaurant is all thanks to your sister. What have you done?”

“These years, while you were enjoying yourself in Belfard, it’s your sister who’s been supporting us and taking care of us. The family’s affairs, and the family’s restaurant, you haven’t lifted a finger all these years, how dare you accuse your sister!” Christy pointed at Cindy’s nose as she spoke.

“If it really was as you said, our family restaurant wouldn’t be in the state it is today!” Christy retorted.

“Yeah, I’ve heard from Zoe Silverstone, our family now has a high-end restaurant and has made a lot of money.” Cindy held Joshua’s hand and said, “Dad, haven’t you ever wondered where Wendy got the money for the restaurant?”

“You know how much our small restaurant could make in a month. Did our family suddenly hit the jackpot and manage to take the restaurant to that level overnight?” Cindy asked.

“Located in the heart of Nork City, the entire restaurant’s scale has grown, hired talented chefs and professional waitstaff that allow you guys to retire directly. This isn’t a small restaurant anymore. The initial investment for this kind of restaurant is huge.”

“Not just the renovation and so on, but also the cost of ingredients and staff. It takes at least a few years to get a return on that kind of investment. You need to have a really deep financial foundation to support it.”

Cindy sneered, “Dad, have you ever asked where their money came from?”

“Our family has been poor for half our lives, with no rich relatives. How come we suddenly have so much money overnight?” Cindy suddenly shouted, “That’s the money they got from selling me!”

Joshua stiffened.

Before, he had asked where Wendy got all that money.

Christy only said that Wendy was competent and had attracted investments.

Although Wendy had never helped out at the family restaurant, she had always been looking for deals outside and had met investors.

That’s how she managed to attract so much investment.

Joshua felt that he didn’t have much experience, and he couldn’t tell whether what Wendy said was true or false.

But maybe Wendy really had such ability?

And besides, subconsciously, he also hoped his family would become richer.

So even if he had suspicions, he hid them.

Just to enjoy life more peacefully.

But now, Cindy tore through the veil blatantly.

Making it impossible for Joshua to avoid it anymore.

Forcing him to face the problem.

And recall all the suspicious details from the past.

“Pah! Don’t flatter yourself!” Seeing that Joshua’s expression was wrong, Christy immediately said.

“Don’t even think about belittling Wendy’s efforts! She clearly found investors outside and attracted investments!” said Christy.

Chapter 564: You hit me?

“I never tried to harm you with Ning Ning!” Christy Xenos had made up her mind, denying everything to the end.

After all, it was five years ago, and Cindy Clarke had no evidence.

If Cindy could claim that they had tricked her, Christy could also say that Cindy had not.

“Heh!” laughed Cindy coldly, “You really think I don’t have any evidence?”

Cindy took out her mobile phone and played a video clip.

“This is a security footage I obtained from the hotel. With this evidence, I could sue you, but I didn’t call the police because you are family,” Cindy said.

“I thought you might feel some guilt.” Cindy sneered, “But I never expected that the only thing you would do after I told the truth was to keep denying it.”

“You haven’t even said a single word of apology for the trap you set for me, the sacrifices I made. Instead, you accuse me of slander?”

Cindy shoved the phone right in front of Joshua Clarke’s face.

Joshua reached out to grab it, but Cindy didn’t give it to him.

She held the mobile phone tightly in her hand.

If the phone was handed to Joshua, Christy would snatch it away.

But even if Cindy held onto it, it was enough for Joshua to see it clearly.

The video that Cindy showed him was the hotel security footage.

When Cindy fled in panic back then, she was afraid that Christy and Wendy would find out.

She was so panicked that she didn’t even think about asking for the security footage from the hotel at the time.

Moreover, she was only 19 at the time, being so decisive was already rare.

She couldn’t have thought of everything back then.

Adrian Zhekova suspected that Cindy was the girl from five years ago, so he had Sheldon Rowland check and obtain the footage.

Although the footage was five years old, the hotel staff would be too lazy to look for it.

But when Sheldon went, it was a different story.

He got the surveillance footage just like that.

Adrian gave the video to Cindy.

Worried that Joshua and Christy might recognize it, Cindy had deleted all parts related to Adrian.

Yet, the footage still clearly showed Christy and Wendy, one on each side, supporting an obviously unconscious Cindy.

“Dad, you can take a closer look at the top right corner, where the date is clearly displayed. It was the day before I left, five years ago,” said Cindy.

As expected, Christy tried to snatch the mobile phone away.

“Fake! It’s all fake!” Christy shouted as she reached out to grab Cindy’s mobile phone.

Fortunately, Cindy was prepared.

As soon as she saw Christy’s move, she took back her phone and put it in her jacket pocket.

Efficiently zipping up the pocket to ensure that Christy couldn’t steal it.

At this point, the eyes of Joshua Clarke were red with anger.

“Mom, Wendy and I are both your daughters. I can understand if you favor one over the other. Among the five fingers in a hand, there must be longer and shorter ones. When a family has many children, it’s inevitable that parents slightly prefer one over the other. But you can’t be this biased!”

You sold me out, and then took the money to be with Wendy. You covered up for her and never thought about how I would feel. I was in college back then, and because of this, I couldn’t even finish my studies!”

“Dad, you ask me why I left. My family had two people who were constantly plotting against me to exchange me for money. If I didn’t leave, I would have lost more than just being sold. I might not even be able to protect my own life!”

“I never thought my own mother would harm me for the sake of another child! I’ve been used to you not caring about me since I was little, but I never thought you would hurt me like this!”

“You not only hurt me but also denied it. You took the money I had exchanged for you and started a grand restaurant at home, enjoying the life of a wealthy lady!” Cindy said loudly.

