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.

her, shrouded in darkness, with no light to

feet. She glanced down at the ill-fitting high heels, biting her lip

she shivered violently as the cold wind

was draped over her shoulders, its heat instantly

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

and for a brief moment, a spark of

over her pale face, taking in the way strands of her softly

lingered on her aloof features, stirring

he responded, his voice low

could process his words, he effortlessly lifted her into

his sharp,

carefully placed her into the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt. Just as she thought he was done, he suddenly knelt before her and reached for

shock, and she

what

through her defenses. "Wearing shoes that don't fit will only bring

lip. "Uncle Theo,

at Gray Manor,"