Natalie calmly sat down across from her. "So, Mrs. Scott, did you get the DNA test?"


    "I did," Wendy snapped. "And it turns out you were lying. Joanna is not your father''s daughter."


    Natalie looked at her with a sense of pity. The woman had lived her whole life in a web of deceit. But it didn''t matter anymore. When she had been kidnapped, they had all sided with Joanna. This family had no love for her, and she had been foolish enough to abandon those who truly loved her for them. This time, she would protect the ones who mattered. The fate of these people was none of her concern.


    Natalie stood up, her voice cold. "There are three major medical institutions in Yaro. The Griffith and Scott families have connections to two of them. They all know you. Do you really think you could get a genuine DNA report from either of them?"


    "But it doesn''t matter if you believe me or not. We have no rtionship anymore. And I don''t want a mother like you anyway. You chose your adopted daughter over your biological one. If you enjoy raising someone else''s child, be my guest. I won''t stand in the way of your tragic fate."


    The words felt liberating. "In fact, your tragic fate is about to begin. And not just yours, but your four sons'' and your parents'' as well."


    Wendy''s eyes widened. She stared at Natalie, her expression a mixture of shock and horror. "Natalie, how could you be so cruel? How could you say such a heartless thing? I am your mother! How could you wish such a terrible fate upon me?"


    det


    Natalie found her histrionicsughable. "So what if you''re my mother? When I was wrongly used, you always chose to believe Joanna, If you had shown me even a sliver of genuine affection, I wouldn''t have cut ties with you so easily. But did you? Ever?"


    "I understand, really. You raised Joanna from a baby. You have a deep bond with her. I get it. And I understand that you have no feelings for the daughter who was only returned to you in her teens. You''re the one who gave me up. I never did anything to wrong you."


    The words were like daggers in Natalie''s own heart. The mother she had once longed for had only brought her despair. But now, she had no more expectations. Her grandfather was all she needed.


    Wendy was trembling with rage. She could no longer contain her anger. "Natalie," she shrieked at her retreating back, "this thing with you pushing Mrs. Spencer Sr. isn''t over! Marshall is looking for you, and he won''t let you get away with it!"


    Natalie turned, her beautiful eyes cold and sharp. "I know. And don''t worry, my problems won''t affect the Scott family or that bastard Sebastian." With a dismissive smile, she walked away.


    Wendy watched her go, a sharp pain twisting in her chest. Was she wrong? Joanna was the daughter she had raised. She was skilled in all the arts, her pride and joy. Natalie was malicious, constantly hurting Joanna. And now she had the audacity to say she didn''twant her as a mother. There had been clear evidence of her bullying Joanna every time, yet she always denied it, iming Joanna was framing her. Joanna had


    She was incorry that happened at


    already exined


    the birthday party. Why couldn''t Natalie just let it go? She had framed Joanna so many times; why couldn''t she be a little more understanding when Joanna did it to her just once?


    Wendy''s chest ached with anger. She chased after Natalie, catching up to her at


    the elevators, only to see two men in suits escorting her away.