The Real Heiress Rules the World

Chapter 376 So Much For Family Love

Adrian stood off to the side, his expression unreadable. “…As long as you’re back, that’s what matters.”

In the corner, Helen clutched her mouth as a fit of coughing wracked her; her face was pale as paper. Every time her eyes met Sloane’s, she gagged reflexively, her throat making a rasping, choking sound–the lingering trauma of being forced to swallow live insects by Sloane last time.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” Sloane asked with feigned concern, though a flash of coldness flickered in her eyes.

“No, it’s nothing…” Helen shrank back in panic, stumbling into a vase stand. A violent cough doubled her over, and she spat out phlegm laced with blood.

Marshall shot his wife an impatient glare. “It’s an old problem; don’t worry about her. Come on, Sloane, let’s go inside. Your room’s already been tidied up.”

Sloane followed them into the living room, noting how Helen hung back at the farthest corner, keeping a cautious distance. When Sloane glanced over her shoulder, she caught the look on Helen’s face–terror carved deep into her very bones.

“Here, have some tea.” Samantha offered a steaming cup with deliberate eagerness.

drink. Instead, she set it down lightly on the

are no reporters here; no cameras.” She lifted her gaze, her eyes razor–sharp. “So tell me- what is it

air in the room froze. Marshall’s plastered smile faltered, and Samantha’s hands stiffened

teacup.

like that…” Marshall tried to

her voice. “If you won’t say

shifted; the pretense dropped. “Fine. Since you want

rubbed his hands together. “That international medical project you just secured–we want a share of

the Rivers family. If you’ll help us this once, we promise never to bother you again.” She batted her wide, seemingly innocent eyes.

cold laugh. “That’s it?” Rising to her feet, she looked down at them with contempt. “You smeared me online; rallied public opinion to force

pouted. “At the end of the

added his voice. “Sloane, this project is the Rivers family’s

into the Hawthorne family, you’ll need a strong family of your own behind you. This can

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