Chapter 448

“Hm? Tell me, then. Who is she?” Kayla rolled her eyes disdainfully. Howell and his family were parasites from society's lowest rung; they couldn't possibly know any big shot.

Straightening up, Tabitha declared, “My cousin married into the Carrell family of Seldvale!”

The Carrell family of Seldvale? Kayla might not have known many prestigious families, but the Carrells were renowned. They were an extremely reputable, wealthy, and powerful family, holding a high social standing in Seldvale. She never expected Tabitha to be related to them.

“Is that real? Are you lying?”

Even Tabitha was surprised by her good fortune. Two days prior, while conducting their usual fraudulent street operations, she and Howell had been trapped between two cars. Terrified of serious trouble, they were instead invited into one of the vehicles, where they met Gabrielle Tisch, who claimed to be Tabitha's cousin. It took Tabitha a moment to recall this distant relative. Naturally, she seized this golden opportunity to associate with wealth, immediately acting friendly with her newfound cousin.

As a daughter-in-law of the Carrell family, Gabrielle was generous, immediately paying them a large sum and requesting they contact Kayla, as she wished to reunite with her. That's why Howell and Tabitha had come to Kayla.

Kayla snorted. “Even so, what does this have to do with me?”

Howell, secretly deeming Kayla ungrateful, snapped, “Your adoptive parents are bankrupt and can't fund you anymore. Why won't you reconnect with a wealthy and powerful aunt?”

“That's right!” Tabitha added. “You wouldn't have this chance to reunite with Gabrielle if it weren't for me. You owe me. Got it?”

Kayla sneered, rolling her eyes. She wouldn't fall for their trap; there was no such thing as a free lunch. Gabrielle likely had ulterior motives; this wasn't a genuine family reunion. Perhaps Gabrielle coveted the map in Kayla's possession.

With this in mind, Kayla moved to close the door. The elevator arrived, and a plump, extravagantly dressed woman stepped out, flanked by bodyguards. Tabitha exclaimed, “Gosh, it's Gabrielle!”

Howell greeted Gabrielle and urged Kayla, “That's your aunt! Greet her!”

Kayla silently cursed him, wanting to slam the door in everyone's faces, but she controlled her anger out of respect for the Carrells' reputation and status. She remained quietly by the door.

Gabrielle broke the silence, her demeanor arrogant, cold, and superior. “I'm sure you know who I am. I'll get to the point. I want the map. In return, you can consider me your aunt. I'll provide for you and protect you. Of course, you can refuse, but… consider the repercussions.”

Gabrielle finished, her threat delivered with the calm arrogance of someone from the upper echelons of society.