Chapter 3  

Bloodline was something amazing. Even though Gloria had not seen Nicole for many years, she could recognize the girl in front of her to be Nicole, her biological daughter, at first glance.

Nicole also had this special feeling. So, when Gloria rushed over and hugged her, she did not resist.

“Oh, Nicole, I have finally found you.” Gloria choked up. “It was my fault for not protecting you well enough. I was to blame for your abduction.”

So, her abduction was real.

Nicole used to wonder why her family abandoned her. Was it because she was a daughter? Now knowing that her loved ones cared about her, Nicole’s heart softened, and the look on her face was not as stony as when they first met.

“Mom, let sis sit down first. We have come all the way home, and she should be tired by now.” Sean reminded Gloria thoughtfully.

“Right, right. I am just too happy.” Gloria agreed but did not let go of her grip. She sat Nicole down.

Seeing the entire family surrounding Nicole, a hint of jealousy flashed in the eyes of the girl next to them. But the girl quickly put on a smile. “Nicole must be thirsty. Let me pour you a glass of water.”

Only then everyone remembered the girl, Norah Riddle. Seeing Norah so thoughtful, Gloria could not help but feel warmhearted. “Norah is so thoughtful.”

Norah looked a little bashful as she said, “My sister has just returned from the countryside. I should take care of her more.”

“Thanks.” Nicole shot her a glance as she took the glass from Norah.

Sean noticed Nicole’s gaze and made the introduction. “Nicole, this is Norah, whom I have mentioned on the way.”

“Ahh,” Nicole responded.

Sean mentioned that Gloria and Daniel had not continued to look for Nicole because they had found a child with a birthmark behind her ear in the third year of Nicole's abduction. So, they mistook Norah as their daughter and did not continue the search.

It was not until recently that the police suddenly informed them that the DNA data uploaded years ago had a match. The Riddle family knew they had identified the wrong person. But Norah had been in the Riddle family for so many years, and Gloria and Daniel could not bear to send her away summarily. So, they let Norah stay, promising to help her find her family later.

In other words, they would need to spend some time under the same roof.

“Nice to meet you, Nicole.” Norah held out her hand with a friendly smile.

Nicole had a cold temperament and did not like physical contact with people. She was not too warmed up to seeing her parents again, let alone facing strangers. So, she ignored Norah’s hand and just nodded at her. “Nice to meet you.”

Norah’s hand stayed in the air, and she looked at Gloria and Daniel with a hint of hurt feeling in her eyes. It was like Nicole had bullied her.

Sean frowned. “Nicole is introverted. Please don’t mind.”

Norah bit her lip with a stoic but thoughtful look. “I understand. I have lived using her identity for so many years. She has a reason to hate me. I am fine, Sean.”

Norah’s words instantly had everyone’s attention on her.

“No, Norah, don’t overthink.” Gloria looked at Norah, feeling sorry for her. Even though Norah was not her biological daughter, she had raised her and still loved her.

Nicole smirked, hating to see Norah making a fuss while saying hello. This person was really interesting.

“You look hurt and assume that I hate you while saying hello. If it weren’t for the presence of my parents and brothers, they might have thought I bullied you.”

The other three people stayed silent upon hearing what Nicole said.

At first, Sean furrowed his brow when he heard what Norah had said. But now, his frown had eased up, and he looked with appreciation at his newfound sister in front of him.

Daniel also realized something, and he glanced at Norah and said, “Well, Nicole has just returned. Don’t get too sensitive.”

Norah bit her lip and glanced at Nicole.

At first, she thought that since Nicole was from the countryside, she must be a typical country bumpkin. But Nicole turned out to be extremely beautiful and a tough opponent.

Norah collected herself and immediately apologized. “It was my fault. I am sorry that I was being too sensitive. You are right, Nicole. I shouldn’t assume too much.”

Seeing Norah's tactful response, Nicole did not pursue the matter further. She looked back at the elders and asked, “Where is my room? I would like to unpack my stuff.”

Gloria got up with a smile. “On the second floor. Let me show you.”

“Thank you.” Nicole nodded and went upstairs with Gloria and Daniel.

The happy smile of the family of three stung Norah’s eyes.

Before Nicole returned, all the favors of her parents were hers. But now, when they knew she was not their biological daughter, they gave all their love to Nicole.

“Norah,” Sean suddenly spoke.

Norah immediately fought back the emotion in her eyes and smiled. “What’s up, Sean?”

Sean took a hard look at Norah, hoping that the dismal look he had just seen in her eyes was not true.

“Nicole has just returned. Your second brother and I are busy at work, and your third and fourth brothers are in school. I need you to take care of Nicole for a few days before she gets to her new school.”

It was Nicole again. Norah was upset but still put on a smile. “Sure, Sean. You can count on me.”

Sean was relieved. “I have also passed your DNA data to the police, and I believe there will be results soon. Don’t worry.”

“All right.” Norah’s voice was unnatural as hatred grew inside her. Were they so desperate to kick her out of the family so that they could be reunited as a family?