Ch. 1871..1880

Chapter 1871

Chapter 1871

Daniel gently knocked on Whitney's study door, carrying late-night snacks with him.

After a while, a faint sound came from inside. "Come in."

Daniel entered to find Whitney staring at a pile of manuscripts on the desk with an exhausted look. He frowned and placed the snacks on the nearby coffee table. "Aunt, I heard you haven't eaten anything all night. Come, have something first."

Whitney's stomach seemed to respond with a growl upon smelling the aroma of the snacks. "What's this?"

Daniel smiled. "Give it a try first."

The late-night snacks consisted of a bowl of chicken soup, some vegetarian dumplings, and a plate of refreshing fruits. There was also a piece of low-sugar cake.

As soon as Whitney took a sip of the soup, her taste buds seemed to awaken, and she praised between bites, "Though the ingredients are simple, it's so delicious! Hey, when did our two chefs learn this skill? It's different!"

"Your taste buds are amazing!" Daniel chuckled. "Our chefs didn't make this."

Whitney paused, having an inkling of an answer. She smiled, set down her cutlery, and looked up at Daniel. "Don't keep someone standing at the door. Come in quickly!"

Daniel grinned his aunt truly couldn't be fooled.

Maisie approached Whitney with a slight nod.

"Thank you." Even though Whitney's expression remained somewhat stern, her demeanor softened a lot. "These things... You used to make them for Daniel, too?" Maisie hesitated momentarily, unsure how to respond or if it would displease Whitney again.

Daniel held her hand, speaking gently. "Maisie used to take care of me more in the past. From now on, I want to take care of her."

"No need to be so nervous, alright?" Whitney chuckled wryly. "I'm not exactly hostile toward Ms. Squire here... In fact, from the beginning, I never disliked her."

At those words, Daniel and Maisie exchanged a smile.

"You cook really well." Whitney looked at Maisie. "It'll be great... if I get to have them often in the future."

"Isn't that easy?" Daniel said, "From now on, Maisie is your niece-in-law. You'll surely get to eat her cooking often!"

Whitney smiled wistfully, shaking her head. "Someone once said they'd be my student for life, but later..."

Daniel glanced at the stack of manuscripts on the table, feeling a sense of confusion.

Tonight, Whitney was indeed feeling a mix of sadness and rage. Under the weight of deep sorrow and wrath, she was mentally exhausted, thus having spent the entire night in the study.

She looked at Daniel and Maisie, ushering them closer to the desk, and voluntarily recounted Anya's story. She didn't delve into too many details and skimmed over certain aspects. But as she tightly held the stack of manuscripts, a mixture of sorrow and indignation made the papers tremble slightly.

"Anya wrote all of these!" Whitney bit her lip. "I didn't know about this work of hers back then. If I had known, I definitely wouldn't have let that thief, Delilah, get her way!"

Chapter 1872

Chapter 1872

Maisie scrutinized the manuscripts before looking up at Daniel in shock.

"This novel is called Dancing Lights!" she exclaimed. "And the novel Delilah is currently serializing is called Whirling Lights! Even the names are so similar...

"The outlines and character settings are even more alike!" She flipped through the pages. "There are plot variations, but it's clear that Dancing Lights has a more logical storyline! That makes sense... I always felt something was off when I read Whirling Lights. Now, this mystery is solved!"

"Yes." Daniel frowned. "I heard about Delilah's novel being questioned. People seemed to say her content was contradictory, and there was opposition to her winning awards with an unfinished novel!" "Yeah." Maisie continued. "Whirling Lights' has reached its ninth part but still hasn't concluded. Many fans are speculating about the ending, but no one can guess it!"

"Because that wretched woman lacks the brains to write it!" Whitney cursed furiously. "Her fabricated plot has holes everywhere! She doesn't understand how to write a suspense novel! There are logical inconsistencies from the beginning to the end. She probably can't figure out an ending!

"That despicable woman! It's highly likely that she only managed to steal the first nine parts of Anya's story. When she wanted the ending, Anya had already stored the manuscript in a safe and... died." Whitney covered her face with both hands, trying to suppress her choked-up voice.