“Pah! Where did you get the money? You didn’t!” Mr. Lopez didn’t pay because Cindy had run away!

It wasn’t the money exchanged for Cindy!

It was clearly… clearly exchanged by Wendy.

But Christy couldn’t say it.

If she said it, she would not only expose Wendy but also admit to selling Cindy.

But without saying it, would she have to swallow this injustice?

That money… that money was clearly exchanged by Wendy!

It was Wendy who had accompanied Mr. Lopez to get the money.

How did it become Cindy’s merit!

Christy hated Cindy to the bone.

This girl has always been cunning!

Before, Christy could control Cindy.

But she didn’t expect that after five years, Cindy would become even more cunning!

Christy found out that she was no match for Cindy.

This wretched girl had never been likable!

And now, she was driving Christy crazy with hate!

Swallowing this undeserved injustice, Wendy’s efforts turned into nothing.

Christy couldn’t stand the grievance, and her hatred for Cindy seemed to take on physical form.

Joshua turned around and saw Christy’s reaction clearly.

Even if he was weak-willed and indecisive,

He knew at this moment that what Cindy said was true.

Christy and Wendy had once teamed up to set Cindy up like this.

This was a matter of a girl’s innocence!

Joshua suddenly raised his hand high.

“Smack!” With a slap, Joshua struck Christy hard.

Unprepared, Christy was knocked to the ground.

Joshua was truly furious at this point.

Therefore, he didn’t hold back any of his strength in his slap.

As a big man, Joshua had the advantage of strength.

Plus, he spent most of his life in the kitchen, flipping and stirring with a spatula.

The strength he developed was greater than that of an ordinary person.

That slap nearly knocked out Christy’s teeth.

Even if they weren’t knocked out, she felt her teeth wobble.

Her mouth tasted of blood.

Her cheek swelled up immediately.

Christy lay on the ground, covering her face.

She slowly looked up at Joshua.

The shock, disbelief, and the mix of emotions were extremely complex in her eyes and face.

So shocked that her actions were surprisingly slow, as if she were in a dream.

The slap left her ears ringing.

“You hit me?” Christy stared at Joshua in disbelief.

Joshua was known to be an honest person throughout his life.

Otherwise, why would Christy marry him if he was not honest and easily manipulated?

Usually, Joshua was not much of a talker, swinging between decisions and lacking determination.

Yet, he still held the position of the head of the family.

Therefore, when Christy and Wendy discussed their plans to harm Cindy behind his back, Joshua was never included.

While Joshua was at home, Christy was biased but dared not be too hard on Cindy.

Because Joshua was watching them.

But Christy also knew Joshua’s bottom line.

As long as she didn’t act too outrageously in front of Joshua, he wouldn’t say anything.

Chapter 565: Not Taking Me Seriously

But did Joshua Clarke really not know how harsh Christy Xenos had been to Cindy Clarke behind his back?

According to Cindy, not necessarily.

He just didn’t care as long as it didn’t happen in front of his eyes.

He was happy to gloss over the conflict.

Just like when he had doubts about the source of the money Wendy Clarke used to open the restaurant, but he never asked, choosing to cover it up.

As long as he could get by, Joshua Clarke felt perfectly at ease.

He always had ways to make himself feel at ease.

But this time, what Cindy said was too serious.

So serious that Joshua Clarke couldn’t come to terms with it.

“What, you feel wronged?” Joshua Clarke pointed at Christy Xenos, his whole body trembling.

“Cindy is our daughter! You sold our daughter! Don’t you know how serious this is for a young girl?” Joshua Clarke roared angrily.

“No matter how much you bully Cindy, there should be a bottom line!” Joshua Clarke raged.

“In the past, when you favored Wendy Clarke at home, I didn’t want to disrupt the family as long as it wasn’t excessive,” Joshua panted.

“But I never thought you’d stoop so low as to sell your daughter!”

“When Cindy vanished after not being home for a long time, I searched everywhere for her. What did you and Wendy tell me? You said you didn’t know why Cindy left!”

“Cindy was framed and sold by you two; how could you not know why she left?”

“You knew it, but you hid it from me. You think I’m easy to deceive, don’t you?”

“You never took me seriously!” Joshua Clarke roared.

Tears filled Cindy’s eyes.

At this moment, seeing Joshua Clark taking her side and standing up for her, she felt no relief, no satisfaction, nor any peace of mind.

She didn’t feel protected by Joshua Clarke at all.

Instead, she found it ironic.

With so many doubts, Joshua had already suspected so much in his heart.

But five years, five whole years had passed.

The three members of the Clarke family lived in peace.

Joshua Clarke still enjoyed Wendy’s money.

Of course, Cindy knew that the money Wendy brought home was not from selling her.

Because Adrian Zhekova had thoroughly investigated it.

That money was earned when Wendy herself slept with Mr. Lopez.

Joshua Clarke was enjoying the money Wendy earned by selling herself.

But this matter, Cindy knew, Christy Xenos knew, and Wendy knew.

Joshua Clarke didn’t know, though.

Hadn’t he suspected?

He must have doubted the source of the money.

Combined with her disappearance without a trace.

Hadn’t he put two and two together?

And yet, even so, Joshua Clarke continued to enjoy it in peace of mind.

That was the innate selfishness in his bones.

All three members of the Clarke family were the same.

How could the now clear-headed Cindy feel any relief at this moment?

She only felt how ridiculous it all was.

All three members of the Clarke family were ridiculous!

Fortunately, she had long given up hope for them.

So now, when Cindy’s acting temporarily concluded, she acted as a cold and indifferent spectator.

Watching Joshua Clarke’s performance.

With all of Joshua Clarke’s attention on Christy Xenos, he didn’t see the cold smile that crept on Cindy’s lips.

