Chapter 141
Landon took care of everything efficiently. That afternoon, they would first go to the hospital for the DNA test results, then enjoy authentic Norava cuisine at an upscale private kitchen.
Amelia was quite pleased with the arrangements and arrived punctually at 3 p.m. to collect the DNA test results. They had acknowledged kin, but only the DNA test results would have the final say on just how close their ties were.
Daniel had already arrived and was engaged in a heated argument with a young woman, Maisie. She snapped, “Don’t think that piece of paper gives you the right to bring her home. I’m the only legitimate daughter of the Zuckerberg family, and no outsider will ever benefit from our name!”
Daniel also snapped, “Maisie! Haven’t you had enough of this nonsense?”
Maisie shouted, “No. You’re my brother, and mine alone. Dad demands you come back to Lunova right now!”
Without realizing it, Amelia tightened her grip on the wheelchair backrest. She thought, “Just as I expected, the Zuckerbergs are difficult to handle. I haven’t even decided whether to go back to Lunova with Daniel, and his sibling has already come barging in.”
Landon reached out gently, his voice soft with concern. “Honey?”
Just as Landon was about to comfort her, Amelia strode over and snatched the DNA test report. Amelia fixed Maisie with a steely gaze and said firmly, “Miss Zuckerberg, I presume? Keep your hands off what isn’t yours!”
Both Daniel and Maisie froze in shock. Right after that, Daniel instantly pulled Amelia behind him, shielding her from harm.
Maisie’s pretty face twisted in fury as she shrieked, “Daniel! Have you lost your damn mind?”
“Get the hell out of here!” Daniel shouted, his face stiff with rage as he hurled an exquisitely wrapped gift box at Maisie.
Maisie fumbled and missed the catch. The box crashed to the floor, and its precious contents spilled. It was a luxury watch worth 700 grand!
Heartbroken, Maisie scrambled to pick up the watch, only to discover the crystal was cracked.
Maisie’s voice trembled as she demanded, “Daniel, how could you smash the birthday gift I gave you? For her? I spent six months getting that watch custom–made for you!”
“Maisie, drop the attitude. We’re still siblings, and I’ll look out for you. I always have. But if you keep stirring up trouble to please your mom, don’t blame me if I stop going easy on you!” Daniel radiated a fierce, intimidating presence, like a beast ready to maul its prey.
Seeing their quarrel, Amelia wondered, “Just what kind of family am I dealing with here?”
Maisie sneered, “Daniel, she’s not even a Zuckerberg. Just some illegitimate nobody. No one even knows who her father is!”
Without warning, Daniel’s hand slapped Maisie’s cheek. His slap landed hard, cutting Maisie off and silencing her on the spot.
Maisie clutched her stinging cheek, trembling with utter disbelief. “Daniel! You dare to slap me?”
Daniel glared at Maisie and said coldly, “Maisie, this is your last warning. Don’t insult Amelia again. Or else. You know exactly what I’m capable of.”
Every word Daniel spoke was laced with deadly menace, and his bloodshot eyes burned with fury. Amelia was startled by his sudden anger.
However, Maisie didn’t even flinch, glaring back defiantly. “You know exactly what I’m capable of, too, Daniel!”
“Maisie!” Daniel snapped.
Maisie spat, “Over my dead body!” Clutching the damaged watch, Maisie stormed off.
Amelia quickly ran over and blocked Maisie’s way. “Wait!” she said firmly.
“You fatherless little bitch! What gives you the right to speak to me?” Maisie snarled, her chest heaving with rage.
‘If Daniel weren’t here, I’d wipe that smirk off her face!” Maisie thought furiously.
“Maisie, right? Let me make a few things clear.”
Amelia threw a sharp gaze and continued, “First, I despise social climbing. Maybe your family is impressive, but my husband and I aren’t just anybody. So, you’ve got nothing to worry about."
“Second, it’s true. I never knew who my father was. But I was dearly loved by my mother. If you think you can use that to belittle me, think again. I couldn’t care less.”
Amelia stood tall, her posture radiating quiet dignity. Every word she spoke carried unyielding pride. Maisie stared at Amelia in shock, sizing her up.
‘She’s skinny as a twig, like some man’s pampered pet. How dare she talk to me like that?‘ Maisie seethed, ‘Who the hell does she think she is?’
Landon cleared his throat and looked at his beloved with a tender smile. “Ahem, I’d like to say a few words too.”
He thought to himself, ‘That’s my brave girl. Major props to you!‘
Meanwhile, Amelia thought, ‘Oh great, there he goes again with his monologue! Can’t he save that for when we get home?”
Landon’s smile faded, his presence instantly commanding. “Miss Zuckerberg, I’m Landon Kingsley–Amy’s husband.”