"I will seek justice for Anya!" She gritted her teeth. "I will crumble Delilah's reputation!"

Daniel gently patted her shoulder, offering comfort.

The butler suddenly knocked. "Ms. Kinglake, is Mr. Quimby in here?"

"What's the matter?" Daniel opened the door. "It's so late. Is someone from the company looking for me?"

"No, it's Mr. Zuko Hamerton!" The butler smiled with relief. "The Hamertons said that there's news about Mr. Toph!"

Inside the secret room.

Harvey was leaning close to Toph as they examined the chip on the belt buckle.

"Don't worry," Toph whispered. "See, it turned green here, which means my brother has received my signal. As long as he gets the signal, he can locate this place on the computer, and we'll be able to get out soon!"

Harvey glanced at him pointedly. "After getting out... take care of yourself."

Toph was startled. "What are you saying?"

Harvey smiled bitterly, raising his hand as if to tousle Toph's hair. His hand paused in mid-air before he proceeded to ruffle it vigorously.

Toph's hair became a mess.

"Ah, after getting out, come with me to Centrolis!"

"Why go there?"

"To my studio!" Toph's eyes sparkled. "When we team up, we'll definitely create groundbreaking work!"

Harvey smiled, but his eyes carried a world-weariness of having seen through everything.

"Also, Centrolis is so much fun!" Toph continued excitedly. "We have a massive estate, perfect for horse riding! On my 18th birthday, my parents gifted me a helicopter. We can fly it and go parachuting... and..." Suddenly, the door banged open!

In that split second, when Toph was dazed, Harvey instinctively shielded him.

The clicking of high heels was sharp and piercing, accompanied by a cold laugh, turning this cramped, dark space into something akin to hell.

"Where do you think you're going?" Jodie's face appeared under the light. "I guess you won't be going anywhere! Better think about where to go in your next life!"

Harvey glared at her. The gleaming black gun in Jodie's hand resembled the eyes of a menacing beast.

Chapter 1873

Chapter 1873

Whitney hurriedly let the butler in to speak.

"Is there news?" She looked eager. "Mobilize our people to assist Mr. Hamerton! Daniel... Ms. Hamerton can stay here temporarily. I can take care of her. You go and help with the rescue!"

"Madam, rest assured." The butler smiled. "Mr. Chris Hamerton has already sought help from his former comrades. The special forces soldiers have more experience and are more agile than us." Whitney breathed a slight sigh of relief but still urged Daniel to go and check.

Just then, someone said that Persephone had awakened and was asking for Maisie.

Maisie hurried toward her bedroom.

Only Daniel and Whitney remained in the study. Just as Whitney was about to go back to rest, Daniel suddenly called her.

"Aunt, is it true that Anya... had a child with Wilfred?"

Whitney froze.

Daniel's gaze was deep, and he seemed hesitant to speak.

He had listened to her talking about Anya's past and caught that passing remark about "she gave birth to a daughter for Wilfred". A thought flashed through his mind...

"Yes," Whitney said softly. "At that time, although I had publicly severed ties with her as her teacher, I couldn't help but care for her. Anya devoted herself to Wilfred, but that man married Delilah for the sake of his family's interests... I blame myself, too. I refused to see her because of a bit of pride."

"You never saw that child?"

"I saw her from a distance once." Whitney contemplated. "After Anya gave birth to the child, she also broke ties with her family. Once, I secretly went to see her. She was taking a walk with the child in the park... I spoke a little to her. She cried, confessed her regret, and let me hold her child. It was a girl, probably five or six months old, very adorable.

"After that day, I planned to use my connections to help her restart her writing. I gave her some money, but she felt awkward taking it for free and wrote a cursive piece for me..."

Whitney opened the safe and took out Anya's note. Daniel noticed that Maisie's cursive work from last time was also in there.

"This..."

"I felt that Maisie's handwriting resembled Anya's," Whitney explained. "That night, by chance, I compared her handwriting and found a hidden layer in Anya's work. The middle part of the hidden layer contained the password for a bank safe.

"In retrospect, Anya probably anticipated that she wouldn't live long that day." Whitney's expression turned serious. "As such, she settled everything and hid it in her work."

"After you met Ms. Campbell that day, did you get someone to help her?"

