Chapter 71
Chapter 71
སཊྛི37%–
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Jade had secretly bought a surveillance camera and hidden it somewhere in the Turner family to keep an eye on Ash’s route when she climbed over the wall to sneak out.
If Ash was bold enough to do it once, she would likely do it again. ‘What would Mom and Dad think if they find out Ash prefers sneaking around instead of confronting issues head–on?‘ Jade wondered.
Jade’s expression darkened as she glanced at the concealed camera.
She walked downstairs and approached her mother, Brooke, who was relaxing on the sofa. “Mom, my first TV drama is about to air, and the company wants me to film a promotional video. I’ll have to leave after your birthday.”
Brooke’s demeanor softened. Despite Jade’s mistakes, she had raised her and wanted to see her thrive.
“Make sure to take advantage of this opportunity at the company. Work on building your own future,” Brooke advised gently, though there was an underlying warning. “As long as you don’t go after Ash, you’ll have the family’s support. If you ever feel wronged, I’ll always have your back.”
Jade’s expression hardened, hurt flashing in her eyes. ‘Do I really have to play second fiddle to Ash? What kind of support is that? They probably wish I’d leave to make room for that brat,‘ she thought.
Noticing Jade’s silence, Brooke sighed, adding patiently, “For these eighteen years, I’ve treated you like my own daughter, giving you a comfortable life and the best opportunities. But Ash is my biological daughter; she’s suffered while you’ve had so much. I hope you can understand a mother’s heart.”
“Mom, how can you say that? I feel for Ash too. I acted out before because I couldn’t let go of Calvert. Now that he wants to be with her, I would never dream of ruining their happiness,” Jade replied, her voice quivering. “You know me better than that, right?”
Brooke frowned. Before Ash returned, Jade had always been obedient and kind, treating the staff well and showing ambition. She had never behaved this way before.
Perhaps her struggle to manage the relationship between the two girls had made Jade so sensitive.
“Regardless, I want you two to get along. You’re both my children, and it hurts me to see either of you in pain,” Brooke said sincerely.
As she saw her mother’s guarded expression start to soften, Jade forced a smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll treat Ash well. She’s been through so much; I feel for her just like you do.”
Brooke nodded, relieved. “I’m really glad to hear that.”
Jade turned away, a shadow of bitterness clouding her eyes. All her years of pretending in front of her mother, Brooke, seemed to have finally paid off, giving her just enough sympathy to cling to.
Since Ash returned home, Jade felt that everyone in the family—except for Caspian—had begun to favor her sister. Brooke’s words might sound kind, but Jade knew they were just a way of forcing her to give in.
In this house, she didn’t feel like she was the beloved daughter anymore. She believed that only by getting rid of Ash could her parents finally shower her with the love she believed she deserved.
The way her parents doted on Ash was suffocating, leaving Jade with no chance to make her move. She needed to cultivate her power before she could strike.
At this moment, Jade couldn’t see the meaning behind Brooke’s words. She had no idea how selfish she was being, completely focused on eliminating Ash.
“Welcome home, sweetheart,” Brooke greeted Josh, her eyes lighting up as he walked in.
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09:12 Thu, 20 Feb
Chapter 71
“I got caught up at the Moreno family’s company today” Josh said, concern lacing his voice, “Have you had dinner yet?”
“I’m not hungry. I was just waiting for you so we could eat together”
Josh gently led his wife to the dining table. “Then I’ll keep you company while you eat”
Even though she had no appetite, Brooke forced herself to eat a small plate of food, her thoughts drifting to the Moreno family. ‘Isn’t that where Ash has spent her formative years?‘
When Ash had first returned to their lives, both she and Josh had planned to express their gratitude to the Morenos with generous gifts. But after learning that Ash had been cast out by them, they had put their plans on hold,
Now, seeing Ash thrive, Brooke felt a renewed urge to acknowledge the family that once took her in.
“How is the Moreno family’s business doing?” Brooke asked, curiosity creeping into her voice.
Before Josh could reply, Ash entered the room.
“Ash, come here; we need to discuss something.” Brooke said, choosing her words carefully. “You grew up with the Morenos, and they seemed to have taken good care of you. We want to thank them. What do you think?”
Ash approached with an unreadable expression. “I’ve already repaid the Morenos. I don’t want anything more to do with them.”
Whether it was a million dollars in cash or the over 350 million invested through Shadow Ventures, Ash felt she had more than made up for their cold upbringing.
Josh and Brooke exchanged shocked glances, taken aback by Ash’s icy demeanor. The realization that she might have suffered at the hands of the Morenos silenced their thoughts of gratitude.
What they didn’t understand was that Ash’s abilities stemmed from her hard work and the guidance of her mentors, not from the Moreno family.
Their neglect—merely ensuring she was fed—could never have helped her reach such heights.
Once Ash left, Josh finally answered Brooke’s earlier question. “The Moreno family’s business is on the verge of collapse. If it weren’t for Shadow Ventures keeping them afloat, they would be long gone.”
Brooke froze, her heart sinking. After all, the Moreno family had raised their daughter. ‘Is it really so heartless to abandon the family like that?‘ he thought.
Josh caught a glimpse of Brooke’s thoughts and said softly, “If Ash feels that way, there’s probably a good reason. Let’s just sit back for now and let her do her thing.”
Back in her room, Ash noticed a new friend request on WhatsApp from Jewel: [Do you even have a conscience? You’re okay with letting the Ford family get re–invested by Shadow Ventures without thinking about your parents? Seriously?]
It was from her adoptive mother, Lorelei.
Ash remained unfazed as she closed the message, opting to ignore it.
But just seconds later, her phone rang again—this time, it was an unknown number.
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09:12 Thu, 20 Feb
