?Chapter 1078:


    “That’s absurd!” Norene shot to her feet, visibly agitated. “Our Nina would never do such a thing! Ste, she’s your cousin—there must be some misunderstanding!”


    “Misunderstanding?” Ste pulled a folder from her bag and ced it neatly on the coffee table. “Inside are witness statements and crime scene photos. Would you like me to go over them?”AdChoicesADVERTISING


    She despised people who pretended ignorance, especially now. The more Norene and Daniel tried to act clueless, the more farcical it seemed.


    Daniel’s expression flickered but quickly regained its calm. “Ste, there’s no need for family matters to turn ugly. Nina is young and impulsive. If she offended you, I’ll apologize on her behalf.”


    Ste arched a brow. “She’s only two years younger than me and fully responsible under thew. Kidnapping and assault aren’t things that can be excused as childish mistakes.” Anyone over sixteen was ountable for their actions, and Nina was already in her twenties. Ste didn’t think she needed to remind them of that.


    Norene’s expression soured, clearly not expecting Ste to be so unyielding.


    “Ste, must you take this so far? She’s your sister! Are you really set on destroying her? You’re fine, aren’t you? Those incidents didn’t even leave a mark!”


    Ste’s voice turned cold. “I gave her more chances than she deserved. She’s the one who crossed every line.”


    Her gaze swept over them, her tone dropping into icy calm. “Do you really not know what she’s done before? Would you like me to remind you? I’ve documented everything.”


    Seeing that she wouldn’t be swayed, Daniel drew a deep breath and tried a gentler approach. “Ste, I know you’re still upset about Nina’s mischievous behavior, but families have their differences. You’ve only been back with the Carter family for a short time. We’ll be together for years toe. Why not let this go while you can?


    Ste was so angry that she almost wanted tough at their tant distortion of the truth.


    “You call kidnapping and premeditated assault ‘mischievous behavior,’ Uncle? Then what would you consider serious—actual murder?”


    Norene’s eyes flickered with hurt, as though Ste’s words had pierced her heart. “How can you say that? Nina was just confused! Her heart isn’t bad. She would never truly want you dead…”


    “I don’t need to know what her nature is. Actions have consequences,” Ste cut in coldly, her gaze icy. “She nned a student’s abduction. You’re educated people. You understand the legal implications.”


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    Her voice sharpened as she continued. “Aunt, raising a daughter who knowingly breaks thew and still refuses to admit it—don’t you think that’s a joke?”


    Her words struck deep, leaving Norene pale and trembling, unable to speak.


    Of course, Norene knew how dangerous Nina’s actions had been. She had tried to stop her, but Nina had been like someone possessed, utterly fixated on hurting Ste. And as a mother, how could she possibly turn her back on her own child?


    Daniel suddenly set his teacup down with a sharp clink. “Ste, watch your words. This is my home, and no matter what, I’m still your elder!”


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