"No." Whitney was deeply regretful. "Just when I wanted to help her, I received news of her death... Wilfred now has a complete family, but what about Anya? What about her child? It makes me furious just thinking about it!"

Daniel looked determined. "Have you ever thought that maybe Anya's daughter was just standing in front of you?"

"Both of you think you can go somewhere? Where else can you go?"

Jodie's laughter echoed in the small room.

Chapter 1874

Chapter 1874

"Are you crazy?!" Harvey growled. "Do you know who he is... He's from the Hamertons! If you offend the Hamertons, you'll have nowhere to hide!"

"I know he's from the Hamertons!" Jodie raised an eyebrow. "But I know even more that he knows my secrets!"

"Your little secrets might have been public knowledge a long time ago." Harvey showed no fear at this point, staring at the hysterical Jodie with a determination to face their end together. One doesn't provoke a rabid dog but could surely eliminate it.

In fact, since the first day Harvey became aware of Jodie's secret, from the first time Jodie forcibly injected him with the shots, he had had this idea.

"Jodie!" Toph also stood up.

However, two days without food and water made him a bit dizzy, even with his generally good physical condition.

Harvey seemed even weaker. He was already pale but resembled a blank sheet of paper without any color now.

"You two are quite amusing." Jodie sneered. "Both facing death, yet you're trying to act tough for whom?"

Harvey was about to say something, but Toph held him back. He pressed the back of his hand, gesturing with his eyes not to speak.

"Yeah, we're all going to die anyway," Toph sneered with disdain. "But I'm feeling a bit wronged this time. Dragged here by you without a clue... You should at least let me die informed, right?" "You don't need to know anything." Jodie glared at him. "You just need to die!"

Toph maintained his composure. "Since I can't escape now, why not do a good deed and tell me the answer? Consider accumulating some good deeds!

"I disappeared at your family banquet. If my parents find out, they won't let the Newhouses off... All your life desires are for the Newhouses' prestige and wealth, including your position as the Newhouse heiress. But if my parents pursue it, you won't be able to keep any of these!"

"Shut up!" Jodie trembled all over.

She was no longer rational-she just wanted to destroy the world along with herself!

"You're not my sister at all." Harvey smirked. "Ten years ago, I found out that you needed insulin injections to stay alive. You have Type 1 diabetes! You're that old woman's child-you're not my sister. Maisie is!"

Jodie laughed loudly, staring at him. "Harvey, this answer might disappoint you! I'm not the real Newhouse daughter, but you aren't a Newhouse child either!"

"What?" Harvey's mind went blank.

"You're not Wilfred's son. You're the child of your mother and another man!"

Harvey felt a buzz in his ears, and something in his heart collapsed in that instant. He suddenly fell to his knees, a hot surge rising through his throat, and he spat out blood!

"Harvey!" Toph hurried to support him, but his body was weak as if he would vanish the next second.

Harvey gently pushed Toph's hand away and smiled bitterly.

"Considering our many years as siblings, I'll tell you the truth!" Jodie stared coldly at him. "Our so-called parents never had feelings for each other. Wilfred always loved another person... That woman had a child with him, and that's Maisie!

"And you? You're just a mistake your mother made in a moment of confusion!

"Heh! Now you know why they haven't cared about you for so many years? He has no feelings for you, and she regards you as a mistake. Why would they care about you?"

Chapter 1875

Chapter 1875

Jodie cackled as she provoked Harvey using the most venomous words.

Harvey's gaze shifted from initial despair to anger, then to a resolute determination to face their end together.

He focused on the gun in Jodie's hand, pushing away Toph's hand and lunging forward!

Jodie noticed his pounce a bit too late but swiftly sidestepped, using her elbow to block him.

"You little bastard! You're asking for death!"

Harvey chomped down on Jodie's wrist, causing her to cry out in pain, and both fought on the ground.

Suddenly, Jodie aimed the gun at Toph!

"Harvey, you bastard!" she hysterically shouted. "I'll kill him first, then kill you!"

"I'm afraid you won't accomplish that in this lifetime!" Harvey roared.

Toph rushed forward with a yell.