Cindy’s gaze slowly turned towards Christy Xenos.

In the past, Christy and Wendy used to bully Cindy, but she could always endure it.

Even when she was being bullied, Cindy retained a bottom line, finding ways to ensure she didn’t suffer too much damage.

Although the process was difficult and tortuous, her ultimate goal was still achieved.

It wasn’t until the college entrance examination that Christy Xenos secretly changed Cindy’s college application choices.

So Cindy ended up staying in Nork City for college.

From that point on, it seemed difficult for Cindy to control the outcome of events like before.

Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke became increasingly ruthless.

It was also from that time that any remaining trace of affection for them was completely erased from Cindy’s heart.

From that point on, Cindy told herself not to think of herself as a part of the Clarke family.

They had never considered her a part of the family.

Why should she put herself through that?

So now, Cindy watched with cold eyes as Christy Xenos cried with a tear-streaked face, showing no sympathy.

Christy Xenos happened to catch a glimpse of Cindy’s reaction.

“You little bitch!” Christy Xenos was furious, her eyes wide with anger, “I’m being beaten, and you’re actually laughing coldly!”

“You just can’t bear to see me well, hoping I’ll die sooner, right!” Christy Xenos screamed, about to get up and hit Cindy.

Cindy immediately shrank back, fearfully shouting, “Dad!”

“What are you doing!” Joshua Clarke immediately stopped Christy Xenos.

Seeing Cindy’s frightened face.

In the past, Christy Xenos only bullied Cindy when he wasn’t around.

Now, she was completely brazen, no longer bothering to hide in front of him.

Blocked by Joshua Clarke, Christy Xenos was fuming.

“Didn’t you see her laughing?” Christy Xenos shouted hoarsely, “I’ve been beaten, and she’s so happy! She wishes I was beaten to death!”

“What kind of daughter is this? You little bitch, you won’t die a good death!” Christy Xenos shrieked, “Was it easy for me to give birth to you after carrying you for ten months? And now you can’t wait for me to die!”

“Enough!” Joshua Clarke slapped Christy Xenos in the face again, pushing her back.

At this moment, Joshua Clarke suddenly felt a sense of protectiveness towards Cindy.

He protected Cindy, putting her behind him.

Joshua Clarke pointed at Christy Xenos and said, “Who is the one who can’t bear to see the other doing well? You sold Cindy and now have the audacity to curse her!”

Cindy, now hidden behind Joshua Clarke, revealed an even more blatant cold smile towards Christy Xenos, knowing Joshua couldn’t see her expression.

Christy Xenos shook with anger, breaking into tears.

“Let’s go!” Joshua Clarke suddenly said.

“What?” Christy Xenos was taken aback.

“We’re going back to Nork City.” Joshua Clarke said solemnly.

“We just got here, why are we leaving already?” Christy Xenos asked shrilly.

“I’m too ashamed to face Cindy!” Joshua Clarke turned around.

He said to Cindy, “Even though those things were done by your mother and sister, and I didn’t know about them, it doesn’t mean I’m not responsible.”

“It was my negligence that caused your suffering.” Joshua Clarke said heavily, “I’ve been an incompetent father and let you be wronged.”

Cindy didn’t respond; she didn’t want to say more, nor did she want to feel wronged.

Anyhow, saying anything more was just a waste of breath.

Now that Joshua Clarke knew she had been wronged, hadn’t he known before?

Was there any reason to say it now?

And besides, her ordeal couldn’t be described with just the word ‘wronged.’

Now, did Joshua Clarke think he could just cover it up with a single word?

Cindy lowered her head, quickly squeezed out some tears, and silently shook her head.

Chapter 566: Who is Born Tough

“Dad, I’m already… I’m already grateful that you can still stand up for me,” Cindy Clarke sobbed, “After all… it’s been years, years since anyone stood up for me.”

These words hit Joshua Clarke hard.

He knew that Cindy wasn’t just talking about these past five years.

Even when she was at home in the past, he wasn’t able to protect her.

Joshua Clarke’s heart was filled with guilt.

“You don’t know, when I was thrown out of the hotel five years ago, I really… I really knew that from then on, I would only have myself to rely on. At that time, I told myself that no matter what happens in the future, I have to grit my teeth and soldier on.”

“I’ve been surviving for 19 years, and I’m sure I can make it through the years to come. When I first came to Belfard alone, there was a period when I was so miserable I wanted to kill myself, to end everything. That way, I wouldn’t have to struggle so hard anymore.”

“Anyway, ever since I came into this world, I’ve never had a moment’s peace. Everyday, I’m living in fear, striving to find a way out for myself. I thought that if I die, I wouldn’t have to worry about these things, it wouldn’t be so tough anymore.”

“Cindy!” Joshua Clarke cried out in alarm.

He never expected Cindy to have such a hard time.

“Don’t listen to her nonsense! With her temperament, would she ever consider death?” Christy Xenos declared, not believing a word of it.

“Indeed, didn’t you and Wendy Clarke shape my temperament? Who are born resilient?” Cindy Clarke gave a bitter laugh, “If I wasn’t strong enough, I wouldn’t have survived till now. I was forced to become resilient, to fight for myself, for opportunities.”

“Dad, just you taking my side at this time… I’m already content, already grateful,” Cindy said.

“Don’t say that, I’m the one who should be ashamed to face you,” Joshua Clarke said solemnly.

“Regardless of how well you lived in Belfard, you earned it yourself, it’s what you deserve. I didn’t realize you suffered so much.” Joshua Clarke wiped his face, “I don’t deserve to meet your gaze.”

