Chapter 189

Maelis' face paled, then flushed crimson. Rage surged through her. “What kind of mother are you?” she shrieked. “I’m your daughter, and yet you defend the person who ruined my family! Do you have any idea what my life is like now?”

“Mom, please, that’s enough,” Yosef pleaded.

“Shut up, you idiot!” Donald snapped at Maelis.

They were stunned. Maelis was having a complete meltdown. Even with Henry and Sofia present, she’d lost all control. It was shockingly reckless.

“Let her speak,” Sofia said, her gaze icy and unwavering as it locked onto Maelis, who was venting her grievances. “I want to hear exactly how unhappy she is with us.”

That cold, steady stare sent a jolt of panic through Maelis. A terrifying feeling that she was about to lose everything washed over her.

“Sofia, don’t take Maelis’ words seriously. She’s not herself right now,” Donald interjected quickly, forcing a placating smile. He recognized the disappointment in Sofia’s eyes. “She’s not thinking straight. Let me take her home. I’ll bring her back to apologize once she’s calmed down.”

Without even glancing at Zinnia, Donald grabbed Maelis’ arm to pull her away. Rage simmered inside him as he mentally berated her stupidity.

Last time he told her to mend fences with the Lynn family, but she attacked Jackson instead. He’d never imagined Maelis could be this stupid. She couldn’t see what was right in front of her.

Since the Lynn family pulled their investment, the Shaw family had struggled badly. They couldn’t afford to sever ties completely, not yet.

The Lynn family were already losing patience, and now Maelis caused another public scene. People were staring, hungry for drama. What an idiot! Donald shot her a furious glare.

“Let go of me! Was anything I said wrong?” Maelis yelled, wincing at the pain in her wrist. His icy stare sent chills down her spine.

She knew he must be complaining about her again. But after enduring so much lately, she was also on the verge of breaking down.

Everyone was against her. She couldn’t take it anymore. Wrenching her arm free, she pointed an accusing finger first at Zinnia, then at Sofia.

“She only has your support because she’s my daughter,” Maelis raged. “She ruined my life. What’s wrong with slapping her? She’s a jinx. I never brought her home. I should’ve left her rotting in that small town forever.”

“And you two!” Her finger jabbed towards Henry and Sofia. “You’re just as bad. Senile fools! You don’t deserve to be parents!”

Sofia caught the venom in Maelis’ words, a cold dread settling in her bones.

“You claim Zinnia gained our support because she’s your daughter. But what about you? Didn’t the Shaw family build your entire fortune by clinging to the Lynn family?” She felt she’d raised a viper.

“That’s completely different! I’m your daughter. The Lynn family should support me!” Maelis screamed.

Sofia locked eyes with Maelis. “You are not my daughter.” The words exploded like a bomb. Silence choked the room.

Sofia sat on the stool Jackson brought. Her quiet authority washed over Maelis. “Do you truly believe we have wronged you?”

“Mom, what do you mean?” Panic seized Maelis as she choked out the word hoarsely, her bloodshot eyes wide and confused.

Sofia spoke slowly but firmly, “Maelis, you think we care for Zinnia because she’s your daughter, don’t you? Let me be clear: we’d cherish Zinnia regardless of her connection to you.

“The truth is, you were never Henry’s and my biological child. In fact, the Shaw family exploited the Lynn family more than anyone.”

Chapter 189

Henry gripped Sofia’s hand, his face tense with worry. She gave a slight, reassuring shake of her head.

Actually, Maelis wasn’t a Lynn by blood. She was the daughter of Sofia’s childhood friend. Shortly after her birth, her parents died in a car accident. Heartbroken for the orphan, Sofia took Maelis in and raised her as her own.

Later, Maelis married Donald. When Donald wanted to start a business, the Lynn family fully funded his ventures. They never imagined she’d resent them over Jackson withdrawing support—showing no gratitude for decades of generosity.

Sofia was deeply disappointed in Maelis. Since this was how she felt and their kindness meant so little to her, it was time for the truth. And from this moment on, she would have no connection with them.

The revelation stunned everyone—even Zinnia. Only Jackson stayed calm. He’d known the truth.

Not long ago, after Maelis came to him for help, Henry and Sofia told him the truth. They made it clear: there were no blood relations between Maelis and them. If she ever crossed the line, he shouldn’t hesitate to cut ties.

The Shaw family gaped, unprepared for the bombshell. Sofia’s grave expression confirmed this was no joke.

Donald glared daggers at Maelis. This fool had just lost her Lynn family standing.

Actually, the Shaw family hadn’t hit rock bottom yet. While the Lynn family’s withdrawal was seen as a family dispute, other businesses hesitated to act, fearing lingering connections.

But Maelis’ outburst changed everything. The Lynn family publicly disowned her. In this opportunistic business circle where everyone followed the prevailing wind, the Shaw family now faced genuine peril.

“No! That can’t be true!” Maelis gasped. “I’m your daughter. Mom… Dad… I’m sorry. Please don’t cast me out.”

She stumbled forward, desperate to grab Sofia’s hand.

Raised by the Lynn family, she’d assumed their support was her right. She felt entitled to vent like a child. But now, she was told she wasn't their daughter.

Anger without restraint—parents should always endure.

The Lynn name had shielded Maelis for years, and she knew exactly how much benefit it had brought her. Sofia’s words meant disownment. A wave of sheer terror crashed over her.

She also had feelings for the Lynn family who had raised her. However, at this moment, the dread of losing status and facing humiliation overshadowed everything.

Sofia watched Maelis’ tear-streaked face, heart heavy. She’d truly raised her as her own. But as Maelis begged, Sofia stayed silent, lips pressed tight.

“Mom, I’m your daughter! Are you really siding with the person who ruined my family?” Maelis lunged, but Isaac stepped between them.