Chapter 510
This time, it was different. In the past, Rachel had always entered this house as an adopted daughter. But now, she had returned as Jim’s biological child. The only difference was that she was a child born out of wedlock. A maid at the door came out and saw Rachel, immediately beaming with joy as she greeted her. “Ms. Rachel is back! Ms. Rachel is back!” The rest of the maids poured out behind her. Rachel forced a smile. If she didn’t know anyone else, she at least knew these people. They were opportunistic and unfaithful. They were only rushing over now because she had suddenly bounced back, and her identity was once again of value.
She didn’t bother putting on a pleasant act for them. She walked past them without a glance, her tone indifferent as she asked, “Where’s Grandpa?” One of them quickly replied, “Mr. Gerald is already waiting for you in the living room.” Rachel entered the living room and saw an elderly man with white hair seated at the head. Five years had passed, and it was clear he had aged considerably. His face was covered in wrinkles, his posture hunched–no longer the upright and commanding presence he once was. Even his eyes had lost their edge. He seemed kinder now. Rachel walked up to him and set down the items she had brought on the table nearby. Her voice was respectful but distant. “These are some supplements I picked up for you. I don’t know much about your current health, so maybe have your doctor look over them before taking anything.” Gerald simply nodded. “There’s no need to bring anything. You’re back, and that’s enough. But why haven’t you contacted the family all these years? Do you know how worried your father was? He asked everyone he could to look for you. He nearly went mad with anxiety.”
Rachel sat down and snorted. Her voice was laced with sarcasm. “I thought whether I’m dead or alive no longer mattered to this family. I didn’t expect to hear someone actually still cared.” Gerald’s expression stiffened. “All these years and that temper of yours hasn’t changed a bit, has it?”
Rachel turned slightly to look at Gerald. “I’ve always believed in returning kindness with kindness, and grudges with grudges. You of all people should know that about me after all the years we spent under the same roof.” Did they really expect her to be some kind of saint? Was she supposed to let bygones be bygones and forget all the ways they hurt her? Did she have to come back acting like they were one big happy family? She wasn’t that forgiving. “Rachel, those things happened a long time ago. Besides, you know your grandfather always felt guilty about Yvette. That’s why he wasn’t as attentive to you. But that was then, and this is now. We called you back today to share some good news!” Sasha suddenly chimed in. Rachel never had high expectations of them. She smirked. Her gaze was cold when she glanced at Gerald and Sasha. “Good news? Let’s not pretend we don’t know each other. I only came back because I heard you were planning something about Dad. If that’s not what this is about, then I have nothing more to say. I’ll take my leave.” She turned around and started heading for the door. Just as she reached it, she ran into Howard, who was dressed in a suit. This man had left a lasting scar on her. It haunted her to this day. The moment she saw him, her body instinctively reacted, taking two steps back. Howard smiled at her, but there was something disturbingly twisted about it. “Rachel, long time no see.”
Chapter 511