“Originally, your mother and I came to find you. Now that we have found you, seeing you well is enough. As for the rest, I have no face to say anything more.” Joshua Clarke was visibly agitated.

He turned to Christy Xenos and said harshly: “Let’s go, we are going back to Nork City!”

“As Cindy said right, you are her mother, Wendy Clarke is her sister, she can’t sue you,” Joshua Clarke added.

A cold smirk tugged at the corners of Cindy’s lips.

Joshua Clarke was reminding her not to take family conflicts to court.

Even now, Joshua Clarke is still defending Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke.

Cindy was glad she met Adrian Zhekova, if it was Mr. Lopez…

She would have just swallowed this insult.

Good thing she never had any expectations.

Having no expectations allowed her to take Joshua Clarke’s words with clarity, avoiding further disappointment.

“How could you have the nerve to look for Cindy knowing why she left! I don’t mind you didn’t tell me, but how can you face her now!” Joshua Clarke pulled Christy Xenos up, “How can you face her!”

“Don’t you have nightmares at night? You’ve been using Cindy’s money, enjoying the good life for these five years, don’t you feel guilty at all!” Joshua Clarke said angrily.

“That’s not her money!” Christy Xenos retorted angrily.

It’s clearly Wendy Clarke’s, how can they give credit to Cindy!

“Then who does it belong to, you tell me!” Joshua Clarke didn’t believe it and thought that Christy Xenos was trying to play innocent.

“That… that belongs to…” Christy Xenos choked, but she couldn’t reveal that it was Wendy Clarke’s money.

If she did, Wendy Clarke would be ruined!

She had to consider Wendy Clarke’s welfare!

“Huh!” Joshua Clarke chuckled coldly, “Can’t say it now, huh? You have some nerve!”

“Pack up now, we’ll head back to Nork City today!” Joshua Clarke commanded.

Christy Xenos immediately protested, “No way! We can’t go back.”

Christy Xenos gripped Joshua Clarke’s arm: “Have you forgotten what Wendy Clarke told us? We still have to find a lawyer!”

“We’ll find one in Nork City!” Joshua Clarke retorted, “I don’t believe the lawyers in Nork City are inferior. And the restaurant mishap was our negligence; if we have to compensate, then it’s only fair. Even if the court rules in our favor, there should never be a million dollar payment per person. We pay what we owe. The court won’t do us wrong, won’t defraud us.”

“The amount to compensate is stated in the law. Even if their lawyer is a big-shot from Capital City, he can’t force up the compensation from ten thousand to a million.” Joshua Clarke demonstrated an uncharacteristically clear mind.

This just showed that he had been playing dumb before.

In fact, he knew the truth very well, he just didn’t want to admit it.

“Why should we have to pay!” Christy Xenos shrieked, “Wendy Clarke already stated that someone deliberately sabotaged our restaurant!”

“It’s definitely a malicious act by our competitors, our restaurant was set up, why should we pay those who are swindling us!” Christy Xenos argued upon hearing this.

Joshua Clarke sneered, “The money you spend hiring a lawyer in Belfard is probably more than what you owe the customers.”

Christy Xenos was stunned. Was that the case?

“Cindy, you’ve been living in Belfard for five years, you tell me, isn’t that true?” Joshua Clarke turned and asked.

Cindy didn’t want to get involved.

She only replied, “That’s true. San insignificant lawyer would cost less, but they don’t have the necessary connections. A well-known lawyer would definitely be expensive, otherwise why would they strive to become big-shots?”

“Moreover, lawyers here aren’t only valued for their professional abilities, but also for their connections within the circle,” Cindy continued.

“Lawyers from Capital City usually handle big cases, excluding the major social cases, and they also handle lawsuits from celebrities and big companies. Most of these are based in Belfard, so the lawyers are familiar with the connections here.”

“But Nork City is far away, and even the most famous lawyer, if they haven’t been working in Nork City, wouldn’t understand the ins and outs like a local lawyer would.”

“Isn’t there a saying? A strong dragon can’t crush a snake in its old haunting grounds,” Cindy explained.

Joshua Clarke nodded in agreement, “What you said makes a lot of sense. Living in a big city for a long time really broadens your horizons.”

Then, he turned to Christy Xenos and said: “Did you hear that? Rather than this, why not go back and find a lawyer in Nork City? After all, if we do end up going to trial, it will be on our home turf in Nork City, where everyone is more familiar with things. What can a Capital City lawyer do? If he’s unfamiliar with Nork City, how could he win against a well-established lawyer in Nork City?”

“Let’s go back and find the best lawyer in Nork City. These lawyers have good connections with everyone. We should be afraid of a lawyer coming from Capital City?” Joshua Clarke suggested.

Chapter 567: Just Help Me Rent a House

“Hurry up and get your things, don’t waste any more time. Each additional day you stay here is another day’s worth of money wasted!” Joshua Clarke urged.

As a result, Joshua Clarke’s words reminded Christy Xenos about something else.

Christy Xenos turned around, using her tear-stained face to address Cindy Clarke: “Yes, there’s also the cost of our stay here for these past few days.”

“Cindy, settle this bill for us,” Christy Xenos said.

Even Cindy, at this point, was a bit impressed by Christy Xenos’s shamelessness.

Christy Xenos’s shamelessness truly outdid Cindy’s comprehension, continuously resetting her understanding.

“What?” Cindy Clarke pretended to be surprised for a moment, blinked, and then said, “You guys are staying in such a nice room here, it must be expensive, why should I foot the bill?”

She wasn’t the one who asked them to come and stay.

“So what?” Christy Xenos thought her demand was completely reasonable, “Over these five years, while you were enjoying yourself in Belfard, we barely survived in Nork City, living off your sister, Wendy. She’s the one who paid for everything at home and bought the house.”

