Chapter 259: Your Mother Is My Biological Mother

Elaine rolled her eyes, about to mock Clifford, but noticed the uncertainty in the onlookers' gazes. Zendaya seemed stiff. Elaine felt a mix of laughter and tears. Is my sister worried I fancy her? she wondered.

Zendaya was stunned. She knew Elaine far less well than Clifford did and questioned the truth of his claim. Elaine had been incredibly kind upon their first meeting. Looking back, this overwhelming kindness, even amidst mutual affinity, had perplexed her. Zendaya felt guilty; her past affections for boys differed from her feelings for Elaine—a peculiar fondness for a woman she'd just met, leaving her flustered.

Isabella and Alexander knew the reason for Elaine's kindness but weren't sure if she would explain it. Isabella mused, remembering that family members sometimes feel an affinity upon first meeting, but such attraction, if misunderstood, could be troublesome. Meanwhile, Elaine, despite deviating from her plan, made a decision.

Swiftly, she flung the documents at Clifford's face. "Open your eyes and see clearly! What nonsense have you filled your head with? Of course I care about her more than you!"

Ignoring Clifford's reaction, Elaine turned to Zendaya. "Zeya, I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you privately, but thanks to this idiot, we need to clarify things now before others misunderstand our relationship. I don't care, but your reputation shouldn't be ruined by him. You're my half-sister. Same mother, different fathers."

Elaine's revelation stunned everyone. Gasps and disbelief filled the room.

"Clifford found Elaine's stand-in who's actually her younger sister?" "Same mother, different fathers? My brain hurts trying to process this!"

As they spoke, Clifford shouted, "How could this be?" Someone quickly examined the documents. "It's a professional assessment. They're biologically related." "They do look alike!" "Wow, huge news!"

Except for Isabella and Alexander, everyone crowded around Clifford. "It's true!" Roland exclaimed. Ines and Aiden were shocked. Damien was disbelieving. Deborah asked, "Elaine, did your family have a missing child?"

Zendaya blurted out, "How could that be? I have parents… I…" The news was overwhelming.

Elaine took Zendaya's hand. "Your mother is my biological mother. My current mother is my stepmother. This isn't widely known at home. I felt an immediate connection upon seeing you—blood ties. I had doubts, so I DNA-tested your hair. We're sisters."

Her voice tinged with anxiety, Elaine continued, "Don't you want me as your sister? Your parents are gone; I'm your only family. I regret not finding you sooner, letting you endure hardship in the orphanage. No one will hurt you again."

Both had suffered similar tragedies. Elaine's mother left when she was five; Zendaya's mother died when she was four. Neither knew true motherly love. While Elaine lived a pampered life with her father and stepmother, Zendaya endured hardship in an orphanage. Elaine was heartbroken that Zendaya had been a stand-in for money.

Previously flamboyant, Elaine gazed at Zendaya with tenderness and affection. Zendaya realized her affection was genuine familial love. It wasn't so hard to accept; it was a heavenly windfall. Overwhelmed, Zendaya felt dazed.

"Don't you want me as your sister?" Elaine asked, playing the victim. Zendaya shook her head. "No, what I want is…" She felt awkward and embarrassed.

"Call me Ellie," Elaine said, her eyes sparkling, lips trembling with anticipation.

Zendaya paused, then, under Elaine's gaze, said, "Ellie."

Elaine's eyes welled up. Their friends were dumbstruck. Zendaya's eyes reddened, mirroring Elaine's emotion. "Zeya!" Elaine embraced her. It was a profound image of sisterly love.

Most people were shocked and confused; accepting a mother's child with another man isn't easy. But Elaine wasn't ordinary. She knew she wouldn't marry or have children. Finding a family member—especially one as adorable and similar as Zendaya—filled her with affection. My wonderful, obedient sister! I've found a treasure!

Isabella, deeply touched, applauded. Others followed suit. "Congratulations on finding each other!" she exclaimed.

Elaine thanked everyone and introduced Zendaya. "This is my little sister! Remember her!" she said, affectionately patting Zendaya's head. Zendaya remained dazed.

Turning to Clifford, Elaine said, "I've never been involved in anything that would harm my sister. If you spread rumors about her again, I'll break your legs."