Chapter 94
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“Ask yourself this–when did the Macdonald family ever treat me well? Freya always resented me. After Harper returned, they teamed up to make my life difficult. Even if the family business hadn’t collapsed, did I ever have a moment’s peace?
“You can’t pretend you didn’t see what they did. Countless times when Freya and her daughter targeted me, you walked right by without a word in my defense. All these years, it was Edward who watched out for me. The life I have now has nothing to do with you.
“What’s more, the reason you sent me away was because you’d found Harper–not for my sake. Even after you learned my biological family’s situation wasn’t ideal, you still sent me packing. Weren’t those all your decisions p>
Carter knew Arabella was speaking the truth, but he couldn’t–and wouldn’t–admit it. “How can you think of us this way? We were your adoptive parents. Regardless of anything else, we raised you. You can’t just disregard that, can you p>
Flustered, he fell back on the old obligation of parental duty to
her.
Arabella was so furious she nearly laughed. He truly had no idea who had been quietly propping up the Macdonald family all those years. Their rise to prominence in the Meridian District had been built on her contributions.
But she couldn’t tell him that. Even if it burned inside her, she had to keep quiet.
Because once she revealed it, her identity as Marla would be exposed, and a leech like Carter would cling to her even tighter.
Then the trouble would never end.
“So what if I disregard it? I’ve said what I needed to say. My conscience is clear toward the Macdonalds. Don’t ruin my mood any further. Just leave.” Arabella didn’t want to look at him another second.
Finally voicing the humiliation she’d swallowed for years left her feeling strangely light.
Edward, sitting beside her, had listened quietly to Arabella’s grievances. He’d never realized so much unhappiness had been buried in her heart.
A deep sense of guilt washed over him. As her older brother, he hadn’t protected her well enough–had let her suffer in silence all that time.
If Carter hadn’t provoked her today, he might never have known.
Arabella, the Macdonald family failed you. I apologize on their behalf.” Edward stood and
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Chapter 94 Truths Finally Spoken
bowed to her.
Arabella quickly rose to stop him. “This has nothing to do with you. Please don’t p>
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“How can it not? I’m part of this family too. I just never realized you were living under such a shadow all those years. I’ve been a worthless brother…” Edward’s voice trembled, his eyes pained, and he couldn’t finish.
Arabella’s own eyes stung at his distress. She understood exactly what he meant.
Seeing Edward’s emotion, Carter still refused to relent. “Arabella, even if you don’t care about us, for the sake of everything Edward has done for you over the years, couldn’t you p>
Edward cut him off sharply. “Dad, that’s enough. Haven’t you hurt Arabella enough already?
“Don’t drag her into the family’s mess. You should leave now p>
Carter stared at Edward. He is telling him to leave?
It had taken so much effort to get here. He couldn’t walk away empty–handed.
“I’m not leaving. I won’t just stand by and let everything fall apart p>
Edward looked at him coldly. “Aren’t you ashamed of what you’ve already done here p>
“Is that any way to speak to me?” Carter was stunned. The usually gentle Edward had never raised his voice like this.
Edward was breathing heavily now, the agitation straining his weak constitution.
Arabella noticed his distress immediately and helped him sit back down. “Don’t up. Your health comes first p>
get worked
Then she turned icy eyes on Carter. “Still not leaving? Do you need to make Edward collapse completely before you go p>
Carter saw Edward struggling for breath and softened. “Edward, calm down. Have some
water p>
“Just… leave,” Edward managed weakly.
Seeing Edward insist even in his weakened state Carter finally relented. He wouldn’t push him any
further.
Reluctantly, he left the private room.
“Edward, I don’t have my medical kit with me. If you can hold on, I’ll take you to the hospital
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Chapter 94 Truths Finally Spoken
right now, okay?” Arabella said, deeply concerned his condition was worsening.
It took Edward a moment to reply. “Alright p>
Arabella helped him into her car and drove straight to the hospital.
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At the hospital entrance, Matthew was just leaving when he saw Arabella supporting a pale, unfamiliar man inside.
He studied them briefly. “What happened p>
Arabella glanced up. “My brother isn’t well. I’m bringing him in to be checked p>
She moved past him into the lobby without pausing.
Matthew watched her helping the man, a flicker of confusion crossing his features. He knew everyone in the Hamilton family. Which brother was this? He didn’t recognize him at all.
“Mr. Stewart?” Andy’s quiet voice brought him back.
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.