CHAPTER 15: CHAPTER 15: THE TRUTH FROM YEARS AGO

The moment the most unspeakable matter was uncovered, Annelise Winter felt as if she were pinned to the pillar of shame.

Annelise didn’t expect that even after everything, Renee Perry would find out.

In Renee’s eyes was a bone-chilling coldness and superiority, "You’re the younger sister, how can a younger sister shamelessly try to climb into her brother’s bed?"

"Last night was a misunderstanding!" Annelise responded calmly, without losing her composure.

"Hmph!" How could Renee believe her? With her seductive looks, she was only good for luring men.

Renee directly threw a card at Annelise’s face, the sharp edge of the card harshly cutting her chin.

"There are two million on this card!" Renee was too lazy to argue further. "Take this money and put away your unrealistic fantasies."

Glancing again at the list, Renee continued, "Do you really think this list was prepared for Elias? Open it and see. Inside are the blind date candidates I chose for you. From today, you will start meeting them."

Before Annelise came, she knew that in the five years since, Renee only looked for her to cause trouble when she missed Elias desperately. Other times, she barely wanted to see her.

Turns out, she was waiting for her here.

Though she was called a goddaughter, in reality, it was just a tactic by the Warner Family to appear approachable.

Moreover, Renee restricted her with the status of a goddaughter, making it impossible for her to be with Elias ever again.

The past couldn’t be recalled.

Every memory was a painful sore, full of wounds and scars.

It was humiliation, her most humble, disgraceful, heart-wrenching reluctance to look back.

Annelise bent down, picked up the two million that fell on the ground, and placed it back on the table.

"I will not take this money."

Even if taking it meant she wouldn’t have to worry about her daughter’s surgery costs.

She could completely sever ties with Elias and make him dislike her even more.

But she wouldn’t take money she shouldn’t, especially not from the Warner Family.

"What do you plan to do if you don’t marry now?! Do you think you can find a better man than these?" Renee’s face was grim as she looked down at her.

"The Third Young Master of the Alden Family, the textile giant in the south of the city, and the youngest son of Ian Drake, the shipping tycoon in Haboro--any of these are more than enough for you!"

"The Third Young Master Alden is fifty, and three of his wives have died due to him. Young Master Drake was heavily beaten due to gambling debts in Orlan. Now he can’t even get out of bed."

Even if she’s no longer a socialite, she’s heard these scandals from wealthy families.

Renee angrily stood up, a malicious glint flashed in her eyes, "What do you think you are? Still dare to defy my decision? Do you even care about your poor brother’s future? I heard he’s in his first year at Kybourne University, top of his class, handsome and hardworking, finally made it out from that poor village, do you want to see him and your grandparents have an accident?"

The words hadn’t left her lips when Ashera on the sofa darted away, disappearing without a trace.

Annelise’s breathing suddenly froze, a burst of hatred surged inside her heart.

"Ma’am, the young master is back!"

Upon hearing this, Renee’s eyes brightened instantly, almost instantly transforming from a ruthless, decisive noblewoman into a gentle mother.

"Really? Elias is back?"

"Yes, ma’am, the car has already entered the old house’s gate."

"Let’s go, let’s go see."

Ready to leave, she suddenly remembered Annelise standing aside, her expression changed.

She picked up the bank card and the list next to her and stuffed them both into Annelise’s arms.

"Hurry up and leave through the back door! Do not let Elias see you in this house!"

As she was leaving, she still couldn’t be at ease.

Pointing at Annelise’s nose, she continued to threaten, "I’ll notify you of the date for the blind date. If you don’t get the hint, I’ll choose someone for you! By next month at the latest, you’ll marry off! Otherwise, wait to collect the bodies of your brother and grandparents!"

With those words, she no longer looked at Annelise. Renee had the family makeup artist touch her up a bit, then picked up the cat that had mysteriously returned and went out to greet her son.

Annelise was left alone, standing under the grand crystal chandelier, her whole body engulfed in a bone-chilling coldness.

She had to bite her lips desperately to not break down and tear into Renee in front of Elias right then and there.

Five years ago, she compromised in front of Renee.

Five years later, she finally awaited Elias’s return, desperately wanting to tell him the truth!

But she knew Renee’s ways, and she couldn’t let Renee harm her brother Joshua and her grandparents.

Moreover, she now had a daughter, even if she could no longer endure it, her daughter’s imminent surgery could not afford any mistake.

Just wait a little longer, until her daughter’s surgery is successful, she’ll find a way to free herself from all this.

As she watched Elias’s car stop outside, Renee led everyone in the old house to greet him.

Not wanting Elias to see her in her sorry state, Annelise hurried upstairs to the second floor.

The black Red Flag diplomatic car stopped at the gate, a man, with long legs clad in black slacks, stepped out, followed by a tall, handsome silhouette.

Seeing that face she had longed for day and night, Renee couldn’t help but rush up and hug him, "You rascal son! I really thought you didn’t want your mom anymore."

Elias allowed his mother to hug him.

His stature was tall and broad, with wide shoulders and a narrow waist, making Renee look even more delicate.

The hand gripping the suit jacket was clear and soothingly patted his mother’s back, his thin lips slightly curved in a tease.

"Here I am, back, right?"

He released his mother’s hand and handed over a gift he brought back from overseas.

A set of royal collection jewelry auctioned by the British royal family.

"My son has great taste."

Overjoyed to the point of tears, Renee affectionately hammered her son’s robust chest, "This time, you’ve really grown up, gotten stronger and taller. But, you’ve gotten thinner."

At this moment, even the dissatisfaction over her son passing by the house last night evaporated.

The mother and son entered the entrance.

Renee glanced at the empty living room with satisfaction and curled her lips.

"It’s good that you’re back. Rest well at home, I’ll have Mama Carter make something good for you."

Too much intimacy, Elias was not too accustomed to anymore.

Elias’s indifferent gaze skimmed over a pair of white high heels at the entrance, lifted his wristwatch, and checked the time.

"Mom, I came back today just to see you. After a shower and a change of clothes, I’ll be leaving. I can’t stay long, I have to catch an intercontinental flight tonight."

"You’ve just returned and already have to leave again? And be away for several days?" Renee was suddenly disappointed, the heartache for her son was overwhelming, "Then hurry up and go take a shower, if you have time, get some sleep first."

"Got it, Mom."

Taking the suitcase from Zane’s hand, Elias directly took the elevator upstairs.