Chapter 211

By the time Evelyn and Derek brought her parents home from the hospital, it was evening already.

Derek pushed the door open with his shoulder, balancing Claire's suitcase in one hand and holding the doorframe with the other.

Evelyn followed close behind, her arm linked with her mother's.

Eric shuffled in last with his duffel bag in hand.

Claire let out a soft sigh of relief as she stepped inside, her fingers lightly brushing over the back of the couch. "It's good to be out of the hospital finally," she murmured, her voice warm but tinged with exhaustion. Maya appeared from the kitchen, her smile wide and welcoming.

"Welcome!" she greeted, stepping forward to help. Her eyes flickered to the suitcase in Derek's hand. "Let me take that upstairs for you."

Derek shook his head with a small smile. "Thanks, but I've got it."

Reluctantly, she stepped back, allowing Derek to carry the bag upstairs on his own. As he left, she disappeared into the kitchen, promising to bring refreshments.

"Is it just me? Why does Maya seem restless?" Claire asked as she eased herself onto the couch, leaning back against the cushions.

Her face was still pale, but there was a spark of liveliness in her eyes that hadn't been there days ago.

Evelyn smiled, "habit. I guess she doesn't know how to stay still."

"The house feels so quiet without Samantha," Eric remarked, glancing around as if expecting the little girl to come running into the room. His tone was light, but there was a hint of wistfulness beneath his words. "She will be back tomorrow," Evelyn reassured him, sitting beside her mother and giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "She's been asking about Mom non-stop."

"I can't wait to see her. And I hope you will also bring her over to spend weekends with us when we return to the house," Claire asked hopefully.

"Sure, I will, Evelyn promised, and Claire smiled, the kind of soft, maternal smile that made Evelyn's chest tighten with warmth.

Maya returned moments later, carrying a tray with glasses of fresh watermelon juice and a plate of cookies. She set it down carefully on the coffee table before taking a seat across from them. "How are you feeling now?" Maya asked, her voice kind and genuine.

"Apart from the occasional headache, much better." Claire picked up a glass of watermelon juice and took a small sip. "Thank you for helping Evelyn take care of things around the house."

Maya's cheeks flushed, and she looked down, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's nothing, really. I'm happy to help."

Eric, who had been quietly observing, reached for his own glass.

"We're grateful, Maya."

"If everyone had a nanny like you, life would be easier for working mothers," Claire said with an easy smile.

The comment hung in the air, seemingly harmless, but Evelyn felt her pulse quicken. She glanced at Derek, who had just returned to the room and was taking his seat across from her. He met her gaze, and with a slight nod, she urged him on. Derek leaned forward in his seat. "Actually"" Derek began, his voice serious, "there's something we need to talk to you about."

Claire and Eric exchanged a curious look, their attention shifting to Derek. Claire set her glass down, her brows knitting together in concern. "What is it, Derek?"

Derek looked toward Maya, and she gave him a small smile. He took a deep breath and said, "We recently discovered that Maya is my sister. My biological sister."

Maya. Eric blinked, his face a mixture of confusion and disbelief. "Your sister?" Claire repeated, leaning forward slightly.

said, looking from Derek

and Derek took turns explaining everything-how Michael had first told Derek about his

them to Maya. They explained the necklace

listened intently, her frown deepening with

finished, she turned to

"Where were you raised?"

Maya replied softly, her hands folded in

where I

lips parted as if she were about to speak, but then she stopped herself. She shook her head slowly, her expression troubled. "Cavenspot..." she murmured,

if trying to dispel a nagging thought. "It's just... it all sounds

maybe it's something. What do you know?" Derek asked

I see the picture you talked about?" She asked instead, and Maya nodded as

as she traced the edges of the locket. Her eyes were wide, the color draining from her face. "How can this be?" she

as if

forward, his voice urgent. "You

gaze flickered to Derek and then to Maya. She opened her mouth and closed it again as though the words were too heavy to say. Finally, she took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she

someone terrible. A man named Victor Harding." Her lips twisted at the name, and her shoulders sagged under an invisible weight. Derek frowned, "Is that Sandra's father? The one you mentioned the last time who was arrested for murder and has

was a dangerous man. Ruthless. He didn't care

mouth, her voice

never heard about

mentioned him," Claire admitted, her voice low. "I ran from

sitting silently, reached out to gently squeeze her hand. "Take your time, he said softly, knowing

the locket. The weight of her words seemed to drag the room into

in

were kind,

see they were good. Your mother, her name was Elena She ran

Joy!.ne

Victor wanted to shut them up. Your father had

Evelyn asked,

to work as a construction contractor at Stone Corp..." "Stone Corp?" Derek asked with a deep

was hoping I'd never have to bring this up

to do with our father?" Maya asked, unable to understand how it

workers were injured, and some died. There were rumors that the little Stone boy was at the site and got hurt too, but it was never confirmed," she said, and Derek

still anymore.

glanced at him, not knowing what to say or

continue, Derek's phone

saw the investigator's name flashing. "Excuse me," he said quickly, stepping aside

was brisk and direct. "I looked into the major accident in

tightened on the

fits the case of a couple identified as Elena and Carter Reed. They were found deceased at

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255