At that moment, several people burst in from outside, pinning him to the ground with his hands against his back!

Just as Jodie raised the gun, Harvey smiled and glanced back at Toph, who was still struggling on the ground... Then he positioned himself in front of him...

A gunshot echoed, and the world seemed to fall silent.

The air was a mix of gunpowder and the stench of blood.

Toph's eyes widened, seeing a vivid red. He heard a muffled thud and saw a pool of blood on the ground, seeing Harvey lying there, still convulsing... Toph's desperate scream filled the room as he struggled to break free from the people holding him down.

He was only a few steps away from Harvey. Yet, those few steps felt like walking through centuries. "To... Toph..." Harvey, clinging to his last breath, opened his eyes to look at him and smiled faintly.

Toph wanted to cry but couldn't shed a tear-he wanted to say something but couldn't produce a sound.

Instinctively, he put his hand on Harvey's chest, where a hole had been shot through, blood gushing out. He never knew a person could bleed so much. "Toph..." Harvey looked at him. "P-Promise me..."

"I promise, I promise everything!" Toph's voice trembled. "Harvey, don't sleep... We can get out soon, Zuko's coming!"

Harvey smiled and shook his head. "Promise me... you'll be happy forever..."

Toph looked at him, his mind in chaos, but he nodded vigorously.

"And..." Harvey gasped. "I, I like... you..."

His voice was faint, the words jumbled, yet Toph heard every word clearly.

Harvey's hand dropped, his head tilted to the side, and his breath ceased.

Behind him, Jodie raised the gun again, aiming at Toph.

However, the police burst in at that moment! Before Jodie could pull the trigger, Chris precisely shot her wrist! The bullet pierced through her wrist bone, not fatal but intensely painful! The entire room was filled with Jodie's screams of agony.

Seeing the disheveled Toph, Chris shook with rage. He wanted to fire another shot but was fiercely held back by his comrades.

Chapter 1876

Chapter 1876

"Chris, calm down! Keep her alive! The law will bring her to justice! Go check on your cousin first!"

Chris rushed to Toph.

At that moment, Toph seemed as if his soul had been drawn away. He clung to Harvey's still-warm body, his face pale and his eyes staring blankly.

It wasn't until Chris shouted at him and forcefully pulled him up that he saw the room filled with bloodstains, and the last string of tension within him snapped. The tears he had held back until then flooded out. Jodie and the impostor doctors were arrested and taken into custody.

Outside the room, several police cars were parked.

Zuko stepped out of one, rushing over to give Toph a hug. "It's all over now! It's okay!"

At the same time, Harvey's body, covered in white cloth, was carried out by the authorities.

Zuko was startled. Chris shot him a look and gently shook his head.

Zuko patted his brother's shoulder. "Don't worry. Our parents are here too... We'll make sure justice is served!"

"I want to go to his studio," Toph whispered. "I want to bring back the paintings he created..."

Zuko nodded, leading Toph into a waiting car.

Cordelia and Zephyr rushed to Cumulus City. They found Toph sound asleep at the hotel, and only then did their anxious hearts ease a bit.

Cordelia sat by the bedside, tenderly caressing Toph's head. He was curled up, almost wrapping himself entirely in the covers, trembling occasionally.

Her nose tingled, unable to hold back her tears. Toph had never slept like this since childhood. He was a carefree child, lying sprawled on the bed in a relaxed manner. He had only slept in such a sleep position, devoid of any sense of security, during the time when Renee attempted suicide...

Zephyr walked over, gently embracing Cordelia's shoulders. "Let him sleep a little longer."

Cordelia sighed and walked out with him.

Zuko and Chris had explained the situation's ins and outs. Currently, Lina and Persephone were on Whitney's island, and Daniel was bringing Maisie over to the hotel.

The successive occurrences deeply affected Maisie, filling her entire life with worry.

Daniel held her hand, comforting her gently.

"I still can't accept Harvey's death..." she said in a low voice. "It's too sudden. I..."

"Jodie will face the consequences," Daniel said in her ear. "Everything will have its closure."

"Everything?" Maisie looked up at him, sensing a multitude of unsaid words in his gaze.

