?Chapter 969:


    Natalie’s delicate features contorted with rage. “Aunt is gone now. What else can I do?”


    She dared not confront Dani head-on. The truth was—she feared Dani. She knew Dani responded better to sorrow than force.


    Out of Dani’s sight, she pinched her thigh hard, forcing tears to well up in her eyes. Then, with a well-practiced blink, they fell. “Dani, I know what you’re holding against me. You believe my mother and I had a hand in your mother’s death. Yes, my mother was involved, but me? How old was I then? What could I have possibly done? At most, I spoke carelessly. My mother, in her blind ignorance, caused her sister’s death. Every time I think of Aunt’s tragic end, my heart aches. If you want justice, take it up with my mother. She’s the one responsible for everything!”


    Natalie locked eyes with Dani, her expression pleading. “If you want, you can even sue my mother. I’ll be your witness. I swear.” She held her breath, waiting for Dani’s reaction.


    Dani remainedposed, taking a slow sip of water before speaking. “So, you’re saying you’re willing to take your own mother to court? She’s your biological mother, the one who raised you. Can you bear to do that?”


    Natalie nodded, sorrow etched across her face. “Yes, it would be difficult, but she brought this upon herself.”


    Dani leaned back into the sofa, her expression unreadable. “I’ll think about it.”


    The moment those words left Dani’s lips, Natalie’s face lit up with excitement. “Dani, the guilty must pay for their sins! Don’t go soft on her! Oh, by the way, about the lead role in that film…”


    Dani’s tone was icy. “You’re toote. The lead role has already been taken.”


    Natalie’s eyes went wide. “Who took my role? Who dares to steal my ce?” Her expression darkened with rage. “Dani, we’re family! I even said I’d testify against my own mother for you. Isn’t that proof of my sincerity?”


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    Dani let out a sharp sneer. “So, testifying against your mother is just a bargaining chip for the lead role?”


    Natalie flinched, panic creeping into her voice. “No! I’m testifying against her because it’s the right thing to do! But Dani, we’re family! How could you hand such an incredible opportunity to an outsider?”


    Dani’s lips curled into a smirk. “It’s not an outsider.”


    Natalie stiffened. “Then who is it?”


    Dani’s smirk deepened. “Your sister, Nina.”


    Right on cue, the door creaked open, and Nina stepped into view. She met Natalie’s stunned gaze with a pleasant smile. “Natalie, long time no see.”


    Natalie’s expression soured instantly.


    Nina?


    It was her!


    Dani offered casually, “Natalie, if you don’t mind, there’s still a supporting role avable. Want to consider it?”


    Nina stood just behind Dani, a smile on her face—one that made Natalie’s blood boil.


    Nina’s voice was sweet, almost teasing. “Sorry, Natalie, but the lead role is mine. The supporting role isn’t too bad, though. Decent screen time. Worth considering—unless, of course, you can’t handle being beneath me.”


    Natalie’s hands curled into trembling fists.


    It wasn’t just that.


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