Chapter 239: People Are Biased–It’s Hopeless
Inside the hotel.
A private, upscale dining room in the buffet restaurant.
A few people took their seats.
The servers bowed before silently beginning their work, professional and efficient.
Two elderly figures with graying hair ignored them, their focus entirely on the woman sitting across from them.
Warm smiles lit up their faces.
“Grandma, let’s get another plate of fruit.”
Ordering fruit at a high–end buffet like this was practically a waste.
But the elegant old woman, Madeline, simply nodded.
“Order whatever you like. The servers will bring it for you.”
The young woman set down the ordering tablet, the playful tone on her face fading into hesitation.
“But Grandma, Ms. Kelestine will be here soon. I’d better wait. I’m not really hungry.”
Madeline
Madeline’s smile stiffened.
Her brows furrowed, and her expression darkened.
“Don’t worry about that. Do whatever makes you comfortable. Don’t let other people make you feel small.”
The woman lowered her head.
“But Mom and I… We’re already so grateful. I don’t want to put you and Grandpa in a tough spot.”
Madeline’s heart clenched in an instant.
“Oh, Kaiya, none of this is your fault. Or your mother’s. If anyone that kid wants to blame, blame me.”
Jonathan Dolton, sitting beside her, let out a soft sigh.
“We were the ones who wanted to adopt Abigail. If it weren’t for her company, Madeline and I would’ve… Kaiya, you and Abigail have been a blessing
to our family.”
Tears welled up in Kaiya’s eyes. She jumped up, running to the elderly couple and throwing herself into their embrace, her voice choked with
emotion.
“Don’t say that! It just make’s me feel worse. I was planning to see Ms. Kelestine and then go back to Mom. But now… how could I possibly leave
you?”
The couple’s hearts softened immediately. Madeline even looked a little angry.
“Who said you were leaving? I’m making this clear right now–so long as I’m alive, the Dolton family is your home. No one can drive you out!”
“Grandma, you’re the best!” Kaiya’s tear–streaked face was heartbreakingly delicate, as if she had rehearsed every expression to perfection, She
looked just like… that woman.
And just as expected, Madeline pulled her close, cradling her like a treasure.
Ashton Dolton, the third son of the family, chuckled helplessly from the side.
“Kaiya, don’t worry. Uncle Ash promises- -no one can replace you.”
“Alright, enough crying now. You’re making your grandma tear up too. Be good. I’ll buy you a new handbag.”
Kaiya seized the moment, wiping her tears and returning to her seat.
“Uncle Ash, I don’t want a handbag. I just want you to spend a little more time with me. You’re always so busy–I haven’t seen you in ages.”
Ashton let out a low laugh. “You’re an angel. Alright, I promise. Once this is settled, I’ll take you on a trip.”
‘Uncle Ash, you’re the best!”
Kaiya’s face lit up with joy, dimples deepening, making her look even more endearing.
With her almond–shaped eyes, jet–black hair, fair skin, and soft red lips, she was undeniably captivating.
Suddenly-
A knock on the door.
A server stepped in. “Your guest has arrived.”
The room fell silent.
Everyone turned toward the entrance.
Gemma walked in, dressed in a moon–white gown. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall.
Setting
15:16
Chapter 239: People Are Biased–It’s Hopeless
Her porcelain–like skin was flawless, her gaze distant yet luminous.
Madeline shot to her feet.
Her hands trembled.
Jonathan’s eyes widened, fingers clenching the fabric of his suit.
Ashton, visibly stunned, accidentally knocked over his glass.
The sharp sound of glass shattering on the floor shattered the tense silence.
Kaiya quickly masked the flicker of shock and fear in her eyes.
For years, her mother, Abigail, had styled her to resemble Charlotte Dolton as closely as possible.
Combined with a few… enhancements, Kaiya had managed to look at least fifty percent like Charlotte.
But the woman standing before her now-
Cool and refined, every movement effortless, her features painted with an elegance that seemed almost… designed.
It was like Charlotte Dolton had been reborn.
So… this was the real star of today’s reunion.
Even without a DNA test, the answer was painfully clear.
One glance at the Dolton family’s expressions said everything.
They were going to acknowledge her. No doubt about it.
“You must be Ms. Kelestine.”
Kaiya stepped forward with a warm, polite smile, reaching out for Gemma’s hand.
Gemma sidestepped effortlessly.
Her voice was cool.
“And you are?”
Kaiya hurried to introduce herself.
“You could say I’m your cousin. A distant one.”
Gemma tilted her head, genuinely curious. “How distant are we talking?”
A beat.
“You’re not about to tell me we’re ‘cousins across mountains and rivers,‘ are you?”
Kaiya, “…”
She froze. Her eyes darted toward the three elders at the table, seeking help.
Madeline and Jonathan had recovered from their initial shock.
The moment they had seen Gemma, they had been ready to embrace her as family. But now?
The way she treated Kaiya so indifferently had instantly soured their impression of her.
“Mind your tone,” Madeline said, her voice frosty with disapproval.
Gemma lifted her gaze, studying the three of them carefully.
From their faces alone, she could tell–there was no question they were her blood relatives.
But unfortunately enough…
There wasn’t a trace of joy in their expressions.
Only frowns and disapproval.
“I knew I shouldn’t have come.” Kaiya lowered her head, but her eyes glinted coldly.
She had heard rumors about Gemma’s medical expertise.
Both Dolton elders had chronic health issues–if Gemma used that to her advantage, all of Kaiya’s efforts would be for nothing.
That was why she had begged the couple to let her come to N.L. City.
She had expected a battle.
But seeing this? Gemma was an absolute fool.
A reunion like this called for tears. Hugging. Making them feel guilty. That was the smart move.
Instead, Gemma acted all high and mighty, even mocking her?
Ha.
Did she think the Doltons were some small, easygoing family?
Kaiya had spent two years just learning their rules. They were impossible to please.
Setting
15.16
Chapter 239: People Are Biased–It’s Hopeless
As she plotted her next move, Gemma had already taken a seat at the table.
The servers quickly exited, sensing the tension.
Madeline’s tone turned even colder.
“You just got back, so I won’t be too harsh. Apologize to Kaiya, and we’ll let this slide.”
“After meal, you’ll come home with us.”
“You’ve been gone for years–it’s time to learn some proper manners.”
Gemma’s lips curled into a slow, icy smile.
“I see. And what exactly am I apologizing for?”
Madeline slammed her palm against the table. “Kaiya came all the way to N.L City for you. Instead of showing gratitude, you mocked her. You don’t think you should apologize?”
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