“You’ve been in Belfard, not contacting us. You never gave us a penny for living expenses,” Christy Xenos said, “I don’t even ask you to split the cost of the house with your sister.”

“But as for the living expenses over these five years, you should reimburse us!” Christy Xenos was truly admirable.

Even after being exposed by Cindy for their scheme and betrayal in the past, she still didn’t forget Wendy’s advice.

Their main purpose of coming here was to get money.

“What are you talking about!” Joshua Clarke grabbed Christy Xenos’s hand.

But it seemed that Joshua Clarke was not wholeheartedly trying to stop Christy Xenos.

Otherwise, given the way Joshua Clarke had previously dealt with Christy Xenos.

If Joshua Clark had really wanted to stop her, how could Christy Xenos have had the chance to say these things?

So, even Joshua Clarke thinks she should give them this money, is that it?

Christy Xenos kept going: “Don’t you think we are wrong to ask you for this money. Besides these five years, consider the money you cost us throughout your life.”

“We’ve supported your education, food, clothing, and living expenses from childhood onward, so the expenses were far from few. We’ve spent a considerable amount of money on your college education, and then you decided not to continue at all.”

Cindy Clarke interrupted her abruptly: “You know exactly why I dropped out, don’t you?”

“If I could, would I willingly drop out? Besides, I don’t need to pay a penny for university tuition. Don’t forget, I had a scholarship. Also, don’t you ever forget that I originally could get into S University.”

“Do you realize the ranking of S University? Among the top three universities in the Hearth Nation, and among the top hundred in the world. I was admitted. I could go to S University and still receive the scholarship.”

“But because Nork University offered more money, you secretly altered my application. I studied so hard striving to get into S University. If it hadn’t been for the dead end I was forced into, would I have dropped out?”

“The scholarship offered by Nork University was entirely taken by you. I didn’t mind and accepted the change of my application. I strived to take the postgraduate entrance examination, to get into S University or Belfard University!”

“I relentlessly moved towards my goal. If it wasn’t a last resort, why would I drop out? I fought for so long, was that all for giving up?”

“You say you supported my college education, but I didn’t ask you to pay a penny. Instead, I made you money,” Cindy Clarke said loudly.

Joshua Clarke’s head dropped.

“So, do not talk about the money from my college period. Besides, the scholarship I earned could at least cover a few years of my living expenses at home.” Since Christy Xenos wanted to make it so clear.

Since Joshua Clarke also agreed with Christy Xenos’s approach.

Cindy wouldn’t be polite either. She would calculate it precisely with them.

“Take out those factors, in the remaining 17 years, did you spend 10 million on raising me?” Cindy asked.

“If we had earned 10 million, we wouldn’t have had to live in that old house, right?” Cindy said, sarcastically smiling.

Christy Xenos was speechless and at a loss for words.

Joshua Clarke’s face flushed and reddened too.

“Adding my living expenses for the past five years I was not at home, back then and in the future, that 10 million should be enough, right?” Cindy said, “Wasn’t the money from selling what I owned?”

“Why are you still asking me for money?” Cindy asked in a cold voice.

“I said it, that 10 million never went to us!” Christy Xenos was furiously disgusted, nearly vomiting blood.

Cindy Clarke insisted on the 10 million issue, saying that their family is wealthy because of the money from selling Cindy’s things.

Yet unfortunately for Christy Xenos, she knew it wasn’t true but could not explain.

Christy Xenos was so furious that she stomped her foot!

“Then do explain where the family’s money comes from?” Cindy smirked, waiting to see the show.

Christy Xenos was trembling with anger.

Cindy sighed and said: “Dad, do you also think I owe the family and should give you money?”

“No, no,” Joshua Clarke quickly waved his hand, “how could I think that way?”

“You’re right,” Joshua Clarke said, “Putting aside the 10 million, just based on what your mother and Wendy did to you, they have no right to ask you for money.”

“Moreover, the reason why our family lives well and the restaurant is so successful is all due to that 10 million.” Joshua Clarke wiped his face, “Thinking about it now, I feel so guilty!”

He turned around to Christy Xenos and shouted: “Shut up!”

“I’m telling you, don’t bring up money issues with Cindy again!” Joshua Clarke said.

“Dad, how long have you been in Belfard?” Cindy suddenly asked.

Without thinking much, Joshua Clarke answered: “It’s been over a week, almost two weeks now.”

“Oh, so it’s almost half a month then?” Cindy was surprised, “Have you guys been staying here all this time?”

“Yes,” Joshua Clarke nodded.

“So you guys… are really rich now.” Cindy wiped her hands on her jeans, “I wonder, does our family now have enough money to buy a house in Belfard?”

“What do you mean? What are you trying to do?” Christy Xenos sensed something was amiss and immediately questioned in a shrill voice.

“That is… I’m still renting a house in Belfard, and the one I rent is small with a bad environment.” Cindy said, “I didn’t know our family is so rich now, so that’s why I never contacted home.”

“I knew that even if I spoke up it would be useless and would only earn your scoldings. I was also afraid of adding to Dad’s burdens, so I didn’t mention anything.”

“But now, since our family is so wealthy, I’m not afraid to talk about it anymore.” Cindy said, embarrassedly giggling, “I won’t ask our family to buy me a house. Just… just help me rent one.”

Chapter 568: Do You Really Think We’re Stupid?

“I’m not asking for much,” Cindy quickly said, “Even a small place is fine. I just want to live in a slightly better environment.”

“What do you mean? We are not asking you for money, but now you’re asking us for money?” Christy looked at Cindy incredulously.

How could that be?

They came all this way, not asking for a single penny, yet they still have to give money to Cindy?