Daniel smiled softly. "Maisie, I know you're feeling uneasy now. But whatever happens next, you must gather yourself to face it."

Maisie's heart thumped as she cautiously asked, "There won't be anything serious again, will there? Mr. and Mrs. Hamerton are here, and they'll take things into their hands, right?"

Daniel hugged her, and she felt particularly attached to his warmth and the embrace.

He spoke in a low voice. "Just remember that I'll stand by your side no matter what happens! Wilfred is rushing to the hotel and Aunt Whitney's coming too. The truth will come out, not just for Harvey but for you too!"

"What?"

"Maisie, listen carefully." Daniel took a deep breath, enunciating each word. "I've actually known your identity for a while now... You're not your mother's daughter. You have no relation to the Squires! "Your father is Wilfred Newhouse, and your biological mother..." He looked into her eyes. "You've seen her in my aunt's photo album!"

Chapter 1877

Chapter 1877

Maisie widened her eyes in disbelief, her mind going blank as she froze in place.

Daniel tried to hold her shoulders, but she recoiled as if electrified. She stumbled back, her eyes revealing a trace of fear.

"Maisie..."

"Is what you're saying true?" Maisie's voice quivered. "This... This is too sudden, I..."

Her words were incoherent. She didn't know how to express the emotions flooding her at that moment.

Panic? Confusion? Anger?

It seemed like all of them, yet also like none of them.

She couldn't comprehend how she suddenly transitioned from being Cindy's daughter to the Newhouse heiress. She couldn't understand why her parents had abandoned her in the first 20-some years of her life.

She didn't understand what she had done wrong to face this upheaval in her life...

It was too dramatic!

She wished she could consider it all a dream, hoping her life would be the same as before when she woke up.

"I know it's hard for you to accept it now, but it's the truth!" Daniel licked his lips, inching closer. "Think about it calmly. If you were Cindy's daughter, why is it that your entire family suffers from diabetes, except you? Are you lucky? No, it's because your genetic makeup differs from theirs!"

Maisie felt dizzy as if someone was choking her, the suffocation climbing from her heart.

Daniel had to continue despite the difficulty. "I've been investigating this, and Chris and Lena have been helping me. Chris witnessed Jodie visiting Owen together with Cindy at the rehab center. If they weren't a family, why would Jodie do that?

"Moreover, I've checked your DNA..." He paused. "You and Cindy have no blood relation!"

Tears welled up in Maisie's eyes. Thinking about the past-the hardships she had endured from childhood and the injustices she had faced-she suddenly didn't know what to say.

"Arranging for you to meet Wilfred was also my idea," Daniel said softly. "I could sense that Wilfred feels differently about you, but it's not a romantic feeling... He doesn't know this yet, but he will soon." Maisie looked up at him. "Then, my mother..."

Daniel was about to reply when screeching brakes sounded from the hotel entrance.

A luxury car stopped, and Wilfred got out of it in haste.

He didn't notice Daniel and Maisie in the lobby. Instead, he hurried toward the top floor conference room anxiously.

Daniel held Maisie's hand, taking another elevator to the top floor.

Cordelia and Zephyr were already present inside the conference room. Zuko, Chris, and Lena were also there, each wearing a grave expression.

Wilfred entered the room almost simultaneously with Daniel and Maisie.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hamerton..." He was drenched in sweat, appearing extremely humble in front of Zephyr and Cordelia. He didn't dare to sit, standing not far from the door. He was also slightly hunched, looking meek.

Cordelia glanced at him, already showing signs of displeasure.

Wilfred pleaded, "As soon as I heard about this matter, I rushed over... I know, all the blame lies with my daughter. How's Mr. Toph now?"

"What do you think?" Zephyr's voice was icy. "She almost killed my son. How well do you think he'd be faring?"

Wilfred dared not make a sound, standing silently in his place.

Chapter 1878

Chapter 1878

Cordelia's tone turned icy. "Mr. Newhouse, you rushed here to see us today. Aren't you going to explain things?"

"Yes, yes..."

"Your son lost his life in this conspiracy. Haven't you thought about seeking justice for your son?"

