Chapter 10His World Collapsed
They had Edwardafter three years of getting prepared. He had turned16 this year.
Because of past experiences, Xanderand Ceciliawere very strict with him.
Thismade Edwardrebellious.
At home, he only listenedto Bianca.
Ceciliacarefully observed Lenora’s expression. Seeing that she truly didn’t care,Ceciliacontinued, “Children in their rebellious phase are stubborn. If he bullies you, just tellme, and I’ll take care of him for you.”
“Got it.” Lenorareplied casually.
When she was 16years old,Melanyspent her days skipping school. She waseither drinking or partying.
She would stay out all night, making her already weak body even worse.
Edward couldn’t be worse than that, right?
Larryfelt both worriedand angry. Not willing to hit his own daughter, he vented his frustration on Lenora.
Lenorahad to give blood to Melanyevery so often and endure physical abuse, which slowly wore her down.
Enjoying the warmth of the sun, Lenorasquinted slightly and gently swayed on a swing.
11:501
However, someone didn’t want things to go her way.
As soon as Edwardgot off the plane, he rushed home without delay.
Biancahad been waiting at the door for him. Upon seeing the boy with dyed red hair jump out of the car, she quickly went to greet him.
“Edward, you’re finally back! Your biological sister is already here. Let me take you to meet her.”
“She’s not my sister!” Edwardsnorted coldly, looking around and noticing thatonly Biancawas waiting outside for him. He somehow felt frustrated.
“Bianca, you’re right. I am nothing more than a replacement for her.
“Now that she’s back, Mom and Dad don’t care about me anymore.”
Since he was little, Biancahad instilled a belief in him.
That washe was a replacement for Lenora, and once Lenorareturned, their parents would abandon him.
After years ofbrainwashing, theidea had long taken root in his heart.
Now, seeing that his mother, who used to greet him at the door, wasn’t there, he feltextremely irritated. He then stormedback home angrily.
“Edward, comeback!
“If you go looking for trouble with your sister now, Uncle and Ceciliawill only dislike you more.”
Biancahurriedly chased after him, lookingworried.
On the surface, it seemed like she was persuading him, but in reality, she was making Edwardeven angrier.
He quickly ran to the garden and immediately saw Lenorasitting on the swing, while Ceciliafed her fruit from a plate.
Such warmth was something he had never experienced.
“Lilian!” he yelled furiously, rushing over like an angry calf. “This is the swing I made for Bianca. Get off!”
He grabbed the thick hemp rope securing the swing and began shaking it violently.
Lenorawas startled, opening her eyes to see an angry juvenile face.
The boyhad the same face shape as Xander. Without a doubt, he must be her unacquainted younger brother.
“Definitely a little troublemaker!”
Lenorathought to herself.
Then, she grabbed both hemp ropes of the swing to keep it stable.
Ceciliawas startled by Edward’s actions. The fruit plate she was holding dropped to the ground, scattering the fruit everywhere.
“Edward!” she yelled, pulling his ear forcefully. “What do you think you’re doing? How can you treat your sister this way? Apologize right now!”
“Why should I!” Edwardgrimaced in pain, glaring at Lenora. “This is my swing. I’m not letting you play with it.”
“Edward, don’t say that. Liliana will be upset.” Biancapretended to mediate between them.
“Edwardmade the swingto cheer me up, so that’s why he’s so emotional.
11.5
The fact that Sethwas not her biological grandfather had always been a painful secret for Bianca.
Biancaglared at her fiercely before turning and leaving.
Lenoraclosed her eyes again, gently swinging back and forth, enjoying her leisure time.
She wasn’t a fool. It was clear that Biancahad beenbehindthe earlier
scene.
Biancasubtly sowed discord between Edwardand Ceciliabyplaying the victim. It alsodisplayed her closeness to Edwardandprovoked his anger.
A perfect three–in–one move.
From the last words Edwardshouted, it was evident that Biancahad done. much to stir up trouble between him and his parents.
But none of this was her concern. As long as Biancadidn’t provoke her again, she wouldn’t take any action.
Teblaria, at the Velez Group.
Zaviersat in the top–floor office, his eyes bloodshot and lifeless as he stared at the document on the screen.
Helooked haggard and exhausted, with stubble on his chin.
He hadn’t slept for a full day and night, waiting for news about Lenora.
But all he received was disappointment.
His phone rang.
Zavieranswered it, his voice hoarse and dry. “Any news about Nora?”
“Mr. Velez, we have news, but…” The assistant on the other end
hesitated.
Hearing that there was news, Zaviersuddenly straightened up. He eagerly stood up and grabbed his suit jacket from the back of the chair, throwing it over his arm.
“Where is she? I’ll go immediately!”
“The police have found fragments of herclothes in the unmanned zone by the lakeside…”
Zavierfroze, and the phone slipped from his hand, crashing to the floor.
The conversation continued, but he couldn’t hear the assistant’s voice.
anymore.
“Mr. Velez, please be prepared. I’m afraid the lady may not survive…”
The deafening ringing in Zavier’s ears made his eardrums ache.
Whatever the assistant said next, he couldn’t hear it.
His heart tightened, causing such pain that he couldn’t breathe. He was forced to crouch down and gasp for air.
The world in front of him seemed to collapse.
Outside the huge floor–to–ceiling window, the lightsandthe bustling streets all appeared dull and dim.
Atthat moment, Zaviertruly understood what it meant to feel as if life had no meaning.
