Chapter 17
Meanwhile, the Pierce family and Maxwell were racking their brains, trying various methods to
earn Aria’s forgiveness.
Mr. and Mrs. Pierce wrote long, handwritten apology letters every day, recalling memories from
Aria’s childhood and expressing their deep regret, then having them delivered to the Kingsley
residence.
Connor sought out information about Aria’s preferences, carefully selecting precious gifts that piled
up at the Kingsley’s doorstep, hoping to touch her heart.
Maxwell mobilized all his connections to collect rare treasures from around the world, attaching
heartfelt letters expressing his love and remorse.
However, Aria remained unmoved by all of this.
She set aside the letters and gifts without even glancing at them.
Her heart had been frozen by past hurts, no longer easily touched by these superficial gestures. Her
new life with the Kingsley family was fulfilling and happy. The love and care they gave her
gradually helped her let go of past pain, but that didn’t mean she could easily forgive the Pierce
family and Maxwell who had hurt her so deeply.
Until one day, Aria received another letter from Maxwell, saying he wanted to see her in person.
Clutching Maxwell’s envelope, Aria wrestled with her thoughts for a long time before finally deciding to go to the meeting place, if only to completely sever all ties to her past.
She carefully selected a simple dress, casually tied up her hair, and applied light makeup, trying to
face whatever might come with the utmost calm.
When she arrived at the abandoned warehouse, the pungent smell of decay hit her immediately.
Dim lights flickered in the corners, casting heavy shadows that sent chills down her spine.
Aria cautiously entered the warehouse, her gaze vigilantly scanning her surroundings.
Suddenly, a figure slowly emerged from a corner. Looking closely, Aria was shocked to see Serena dressed like a beggar. Her hair was as wild as dead grass, her clothes tattered, her face covered in
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Chapter 17
dirt, and her eyes held an unfathomable expression.
“Aria, you came,” Serena’s voice was hoarse and dry, as if coming from hell itself.
Aria’s heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively stepped back, warily asking, “Why is it you?
Where’s Maxwell?”
Serena gave a cold laugh, slowly walking toward her. “Maxwell? Did he really think he could easily see you? Today, it’s just you and me.”
Aria frowned, feeling a surge of unease. “Serena, what exactly do you want? There’s nothing left to
say between us.”
Serena suddenly burst into maniacal laughter, the sound echoing eerily through the empty warehouse. “Nothing to say? Aria, you took everything from me. Now you’re the beloved daughter of the world’s richest family, while I’ve been kicked out of the Pierce family with nothing, reduced to a beggar. How is that fair?”
Anger flared in Aria’s heart. “I took everything from you? Don’t forget, from childhood, you were always the one stealing what was mine. You used me as a blood bag and made me suffer endlessly!”
Before she could say more, Şerena sprayed something toward her.
Aria couldn’t block it in time and completely passed out.
When she regained consciousness, she found herself bound tightly, with Serena holding a knife to
her throat.
“Aria, I’ve called both families here. I want to see just how much they care about you now.”
Soon, footsteps approached from outside the warehouse.
The Kingsley family and Lucas arrived first. When Lucas saw Aria being held hostage, his eyes instantly turned red with fury. He roared, “Serena, let her go! If you dare harm a single hair on her head, I’ll make sure you die without a proper burial!”
Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley also looked terrified and angry. Mrs. Kingsley’s voice trembled as she said, “You vicious woman, what has Aria ever done to you to deserve this treatment?”
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