That’s not possible!

“Aren’t you living well now?” Joshua frowned, “Zoe said you’re making a lot of money.”

“That’s right! Zoe said you make tons of money! Even a single ad is worth hundreds of thousands!” Christy immediately added.

“You’re still trusting what Zoe says?” Cindy sat down on the couch, looking pitiful, “She’s always been hostile to me. What truth could you hear from her mouth?”

Remembering this, Joshua went along with it: “I think Zoe’s a nice kid, and she’s quite polite in her conversations. Maybe there’s some misunderstanding between you two?”

Cindy lowered her head, suppressing the disgust she felt about these words, and asked, “Dad, which tickets for the Cooking Competition did you buy? How much did you spend?”

Joshua didn’t understand why Cindy suddenly jumped to this topic.

“We bought the cheapest stand tickets, the 199 kind, but scalper tickets were 2000 each,” Joshua replied honestly.

Cindy shook her head with a bitter smile, “The 199 stand tickets, even from a scalper, could be bought for 299. Let’s just assume it’s 300 a piece, she made aprofit of 1700 from you, a total of 3400.”

“Would you trust someone like that?” Cindy said, “Maybe you don’t believe the ticket prices I mentioned. Let me show you.”

Cindy pulled up someone’s IG stories on her mobile phone, scrolled down a bit, and showed it to him.

“Look, this is a scalper from my IG stories, he posted these prices last week. These were his prices near the time of the Competition,” Cindy continued.

Without letting Joshua hold the phone, Cindy opened the price chart the scalper posted and zoomed in for Joshua to see clearly.

“Here’s the original price, 199, and the corresponding price when buying from him is 299,” Cindy explained.

“Although the Cooking Competition is somewhat popular now due to some incidents, the ticket demand isn’t high enough to drive the prices up that drastically. There are only a few famous singers who can still hold concerts in Sports Stadiums,” Cindy said.

“Of these, only two have their tickets sold out the moment pre-sales are launched. Even so, the highest markup for scalped tickets is 5000. And the 5000 markup is for front-row seats where you can request songs,” Cindy continued.

“For stand tickets in the back, the maximum markup is 200 to 300. That’s for the most popular singers. But the Cooking Competition’s target audience isn’t as broad as the singers’. Why would a 199 stand ticket sell for 2000?”

Cindy laughed, “So, how can you trust what Zoe says?”

“Besides, Zoe is a food blogger like me. If she was really making that much money, would she need to profit from the ticket price difference? She gets hundreds of thousands for a single ad, would she care about such a small amount of money? It also damages her reputation,”

“If Zoe is willing to make money this way, it means being a blogger isn’t actually that profitable. I have a similar reputation as her, so why would you think I could make hundreds of thousands?”

“If I were that rich, why would I push myself to join the Cooking Competition just to get more attention?”

Joshua became silent again, Cindy’s words made sense.

Zoe was also quite famous.

Although they didn’t know about Zoe before.

They later found out about her because they saw Cindy in her live stream and learned that Zoe was a famous food blogger as well.

But if Zoe, who was so famous, was having such a hard time.

Cindy’s situation would definitely not be as glamorous as Zoe claimed.

Moreover, Joshua wasn’t a fool, though he was easily swayed.

He noticed Zoe’s intention to stay for free food when she visited Nork City for the first time.

But at that time, he didn’t think it was inappropriate.

Now, with Cindy’s reminder, Joshua recalled it.

So, Joshua began to doubt the authenticity of Zoe’s words.

“You’re not fooling us!” Christy shouted, “You think we haven’t watched your videos?”

Christy cursed Joshua for being so foolish and then turned to Cindy, “Your kitchen in the video is so luxurious!”

“Do you really think we’re stupid? Cindy, you’re lying without even bothering to cover it up! I wonder how many of the words you’ve said to us all along are true?”

“The video is right there, and you still want to deceive us?” Christy grabbed Joshua’s arm, “Joshua, you heard what she said, didn’t you?”

“When she can lie so blatantly, who knows if what she said just now is true or false? Maybe it’s all just her lying to us!” Christy immediately started crying for Joshua to see, “That’s why I’m being wrongly accused!”

“It’s Cindy who is accusing me! Don’t believe her! She’s full of lies!” Christy said.

“Enough!” Joshua pushed Christy away. “There’s solid evidence, and it’s not an accusation!”

But Cindy knew Joshua too well.

He might sound firm now, but when he thought about it again, he would surely have more doubts.

So, Cindy was prepared.

“Dad, if you don’t believe me, I can take you to see for yourself,” Cindy said.

“I believe, I have no doubt about you,” Joshua quickly replied.

Cindy showed a grateful smile to Joshua and said, “I know, but I still have to let you see for yourself, just for peace of mind.”

“Mom says I’m lying to you, and I need to clear my name,” Cindy explained.

“Just like when she and Wendy sold me before, Mom said I was talking nonsense and deceiving people. But I have the hotel’s surveillance, so I can prove that I wasn’t lying,” Cindy said.

“Perhaps she didn’t expect me to think of getting the surveillance footage from the hotel. She thought that after five years, whatever happened back then wouldn’t be easy to prove and hold her accountable,” Cindy continued sarcastically.

Christy clenched her teeth in anger.

This little bastard always brought up the incident of Wendy and her selling her whenever she had the chance.

Joshua was finally about to let it go, but now, it’s brought up again by Cindy.

As soon as Joshua was reminded of this, the anger that had just subsided surged back into his forehead.

“That’s right, you’re right!” Joshua declared.

“I trust you, but since someone doubts you, let’s show your mother the truth this time, and see what else she can say!” Joshua shouted angrily.

