Chapter 10

Gianna could only return to the Newman residence first. Still burning from the humiliation, she unleashed her fury in her room. Hearing the commotion, Anita pushed open the door in confusion. When she opened the door, she found Gianna sprawled across the bed, crying her heart out. Her sobs were so wrenching that Anita felt her own chest tighten in pain. "Gianna, what's wrong?" Anita was startled. They had finally found her after all these years. Anita wouldn't allow her to suffer even the slightest grievance. She pulled Gianna up from the bed. Gianna's makeup was a complete mess. Her face was such a fright that Anita instinctively loosened her grip in shock. But Anita quickly composed herself, and her eyes were filled with tender affection. "What happened? You were fine when you left. Why are you crying like this now? Who bullied you? Tell me, and I'll make sure they pay!" Anita gently wiped the tears from Gianna's face, only to find her hand sticky and greasy. She looked closer and realized it was Gianna's foundation. For a moment, Anita was speechless. Just how thick was Gianna's foundation? Gianna shook her head while sobbing. Her false eyelashes were already on the brink of detaching. They finally gave in and fluttered off her face. They landed right on Anita's cheek. Anita had intended to offer comfort, but instead, what came out was her honest reaction. "Sweetie, maybe you should remove your makeup first." Still crying, Gianna froze for a second and looked up at Anita, only to see a more shocking sight. Anita quickly added, "Otherwise, the makeup and tears will mix together. That won't be good for your skin." After washing up and removing her makeup, Gianna returned with red, puffy eyes and a hoarse voice. "Mom, I know Abigail resents me, but I only returned to the life that's rightfully mine. What did I do wrong? I just couldn't bear the thought of her struggling after going back to the Parker family, so I wanted to offer my help. I really did. Not only did she not appreciate it, but she even… She even…" Gianna began to cry again, throwing herself into Anita's arms. "Mom, maybe I shouldn't have come back. That way, no one would've blamed me." Anita's heart ached. "How dare Abigail bully you? That ungrateful brat! She's been going against me even before you returned. She lived in luxury for over 20 years. What more does she want? I'm going to find her now!" She fumed, rising abruptly. Gianna quickly grabbed her wrist. "Mom, don't. Abigail's just having trouble adjusting. I get it. Please don't make things harder for her because of me. I think it's just temporary. Once she calms down, she'll realize who truly cares for her. When that time comes, can we let Abigail come back?" She clung to Anita's hand, pouting sweetly. "Our family can surely afford another person in the house. After all, you lived with her for so long. You must have some feelings for her. We could—" "That's enough. You're such a silly girl. How can you be so kind? That's exactly why she bullies you," Anita interrupted her. Her eyes were full of unconcealed disappointment and disgust. "As long as I'm around, I won't let that ungrateful brat step foot in this house again. We owe her nothing. On the contrary, the one I feel most sorry for is you. From now on, you're the only princess in this family." She wrapped an arm around Gianna's shoulders, her tone unwavering. Gianna leaned into Anita's embrace, a flicker of triumph in her eyes. This was exactly what she wanted. She hated Abigail. Why was Abigail always the center of attention everywhere she went? Gianna was going to make Abigail pay. She would make sure Abigail never got back on her feet again. Abigail was still clinging to her pride after she returned to the impoverished Parker family. Gianna was eager to see just how long she could last. "Why is this photo still here? I'll throw it out. Nothing related to that ungrateful brat should remain in this house." After soothing Gianna, Anita was about to leave when she noticed a photo of Abigail from a few years ago on the table. Gianna quickly snatched it up. "Mom, Caleb's in it too. Let's just leave it. It's only a photo. Hmm? Did Abigail injure her arm?" The photo was taken in the summer. Abigail was wearing a sleeveless dress and holding onto Caleb's arm. Their heads were tilted toward each other as they smiled brightly. Anita gave a small hum. "That was years ago. She and Caleb went on a trip with some friends. I'm not sure how she got hurt, but it left a scar. I think they went to Delton City." Anita shook her head, clearly unable to remember after so many years. She waved her hand dismissively. "No point thinking about it. Just throw it away. Out of sight, out of mind." Gianna clutched the photo tightly. Matthew had mentioned Delton City the other day. Could the scar on Abigail's elbow be from saving him? Her eyes gleamed with calculation. No matter what, she had to take a gamble. Her current life at the Newman residence was much better than before. However, if she could marry into the Dawson family, she could rise to the top and become a true social elite. Gianna pouted and asked, "Can we keep it, please?" Anita gave in with a sigh. "Alright, alright. You really are too softhearted. That's why you've suffered so much. By the way, what exactly happened between you and Matthew before?" Gianna blushed. "Mom, please don't ask anymore. It was a long time ago, and we just had some interactions. I just didn't expect Matt to still remember me." "Well, alright then. After all, the Dawson family is top-tier. What matters most is that you two genuinely like each other." … At that moment, Matthew heard a knock on the door. He set down his work and looked up just as Daniel entered, his arms full of documents. "Mr. Dawson, here's everything you asked for." Matthew glanced over the documents on the desk. "Has everything been investigated?" Daniel nodded. "Abigail isn't the Newman family's biological daughter. She was accidentally switched at birth and just returned to the Parker family a few days ago." Matthew shot to his feet, his emotions surging. "So, she's the one who saved my life?" Startled, Daniel adjusted his glasses. He hadn't seen Matthew's emotions fluctuate so wildly even when closing multi-billion dollar deals. "That hasn't been confirmed yet." The light in Matthew's eyes slowly faded. He looked down at the inside of his elbow. At this point, there was only one way to know for sure. Back then, when his sweetheart had pushed him out the window, both of their arms had been cut by shards of broken glass. The wound hadn't been treated properly, and medical care wasn't as advanced back then. So, they were both left with scars.