Maisie’s gaze snapped at him. She thought, ‘I was about to mock his disability, but this guy’s presence is just too intimidating.’ The mocking words she’d prepared stuck in her throat.
“My family, the Kingsleys, are a force to be reckoned with in Norava. Everyone here knows to show Amy the respect she deserves as my wife.
“You’re new here and don’t know the rules, so I’ll let it slide this time. However, watch your step next time.”
Landon’s voice was measured, yet carried undeniable authority. Even Maisie, who had always been the domineering princess of Lunova, found herself cowed by Landon’s commanding presence.
Maisie narrowed her eyes, her gaze fixed on Landon’s legs. Landon noticed this and said, “I may be disabled now, but that doesn’t stop me from doing anything.” He gave a faint smile, his eyes were cold.
Maisie drew a sharp breath and stormed out. Meanwhile, shielded by Daniel and Landon, Amelia felt utterly safe, her heart overflowing with happiness.
Amelia broke into a bright smile and said to Daniel and Landon, “Alright, let’s not let anyone else ruin our mood. Let’s check the results first.”
Daniel reined in his fierce presence and said gently, “Amy, she’s got a bad temper. Just try to keep your distance from her, okay?”
Landon’s expression stiffened. “This is my turf. My wife doesn’t have to avoid anyone!”
“Duly noted, but Maisie has a violent temper,” Daniel sighed. “I’m worried she might hurt her. But don’t worry, I’ll send her back to Lunova as soon as possible.”
“Don’t worry, Daniel. I’m no pushover,” Amelia said with a wink, gesturing toward Brooke standing nearby. “Brooke’s got my back. She’s a real powerhouse!”
“It’s better to be careful…” Daniel cautioned and paused mid–sentence. He hesitated, and some words were left unspoken.
Amelia flipped open the report, beaming with joy. “Daniel, I knew it. We are brother and sister!”
“That’s great news! From now on, you’ll be the sister I cherish most,” Daniel said firmly.
“Then what about Maisie?” Landon cut in dryly.
“Different mothers, no comparison,” Daniel sneered.
Everyone said that Daniel lost his mother at a young age, and Joanna had deceived him. He had always known it was Joanna who led his mother to her demise, and he’d been plotting his revenge ever since.
‘Though Maisie is innocent and I’ve doted on her for years, she could never compare to Amy!’ Daniel thought.
‘Amy was Mom’s daughter, and that makes her my sister.”
In a rare show of goodwill, Landon said to Daniel, “Alright, since you two are related, you’re now my brother–in–law.”
Amelia beamed with delight and said, “Daniel, it’s your birthday today, and Landon has prepared a birthday party for you. Let’s go celebrate!”
“Sure.” Daniel nodded.
The three had just left when Maisie reappeared.
She was still clutching a copy of the DNA test results. A stately, aristocratic–looking woman in her seventies stood imposingly by her side. “Grandma, did you see that? That woman is the one who’s disgraced our family!” Maisie hissed.
The stately woman was none other than Madame Zuckerberg herself. The Zuckerberg family not only valued their reputation, but also placed great emphasis on filial piety.
Hence, even though Daniel had worked hard to become the head of the family, he still had to obey every word Madam Zuckerberg said.
Maisie thought smugly, ‘How clever of me to bring Grandma along to Norava. With Grandma here, would Daniel even dare say no?”
Maisie sneered. ‘That fatherless little bitch named Amelia will never be worthy of being part of our family. As for the Hughes family? Over my dead body will I let her set foot there.‘
Madam Zuckerberg said firmly, “Your father has been a single parent for years. Catherine passed away over twenty years ago.”
Maisie gloated. Madame Zuckerberg’s arrival was the outcome she’d schemed for. She gently touched her swollen cheek, her voice trembling with a mix of grievance and coquetry as she whined, “But Grandma, Daniel’s already accepted her.”
Madam Zuckerberg snorted coldly. “Daniel’s actions are questionable.”
“And what about the Hughes family? What if Grandpa decides to accept Amelia into their family too?”
Madam Zuckerberg snapped, “Now, that’s a slap in the face to the Zuckerberg family!”
Before Maisie could finish, Madam Zuckerberg erupted in fury. “It’s already humiliating enough that my daughter–in–law had a mental breakdown. How could she possibly have an illegitimate daughter, too?”
Maisie sighed, feigning concern. “You’re right, Grandma. But now that Amelia has the Kingsley family behind her, I’m afraid we won’t be able to stop her.”
Madam Zuckerberg patted her hand affectionately. “The Kingsleys are nothing but businessmen. What’s there to fear, Dear?”