Wilfred wiped his sweat, taking a deep breath. After some time, he sighed. "It's a family scandal... Mrs. Hamerton, please don't push this further. Regarding Harvey's funeral, I'll handle it out of respect for my wife. But right now, I need to resolve my daughter's matter."

Wilfred almost kneeled before them. "Please consider a compromise. Don't let Jojo go to jail! This is a family scandal, but still a family affair. I promise to handle it well and give the Hamertons an explanation!" "A family affair?!" Zephyr slammed the table, standing up and glaring at him. "This is your family's issue, not mine! Your daughter dared to harm my son. I won't let her off!"

"Mr. Hamerton, my son saved your son. Can't you consider this as compensation?"

"Wilfred, are you kidding?!" The meeting room door swung open, and a formidable woman entered. "Is Harvey a Newhouse? Hmph! Those are two different things. Don't confuse these matters!" Everyone was surprised, turning their attention to Whitney entering the room.

Whitney nodded in acknowledgment. "Mr. and Mrs. Hamerton, I didn't intend to come, but I'm concerned. There's something crucial I must announce in front of you."

She looked at Maisie with an affectionate gaze and offered her a smile. Then she turned to face Wilfred.

"Newhouse, even at this point, you persist in pleading for that little wretch, Jodie?"

"Whitney!" Wilfred's face flushed red. "She is my and Anya's daughter... Even if you disregard me, please respect Anya!"

"You have no right to mention Anya!" Whitney raised her voice. "You've pampered that little wretch for over 20 years while abandoning your own flesh and blood! You're the one who truly wronged Anya!" "What are you saying?" Wilfred was suddenly stunned.

Whitney grasped Maisie's hand and brought her before Wilfred.

Maisie's heart pounded, almost unable to breathe.

Wilfred seemed to hear something shattering in his ears, a deafening explosion. Her every move, every expression... Realization struck him!

A powerful force seemed to hit his heart. He felt a wrenching pain, so he clutched his chest, staggering back. He had to hold onto the table to steady himself.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hamerton, and the young Hamertons..." Whitney surveyed the room. Her words were clear. "What I am announcing today is about Maisie's parentage...

"She is the daughter of my student, Anya Campbell." Whitney pointed at Wilfred. "And also the biological daughter of this man!"

The conference room fell into stunned silence, as if plunged into a vacuum.

Maisie couldn't stand, feeling breathless. She stared at Wilfred, tears uncontrollably streaming down her face.

Daniel embraced her, letting her lean against his shoulder.

Wilfred stumbled backward, falling to the floor and knocking over several chairs. His face turned pale, looking utterly distressed as if he had seen a ghost. He gasped for breath with his mouth wide open.

Chapter 1879

Chapter 1879

Equally shocked was Maisie.

Her palms turned ice-cold, and she was breaking out in cold sweat. She stared blankly at Whitney, her lips moving, but not a single sound was made.

She had many questions, but when the words reached her lips, she didn't know what to ask.

"Child..." Whitney's eyes welled up with tears. "You've suffered for so many years... It's all my fault. If only I hadn't been so ruthless back then, if I could've helped your mother sooner, Anya wouldn't have..." "Aunt Whitney, please don't say that." Daniel stepped forward, gently patting Whitney's shoulder.

Everyone remained silent except for Wilfred, who emitted a low, mournful growl.

"How could... How could this be?!"

He suddenly rushed to Whitney and fixed his eyes intensely on her. "Explain this! What's going on?"

He grasped Whitney's shoulders and shook her, becoming hysterical. "Tell me what's going on!"

Daniel grabbed his wrist and pushed him aside. Zuko and Chris also stepped forward. Wilfred was no match against these two young and strong men.

Wilfred looked at Maisie, and tears streamed uncontrollably as he could not help shaking.

"I just want to know the truth... I beg you, tell me the truth!"

"The truth is something you shouldn't ask us about." Whitney's voice remained steady, her words clear. "You should ask your dear Mrs. Newhouse. How many secrets has she hidden from you in these 20-odd years?"

"Shut up!" Suddenly, someone barged into the meeting room.

Delilah rushed in, panting heavily, her hair slightly disheveled. She looked furious, glaring at Whitney and quickly rushing to Wilfred's side. "Honey, you can't believe her!"