“You are a good child and wouldn’t lie,”

Chapter 569: You live here?

“So, we’re leaving now?” Cindy said.

“Leaving for where?” Joshua hesitated for a moment.

“Aren’t we going to see the evidence?” Cindy smiled, “I’ll take you to see where I’m living now, and you’ll know.”

“Now?” Joshua was stunned.

“Yeah.” Cindy nodded, “Since I’m already here today, it’s better to clear everything up at once. Otherwise, dragging it out might lead to misunderstandings.”

“Let’s go now.” Cindy urged again.

Looking at her, it seemed like she really could prove it.

Christy Xenos was a little doubtful.

“Let me show you my place, and you’ll see.” Cindy said, walking out.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, she wiped her palms on her pants and said, “It’s just that my place is a bit far, we need to take a few more buses.”

Joshua noticed that Cindy was indeed dressed quite ordinarily and too simple.

Over the years, he had become comfortable with his wealth and was no longer an average middle-aged man who didn’t recognize any brands.

Joshoa sighed and said, “Let’s not make it so complicated, we can just take a taxi.”

“Really?” Cindy’s eyes lit up.

Seeing her so happy just at the thought of taking a taxi, Joshua wondered how difficult her life had been.

“What?” Christy shrieked, “Taxis are so expensive in Belfard! And we don’t even know how far Cindy’s home is! What if it’s beyond the 5th Ring Rd? How much would that cost for a taxi?”

Joshua said directly to Christy, “Look at you now, do you really want to go through the trouble of taking the subway or a bus?”

Christy’s face twitched, pulling on the wound.

With a hissing sound, the pain reminded her of her appearance.

She hurried to look in the mirror, only to see a bloody mess.

The sight was truly horrifying.

Christy screamed and lunged at Joshua, “Joshua! It’s all because of you that I look like this!”

“How could you be so cruel!” Christy lunged at Joshua with her claw-like fingers.

Her fingers curled into claws, aiming for Joshua’s face.

Joshua hurriedly grabbed Christy’s wrist, “What are you doing?”

“How could you do this to me! Joshua, I never knew you had it in you to hit a woman!” Christy exclaimed viciously, “I was so wrong about you!”

“I thought you were honest, but who knew you would hit a woman!”

“Why don’t you ask me why I hit you!” Joshua let go of Christy with a shove, pointing at her, “If you keep messing around, we don’t have to go to Cindy’s place, we can go straight to the airport!”

“Do you still want to hit me?” Christy, not willing to submit, rushed forward again, “Come on! Hit me again! You’re so good at hitting women, hit me! If you have the guts, hit me to death!”

“I didn’t say you couldn’t take the subway, or take the bus. But whose fault is it that my face looks like this?” Christy clung to Joshua.

At first, Joshua’s strikes were precise and efficient.

But now, without his initial surge of anger, Joshua lost his momentum.

He could only look to Cindy for help, hoping she could say something.

To defuse the tense atmosphere between them.

But Cindy found their argument amusing and didn’t want to get involved.

At first, she pretended not to see Joshua’s pleading glance.

Soon, Joshua realized that this wouldn’t work, so he spoke directly, “Cindy, help me pull your mom away.”

Now that Joshua had said it, Cindy could no longer pretend not to hear.

But she didn’t want to actually intervene.

If she dared to pull Christy away, Christy would definitely turn on her.

So, Cindy came close to them but remained a step away, not daring to get closer.

She reached out as if to pull Christy back but retracted her hand each time due to Christy’s aggressive response.

Cindy didn’t intervene physically, only attempting to persuade quietly: “Calm down, don’t fight. Stop hitting each other.”

Of course, Cindy’s “enthusiastic” persuasion had no effect in the end.

It was only when Joshua said, “Do you want to go to Cindy’s place or not?” that Christy finally stopped her struggle.

Christy ultimately had to agree to take a taxi because of her injured face.

Cindy did take them to a residential area beyond the 5th Ring Rd.

Entering a small residential complex.

There was no elevator in the complex, and Cindy led them up to the top floor attic.

The attic was just a single room.

“This is it.” Cindy opened the door and let them in.

This was the place Adrian Zhekova had helped Cindy find as a temporary prop.

“You’re living here?” Joshua asked in surprise.

He looked around, the space was already packed with people standing here.

“Because the rent is cheap, it’s less of a burden.” Cindy said, “Dad, don’t judge by its small size, but the landlord has made sure it has everything.”

“This is the restroom.” Cindy said.

Joshua glanced at it, wondering what kind of restroom this was, with only enough space for one person to stand inside.

It had a squat toilet and a shower hanging on the wall.

The water would fall directly into the toilet.

However, one had to be careful when taking a shower.

One misstep and they’d step into the toilet.

As for the sink, it was placed separately in a corner by the restroom door.

Further in was the sofa.

“This is a sofa bed; you can extend it to serve as a bed. You can fold it up during daytime.”

“The landlord improvised this kitchen.” Cindy explained.

Joshua looked around and realized that the kitchen, living room, and bedroom were all overlapping.

The small room served as bedroom, living room, and kitchen all at once.

Even the restroom was rather crudely partitioned within the small space.

On top of that, since it was an attic, the ceiling was slanted.

Walking just a couple of steps towards the wall, one couldn’t even stand up straight.

“You’re living here?” Joshua couldn’t believe it.

How bad must Cindy’s life in Belfard be?

“Yes.” Cindy nodded, “Otherwise, where else could I live?”

“It can’t be!” Christy exclaimed, “Your kitchen was so big in the video!”

“It’s because I used a wide-angle lens, so it looks bigger in the video,” Cindy said. “Actually, those cabinets and stuff didn’t look that nice originally. I bought stickers myself and put them on.”

