Chapter 276: The Mystery of Her Origin
Reese slid into her car, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. Unresolved issues were gnawing at her, and the recent revelation about her roots only added to her turmoil.She retrieved her phone from her purse and dialed Kenneth’s number without hesitation.The sound of Reese’s voice on the other end of the line nearly made Kenneth leap out of his chair. “Reese?” he stammered; surprise evident in his tone. A wry smile tugged at the corners of Reese’s lips. We’re kin, Kenneth. Is it really that shocking to receive a call one to make casual calls. If she wasn’t in dire from me? Kenneth wanted to retort that shock was an understatement, Reese wasn straits, why would she reach out to him?His wariness towards her was palpable, given the havoc she had wreaked on his family in the past.“What’s the matter?” he asked cautiously.“Where are you at the moment?” Reese cut to the chase.“At home.“I’ll be there in
ten minutes. “As the call ended, Kenneth was left in a state of bewilderment, pondant why Reese would want to visit. Beside him,
Nancy wore an equally puzzled expression. “What’s happening? Why did Reese call?” Kenneth’s mind raced as he turned to face them. “Have either of you crossed paths with her recently?“Nancy shook her head emphatically. “Absolutely not, we’ve barely ventured outside, let alone crossed her path.“The memory of their last encounter, with Reese still sent chills down their spines. Nancy had even stopped attending her casual brunches with friends, fearful of becoming the butt of their jokes.“What about Dahlia Brooks?” Kenneth inquired. “Has she been out and about, possibly irking Reese?“The mention of his daughter’s name made Kenneth wince; she was the last person he wanted to antagonize.Nancy was lesing patience with Kenneth. “Can’t you show some backbone? She’s your daughter, for goodness‘ sake. What kind of father fears his own child?“Kenneth didn’t appreciate the sentiment, but with Reese being Mrs. Flynn of the influential Flynn family, and Malcolms fondness for her, they couldn’t afford to offend her. He was about to sigh and add another comment when a screech of tires outside interrupted him.Nancy and Kenneth exchanged a wary glance.“I’ve got a bad feeling about this,” Nancy confessed, her voice shaky. “It feels like she’s on a warpath.“Kenneth was on high alert, cautioning Nancy, “Choose your words carefully when she arrives. Don’t provoke her; I’ve just managed to stabilize the – business and can’t afford any more upheaval.“Dahlia Brooks overheard their conversation as she descended the stairs and nearly rolled her eyes. “Dad, are you seriously this terrified of Reese? After what she did to the Sawyer’s darling, they won’t let her off the hook. I can’t wait for her downfall so I can settle our scores!““You might be in for a disappointment then,” a commanding female voice echoed from the doorway, startling everyone in the living room Dahlia’s spine stiffened, her face draining of color.Nancy, reacting as if death itself had walked in, swiftly pulled Dahlia behind her as Reese made her entrance.Reese, observing their startled defense, struggled to suppress a chuckle. “What’s with the terror? Do I appear that menacing?” Nancy retorted, “You know exactly what you’ve done.“Reese didn’t wait for an invitation to sit; she was all too familiar with the family’s true colors. Without any ceremony, she pulled out a chair and seated herself. She flashed a somewhat mocking smile at the group that remained standing, patting the chair next to her.“Come on, we’re all family here. Have a seat.“But her casual demeanor only served to intimidate them further, as if daring anyone to approach. Dahlia Brooks may have been wary of Reese, but she wasn’t too frightened to speak up. Peeking from behind Nancy, she confronted Reese.“Get to the point, Reese. No need for pretense. Don’t think for a second that we can’t see through your charade.“It was clear as day that Reese’s visit spelled trouble. With a series of deliberate taps from her slender, pale fingers on the table, Reese got straight to the point. “Let’s cut to the chase. I’m not really a Brooks, am I?“Her words plunged the room into stunned silence. Dahlia and Nancy were particularly taken aback, their eyes wide with disbelief.What?! If Reese wasn’t a Brooks, did that imply her mother had been unfaithful to her father?The thought sent a wave of perverse joy through Nancy. She would relish the idea of Reese not being Kenneth’s offspring. That way, the Brooks family fortune might someday fall into her and her mother’s hands. They were already living comfortably, but a future without that worry would be ideal.Who could predict what scandal Reese might stir up next with her fiery temperament?Kenneth’s frown deepened, his expression inscrutable.“Who told you that?” he asked cautiously.“It doesn’t matter who told me. I want the truth from you,” Reese demanded, her voice hardening as she fixed Kenneth with a penetrating gaze.Kenneth felt as if his heart was pounding out of rhythm, particularly unsettled by Reese’s piercing gaze. It felt like any attempt to lie would be transparent under her scrutinizing eyes. Meanwhile, Dahlia was barely containing her excitement. If Reese wasn’t a true Brooks, did that mean she become the sole heiress of the Brooks family? She daydreamed about never again being compared to Reese, fi from under her shadow.She urged Kenneth, who was full of doubt and hesitation, “Dad, if Reese really isn’t a Brooks, just tell her. Look at her now; she’s hardly behaving like one of us.“Kenneth shot Dahlia a furious look and barked, “Shut your mouth!““T just…” “Dahlia, don’t say another word. This is serious, and we need to think it through before we do anything, Nancy interjected, also secretly hoping Reese wasn’t Kenneth’s daughter. But she knew these matters couldn’t be rushed, they wouldn’t be resolved just by their say–so.Given Reese’s tenacity, there was no doubt she’d dig until she unearthed the truth.Kenneth was still figuring out how to break the news to Reese, but he knew the information couldn’t be divulged without a trade–off.He chuckled, then attempted to approach Reese, but she dodged his outstretched arm. “You want to know about your origins, Reese, and I’m willing to share,” he offered genially. “But you know our company’s been struggling lately, right? Mr. Flynn’s been pulling some strings behind the scenes, and we’re not doing well. Maybe you could… lend us a hand?
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