Wilfred stood like a statue, making no response.

"Honey!" Delilah grabbed his arm, and her voice choked up. "Harvey is dead... It happened while he was with Toph Hamerton! Even if he isn't your biological son, he called you 'dad' for so many years. You have to seek justice for him!"

"Delilah!" Whitney glared at her. "Don't switch the topic! Have you ever thought about why Harvey died?"

"It's because of the sin you committed!" Zuko and Chris stepped up simultaneously, coldly staring at her. "You switched someone's child, and this swapped child caused Harvey's demise! It's retribution!" "You..." Delilah widened her eyes and choked on her breath. She backed away until she reached the wall.

Wilfred slowly looked up.

Delilah's heart skipped a beat. Wilfred usually looked coldly at her, but within that icy gaze today, there was a cloud of intense hatred a menacing hostility, as if he wanted to tear her apart! Chills ran down Delilah's spine. She shuddered as she tried to argue, "No... It's not me. I don't know what's going on!

"Whitney, you're spreading lies!" Delilah's words were incoherent. "Honey, you have to believe me! She... She has no evidence. How can you believe her nonsense? Anya was her protege. Naturally, she'd speak in favor of Anya! For so many years, this old lady has been delusional. She's beyond help-"

"Delilah!" Wilfred's cold words interrupted her loud cries. "I'll ask you one thing now. What happened to Anya?"

"..."

Chapter 1880

Chapter 1880

"Speak up!" Wilfred bellowed, his voice strained.

It seemed like he was releasing the grief of losing his beloved for the past 20 years through those two words.

"You've known all along... that Maisie is my daughter, right?

"You've known I've been doting on the wrong person all these years! You've known that, as a father, I let my own daughter suffer in life while showering all my love on someone who has no blood relation to me! Right?

"Delilah!" Wilfred slapped Delilah's face!

Blood trickled from Delilah's mouth. She was dazed. It took her a while to turn and look at him incredulously.

"At this point, you still refuse to admit it!" Whitney's words were firm. "Since you want evidence, I'll give it to you!"

As Whitney gave the order, a hidden door behind the meeting room's bookshelf silently parted. When Cindy slowly walked out from inside, Delilah froze in place as if she had seen a ghost.

"The evidence... It's all here with me!" Cindy raised something in her hand-a small recorder. She pressed the button, and the recorded conversation from years ago played...

"As long as you help me get rid of Anya, I promise to reward your family well."

"Madam, I can't..."

"You must! I know your wife just gave birth to a daughter. As long as you help me, I'll keep your daughter with me. I'll raise her as my own daughter... She'll be the most esteemed heiress of the Newhouses by then!

"You just need to arrange a car accident so that woman dies on the spot! Afterward, I'll get a lawyer to help you plead to the judge, saying it wasn't intentional. At most, you'll get a few years and then be released.

"Think it over! Trading your few years for a lifetime of glory for your youngest daughter. Is this deal worth it or not?"

Then, there was silence in the recording. Not long after, the man's determined voice sounded. "I agree, but how do I bring my daughter to the Newhouses? I don't want her to be treated as a foster daughter..." "Don't worry, she won't be a foster daughter! She'll be Wilfred's biological daughter. After getting rid of Anya, take the bastard child she gave birth to! Let your wife raise her. As long as she doesn't die, anything's fine!"

After listening to this recording, Delilah collapsed to her knees on the floor, trembling all over.

Maisie's face turned even paler. If Daniel hadn't been by her side, her distressed state might have been no better than Delilah's.

Wilfred clenched his fists, looking emotionless.

"That's how it is!" Cindy wiped her tears, trying hard to keep her voice steady. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm an uneducated housewife. My husband was just an ordinary driver for the Newhouses... We were both manipulated by Mrs. Newhouses!

"We were so poor back then, just hoping for a better future for our daughter." Cindy couldn't help but sob. "But I never thought Delilah was lying to me! My husband wasn't released after a few years he was sentenced to death! And now... Now, she has caused harm to my daughter. She turned Jojo into a murderer!

"Delilah Roper!" Cindy suddenly pulled out a dagger. "With what happened to my daughter, you can forget about having an easy time-"