Chapter 163: Apologies From the Xander Family

Although he valued image, money paled in comparison. He finally stopped looking at her with condescending disdain. His gaze now held happiness and pride.

“Sierra, we are sorry for how we treated you. You suffered a lot. I am formally apologizing to you here, and I hope you can forgive us. You’re amazing, a real daughter of the Xander family indeed. I am happy to have a daughter like you.”

Franklin prioritized image and was proud. Sierra knew this; she found it ridiculous and amusing. Ever since she was brought back to the Xander family, Franklin had never spared her a glance; he was utterly indifferent to her. He always looked at her with disdain and hate. Because of the mistake of taking the wrong baby at birth, the Xander family became a laughingstock. It wasn't Sierra's fault, but Franklin blamed her, as if she were the culprit. For such a proud person who had so disdainfully treated her, to now treat her so nicely, amused her. She couldn't help but laugh sarcastically.

Franklin’s facial expression shifted slightly, but he controlled it. However, Sierra’s words affected him. “Mr. Franklin, please don’t assume a relationship that doesn’t exist. After all, I am no longer related to the Xander family.”

Sierra’s words were direct and straightforward. Franklin felt as if he had been slapped, and so did the other Xander family members. Yes, Sierra and the Xander family had cut ties; they had no relation anymore. They had known this long ago but were reluctant to admit it. Even now, they were still reluctant.

After Franklin spoke, Eleanor and Bradley followed suit.

“Sierra, I was wrong. As a mother, I shouldn’t have treated you that way.”

“Sierra, I know you have a lot of dissatisfaction and anger. I’m sorry to have treated you that way as your brother.”

“Sierra, we’re sorry.”

The Xander family members were filled with regret and pain. They were sincerely begging for Sierra’s forgiveness. Never before had they felt such deep remorse. In truth, they had begun regretting their actions long ago, yet they had never formally apologized to Sierra. Today, they finally lowered their proud heads because they realized Sierra was no longer the girl who used to chase after them, desperately seeking their attention. Without them even noticing, she had grown up. She no longer needed to look up to them; she could stand tall on her own.

Sierra stared expressionlessly as the Xander family apologized with guilt, pleading for her forgiveness. In the past, she had imagined this day countless times. But now that it had truly arrived, she felt none of the joy or satisfaction she had once expected. She had already come to see them as strangers. No matter what they did, it no longer stirred any emotions in her. Looking at the Xander family’s reaction, she only found it ridiculous. They looked like a bunch of clowns.

She silently watched them. The scene fell into a hushed stillness as reporters and cameras quietly captured everything. Online, the situation had already exploded. At this moment, the number of people watching the livestream had soared to billions. No one had expected a simple research conference to turn into such a spectacle. First, the academic theft scandal, then the rise of a prodigy, and now a full-blown family drama. Viewers felt like they had been fed more gossip than they could handle. Now, as they watched the entire Xander family display their remorse and repeatedly apologize while Sierra remained utterly impassive…

1:50 PM

Chapter 163: Apologies From the Xander Family

“Although the family was a bit biased before, I think it’s understandable, right? After all, one was raised by their side throughout childhood, while the other was only brought back as a teenager. A little favoritism is normal.”

“Yeah, after spending so many years together, feelings are bound to develop. If one day my sister suddenly turned out to be someone else, I wouldn’t be able to adjust either.”

“I think they’re genuinely apologizing. Isn’t Sierra being a little too cold?”

“Yeah, it’s honestly hard to watch. Can’t they just talk things out as a family?”

Of course, there were also quite a few people defending Sierra, but they were in the minority. Most felt that she was being overly indifferent and accused her of being too heartless.