Chapter 570: Will you make it up to me?

“You can touch it if you don’t believe me. It won’t show in the camera, but it looks high-quality,” Cindy Clarke explained.

Christy Xenos and Joshua Clarke came forward and touched it together.

Joshua was purely out of curiosity.

While Christy just didn’t believe it.

However, once they touched it, they could feel the difference.

Looking closely, they could even see some small bubbles forming in places.

“The most significant expense for me was buying cameras and lenses,” Cindy didn’t care about Christy, she went straight to Joshua.

“Dad, can you see the difference through the lens?” Cindy opened the camera and showed it to Joshua.

Indeed, it changed instantly through the lens.

“This…” Joshua was amazed.

“From the lens, the entire color tone became high-end, didn’t it?” Cindy said, “The walls that weren’t so white turned out white and clean. You can’t see that I stuck stickers on the cabinets, even the small bubbles are invisible.”

“Isn’t it the same as what you saw in the video?” Cindy asked.

Joshua nodded: “It’s the same.”

Even the angle was the same.

“I really didn’t expect that it would be so different when put in the lens,” Joshua surprised.

“Maybe the fans and Zoe Silverstone think I am quite rich,” Cindy said.

“After all, I’m a blogger. I shouldn’t look too shabby, should I? Otherwise, it won’t look good on the camera. No matter what each blogger’s home is like in private, they all appear marvelous in front of the lens.”

“Just like so many people in Nork City, where they dress glamorously on the street, but who knows what kind of house they rent when they go home? Many celebrities initially lived in basements when they first came to Nork City, but they still needed to be confident when filming. Who would know how bitter their private life really is?”

“That’s my current situation,” Cindy said with a disappointed tone, “I never dared to contact home because I was afraid of adding to the family’s burden, but I didn’t expect that the family’s conditions had already improved so much.”

Cindy’s eyes lit up again, “You’ve been in Belfard for so long, and you’ve always been living in such a nice hotel. The hotel room is much larger and brighter than my place.”

“You’ve suffered,” Joshua sighed.

However, he still didn’t mention giving her money.

Previously, when they were in the hotel, she had explicitly stated that she wanted some money to improve her living conditions.

But now, standing inside her “home,” Joshua didn’t bring it up.

Cindy chuckled inside, thanking heavens she didn’t have to rely on her family for help.

Even in her most difficult times, she never thought anyone could help her.

She made it through all by herself.

Moreover, Cindy didn’t really want their money.

She just wanted to scare them away as quickly as possible.

Cindy casually said: “About the money…”

“What money!” As soon as Christy heard the word “money,” she became energetic and high-pitched.

“You sold me and got 10 million, and the money spent raising me for the past 19 years would leave you with a couple million left.”

“I don’t want your several million, just give me half a million,” Cindy said, “If you’re unwilling to give it all at once, you can give it in installments, or use rent to offset it.”

“Let me improve my living conditions here in Belfard,” Cindy said.

“You’re farting!” Christy scolded angrily, “I told you, there isn’t that 10 million!”

“Oh, so explain where the sudden influx of money at home came from? Don’t tell me there were investors. If there were, tell me their names, I’ll investigate them.”

“You want money? No way!” Christy was furious.

They were here to ask Cindy for money, so how come they had to give her money instead?

It was absolutely impossible!

“You can’t do this. You enjoy the good life at home and live in a big villa,” Cindy said, “You don’t need to deny it. Zoe Silverstone has already told me.”

“That shameless Zoe Silverstone!” If Zoe were here, Christy would tear her face apart.

Did Zoe think she was a double agent, playing both sides?

Telling them about Cindy and then leaking their secrets to Cindy?

Not only that, but she even took advantage of buying tickets to make money from them.

Cindy claimed she didn’t do anything.

She “unintentionally” mentioned Zoe Silverstone occasionally, just to brainwash Christy Xenos.

Cindy didn’t expect the results to be so good.

Now Christy had completely lost trust in Zoe.

She didn’t believe anything Zoe had said.

“It’s so cramped here, what are you squeezing here for!” Christy said quickly.

Ignoring Cindy’s words, she dragged Joshua away.

Cindy, fearing that they would run away, followed closely behind.

“Dad,” Cindy tugged on Joshua’s arm.

The three of them took a taxi back to the hotel together.

“Since I’ve come here,” Cindy said, “Why don’t I open another room? I’ll stay here tonight? It’s just… Dad, the money for the hotel stay…”

“We have no money!” Christy Xenos chimed in, “If you want to stay, spend your own money! Don’t think about using ours!”

“Dad?” Cindy looked at Joshua with hopeful eyes, “Dad, you’ve been apologizing to me for being sorry and putting me through hardships, saying that you have been an unqualified father.”

“So now, if I want to live better, will you satisfy me? The past grievances can’t be taken back. My grievances are there to stay, and no matter how much you comfort me, it’s useless,” Cindy said.

“So, is it possible to make it up for me? Make up for the past grievances, starting from now,” Cindy directly asked Joshua, “Dad, will you make it up to me?”

She wanted to see his reaction after making it so clear.

Joshua was caught off guard and speechless.

“This… this…” Joshua stammered for a long time, saying, “I… The money at home is managed by your mom and sister. Your sister just gives me some pocket money every month, not much, about five thousand a month.”

After all, Nork City was not big, and Joshua didn’t have any high-consumption hobbies.

With five thousand a month, he couldn’t even spend it all.

“I can’t give you that half a million all at once,” Joshua said with difficulty.

“Dad, does this mean… I won’t have a single penny? Previously, you kept saying sorry to me, and that you let me suffer. Are those just sweet words?” Cindy looked at Joshua disappointedly.