?


    I nced at Trinity and said, "Trinity mentioned it to me, but I''m sorry, I''ve never seen it. It''s not in my possession now, and I don''t know where it is." My tone was somewhat cold, and I could see a hint of disappointment in Ross''s gaze.


    "I don''t know why you''re looking for that brooch, but I''m sorry, I can''t help you." My words became even more abrupt.


    Ross seemed to sense my cold attitude and looked at me apologetically. "I know it''s a bit presumptuous of me toe to you like this, Chloe. Please..."


    "Chloe." Trinity interrupted Ross''s lowered tone.


    I looked at Trinity coldly.


    "I understand that you feel nothing for the Av family. It''s not your fault, but don''t me your cousin." Trinity spoke up.


    Indeed, my indifferent attitude stemmed from the resentment I harbored toward the Av family ever since I learned about my origins.


    I realized Trinity was trying to defend Ross.


    I couldn''t help but feel a surge of anger from the bottom of my heart. "When the Av family disapproved of my father, it caused my mother to leave Yare and the Av family. Because of that, she died alone in a foreignnd."


    This time, my attitude was hostile.


    "I can''t imagine how helpless my mother must have felt then. When I returned to Nocturnia, David told me that at her most desperate moment, she turned to an elder from the Pierce family for help. If the Av family had shown even a shred ofpassion back then, perhaps my mother wouldn''t have died."


    I choked up momentarily, biting my lip to prevent myself from appearing weak.


    "After that, the Av family never helped me, even though I was her only child. They left a ten-year-old girl alone and destitute, chased and persecuted, wandering in misery..."


    My voice was loud, revealing an undeniable truth.


    "In the end, although I survived, I lost more than ten years of memory and barely clung to life. If As hadn''t persisted in looking for me, I would have probably died long ago."


    My eyes were slightly moist at this point.


    "Tell me, how do you expect me to face this situation? Whether or not I lost my memory, I never had any ''family'' in my mind."


    I asked Ross, Where was the Av


    ROSS


    family when my mother was alone and helpless? Where were they when my mother died tragically and was hastily buried? Where were they when I was being chased, and my life was in danger?"


    My words were sharp and hit the nail on the head. Ross''s gaze deepened, and his expression revealed a profound sense of humility.


    "For twenty years, did you all even remember that Lucille''s daughter was still wandering outside and her fate was unknown?"This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    To be honest, I felt conflicted about my cousin''s sudden appearance.


    "Today, I''ve finally met a member of the Av family. When As asked me how Lviewed the Av family


    once, I said that the Av family''s et


    existence means nothing to me because they never treated


    me


    as


    family. I don''t need a family like this."


    "Chloe...."


    "I''ve never seen the brooch before. If I can find it return it to its rightful owner, since it was my mother''sst wish. I hope the Av family will just forget about her existence. I think that''s what my mother would have wanted. "


    SV


    "Chlo."


    "Chloe!"


    Ross and Trinity called out to me simultaneously.


    I nced at them indifferently. "It''ste, so I won''t keep you at Pleca Park. Trinity knows that I need rest because of my pregnancy."


    Trinity looked at my indifferent expression and hesitated, but Ross''s outstretched hand stopped me.


    "Trinity," Ross interrupted Trinity, who wanted to continue speaking.


    Then, he said, "It''s my fault, Chloe. The Av family owes you too much. Your health is important, so we''ll take our leave now."


    I nodded lightly. "Okay. Jim, please see our guests out."