Semua Bab Side Chick Era… Over: Bab 961 - Bab 970

If Jamie hadn't been forced to leave, Sharon might have suffered even more. Perhaps her other hand would have been completely ruined as well.Wendy's eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at Thomas."Thomas, how did you know something happened to Sharon?"Thomas had arrived last and from a distance; Wendy had assumed he hadn't helped at all. He smiled faintly."What if I told you I dreamed she was in trouble… Would you believe me?"Not even Wendy or Xavier—nor Sharon herself—believed that.Playing along, Wendy teased, "So you and Sharon have some kind of psychic connection now?"Thomas saw their skepticism and fell silent. Wendy stopped joking and grew serious."Tell me, how does Lex just vanish like that?"Thomas and Xavier exchanged unreadable looks, then casually averted their gazes. Thomas shrugged."Maybe he dug his own grave."Wendy scoffed."To be honest, aside from that lunatic Jamie, I can't imagine anyone else bold enough to kidnap the head of the Malcolm family

Thomas's question was bordering on being intrusive, considering their relationship.But Sharon still answered honestly. "Not for now.""And later?""Later?" She thought for a moment, then smiled faintly. "Who can really say what the future holds?"Thomas pressed further. "Would you ever remarry Carter for Theo's sake?"This time, Sharon didn't hesitate. She shook her head instinctively. "No."Outside the door, Carter, who had just raised his hand to knock, froze mid-motion.Inside, Thomas's voice sounded again. "You were together for five years. You share a child. Can you really let that go?"Sharon's voice followed quickly, firm and clear."Staying together reluctantly for Theo's sake—that would be the greatest injustice. Not only to the Theo, but also to myself and to the marriage. "Back then, I tolerated so much because of Theo. I believed I was sacrificing and giving everything for that family. But in truth, neither Theo nor Carter needed my kind of sacrifice."I was th

"Besides, I'll be able to stay on top of things if I live in the Kalen estate," Sharon said.At once, Wendy understood what Sharon meant. If she lived under the same roof, Sharon would be the first to know which companies the Kalen family partnered with, what major events unfolded, and where power shifted.Since she intended to fight for control, knowledge was essential. To know herself and her enemies, she needed proximity. Living in the Kalen estate would give her exactly that.Wendy understood the logic, yet worry still clouded her face. After a moment's hesitation, she said, "Then let me apply for a position as a servant in the Kalen household. That way, if anything happens, I can be there right away to help you."She had considered renting a place nearby, but the Kalen estate was vast. There were no houses in the immediate vicinity—only private roads leading in and out, impossible to access without permission. If Sharon were in danger, Wendy could never reach her in time.But

The Kalen family's banquet was unlike anything ordinary high society could stage. It was held at the Kalen family's sprawling estate, and on the day of the event, the place thrummed with activity.The parking grounds glittered with an endless line of limited-edition luxury cars, gleaming like a high-end auto show, dazzling the eye at every turn.Richard had extended invitations to nearly every family of note across the globe, so the guest list was filled with faces of mixed heritage and international renown.As the crowd flowed into the grand hall, murmurs rippled through the air."It's been years since our circle has seen a banquet this lavish. Richard must value this adopted daughter far more than we realized.""Adopted daughter? She's his biological child. Didn't you see the news? Victoria is the illegitimate one.""I don't believe it. If Victoria were really illegitimate, would the Kalens have allowed the story to be splashed about so brazenly? They would have silenced it lon

Though countless eyes followed her, some sharp with envy, others heavy with unspoken meaning, Victoria carried herself as if she hadn't noticed at all. Her smile remained calm and poised.That composure alone made several people regard her with newfound respect.Whispers rippled through the crowd."So this is Victoria? She's stunning. Her poise makes every other heiress here look dim by comparison.""No wonder the heads of so many families are bewitched by her, as though under some spell.""Truly… on beauty alone, she outshines ninety percent of the women present.""Now I understand why that one—just to come back home—exposed Victoria as an illegitimate child. Without a stain on Victoria's reputation, she probably wouldn't have even made it through the Kalen family's doors.""I've heard Victoria was always top of her class, a true academic star.""And not only that—she's a violinist, a painter, a racecar driver, an extreme sports enthusiast, even an internationally known perfum