Chapter 34: A Suspicious Celebration

Sierra didn’t care where her household registration was listed, but something about this situation felt wrong. That morning, during breakfast, Franklin spoke up. “Prepare yourself. You’ve been back for a while now; it’s time to introduce you properly. Your birthday is next week. We’ll host a banquet.”

If restoring her status in the family had already been unexpected, this announcement was downright bizarre. Back when she first returned to the Xander family years ago, there had been no formal introduction. Every year, only Denise’s birthday was celebrated; Sierra had always been treated as an afterthought. To outsiders, she was nothing more than an adopted daughter, while Denise was seen as the true heir.

And now, after spending three years in prison, Franklin was suddenly acknowledging her publicly. Not only that, but he wanted to throw her a grand birthday banquet. The whole thing reeked of something deeper.

Setting down her fork, Sierra glanced at Denise, whose expression had visibly stiffened. Slowly, she spoke, “Introduce me? And how do you plan to explain Ms. Denise’s status? Who exactly is the true Xander heiress, me, or her? When people ask, what answer will you give?”

The room fell into dead silence; the entire Xander family paled. Sean couldn’t hold back. “You’re both part of this family. What’s the issue?”

“No issue at all,” Franklin stated firmly.

Sierra smiled, her expression concealing her sarcasm. Franklin ended the discussion with a firm voice. “The past is in the past. At the banquet, I will publicly announce your identity. From now on, you and Denise will both be recognized as my biological daughters.”

Sierra let out a ridiculing laugh; she said nothing more. But her eyes were filled with skepticism. She knew she wouldn’t get any real answers from Franklin. So instead, she turned her gaze to Bradley.

Later that morning, before Bradley left for work, Sierra deliberately stopped him. Gone was her usual sharp attitude; she looked hesitant, even a little timid. “Bradley, is what Father said really true?”

Hearing her call him “Bradley” again, Bradley froze for a moment. He hadn’t heard her say that in years. Before, when she used to address him like that, he had only felt annoyed. But now he missed it. His expression softened, his tone becoming gentle. “You know how Father is. Once he decides, he doesn’t change his mind. Since he said it, it must be true.”

“Really?”

Sierra looked overwhelmed with emotion. “I feel like I’m dreaming. After everything that happened, after I spent three years in prison, I never thought he would still accept me.” She pursed her lips, her voice trembling slightly. “I used to resent you all. When I almost died in that place, I kept wondering who the real Xander daughter was. I am your biological sister. Why did you all treat me like that? Did you really want me dead? But now, I understand. You do care about me. I was just too stubborn before.”

With every sentence Sierra spoke, Bradley’s face darkened further. Looking at her hopeful expression, his heart felt like a weight had been placed on it. He knew what Franklin was planning. And because he knew, he felt guilty. He couldn’t even look at her anymore; avoiding her gaze, he muttered, “I have something to do.” Then he fled.

Sierra watched him hurry away; her smile faded, and her eyes grew cold.

Meanwhile, at the Xander Corporation, Bradley had barely gotten any work done; Sierra’s words kept looping in his mind. The more he thought about it, the heavier his guilt became. Eventually, he couldn’t take it anymore; he got up and walked straight into Franklin’s office.

“What is it?” Franklin looked up, immediately noticing his son’s troubled expression.

Bradley hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Father, reconsider what you’re doing with Sierra.”

Franklin’s gaze sharpened. After a pause, he leaned back in his chair. “You know the state of Xander Pharmaceuticals. Because of this scandal, it will take years for the company to recover. We may have multiple businesses under Xander Group, but our true profits come from pharmaceuticals. If I had another choice, I wouldn’t be doing this.”

“But…” Bradley clenched his fists, his voice filled with conflict. “Sierra has already suffered enough. Dad, do you know? She almost died in prison. She was abused terribly. Her body is covered in scars. No matter what, she is our sister! I just… I really can’t bear it.”

The image of Sierra’s bright, trusting gaze flashed through his mind, making his chest tighten with guilt.

Franklin remained expressionless. After a long silence, he finally spoke. “Then tell me, what do you suggest? If not her, then it will be Denise.”