A Surprising Twist of Fates (Sierra and Theo)

Chapter 161 Afraid of Hurting Her

William intended to use Sierra's marriage for his own gain and to keep control

over her, he needed to hold Vera as leverage. A divorce was out of the question— he would never let them go.

"Besides, even if we did end up getting a divorce, your father wouldn't let us off the hook so easily..." Vera's voice trembled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"There are times I've thought about ending it all—at least then, I wouldn't be a burden to you anymore. But I'm too much of a coward... I don't even have the courage to die. I'm sorry, Cee. All I've ever done is cause you pain."

Seeing her mother so broken, Sierra felt her heart twist painfully.

"Cee, don't worry about me anymore. No matter how badly he hurts me, you must stay out of it. If you don't intervene, he won't be able to use me to control you or force you into things you don't want to do."

Vera clutched Sierra's hand tightly, her voice barely above a whisper, afraid that William might overhear.

"Mom, how could I possibly turn my back on you?" Sierra asked, her brows knitting together in anguish.

She wasn't heartless-she could never just stand by and do nothing.

Stepping out of the Shaw residence, an icy chill seeped into her bones. William had already thrown her clothes away-there was no point in searching for them.

of her, shrouded in darkness, with no

sharp pain through her feet. She glanced down at the

white chiffon dress, she shivered violently as the cold wind wrapped

was draped over

in surprise, her gaze locking onto a pair of deep, unreadable eyes. "Uncle

carried a hint of astonishment, and for a brief moment, a spark of light flickered in her

way strands of her softly curled hair brushed against

long lashes quivered, and a wistful sorrow lingered on her aloof features, stirring something deep within

he responded, his voice

process his words, he effortlessly lifted her into his

faint blush crept up her pale cheeks as she gazed at his sharp, chiseled features. Warmth bloomed in her chest,

and fastened her seatbelt. Just as she thought

in shock, and she instinctively pulled

Theo, what are

his eyes cutting through her defenses. "Wearing shoes

"Uncle Theo, how did you

at Gray Manor," he