Chapter 37: The Breaking Point

However, he had clearly overestimated his younger brothers and underestimated Sierra. Neither Evan nor Sean could stop her. Seeing that Sierra was about to reach them, Bradley quickly stepped forward to block her path.

“Let’s talk after the banquet, okay? Don’t make a scene now.”

Hearing this, Sierra looked up at Bradley. Her dark eyes showed no emotion, yet they sent an inexplicable chill down his spine.

“Get out of my way.” Sierra’s voice was cold and sharp.

Now they wanted to talk! Had they ever thought to ask for my opinion before?

Her loud voice drew the attention of many people, who turned to look in their direction. Bradley’s face flushed with embarrassment. He immediately hardened his expression and lowered his voice to a threatening tone. “If you don’t behave, don’t blame me for being harsh. Sierra, you’re still on probation. Do you want to go back to prison and suffer again?”

Sierra stared at him, her eyes icy. When she shared the hardships she endured in prison, it showed what she had been through over the past three years. She hadn’t expected their sympathy, but she certainly hadn’t imagined it would one day be used as a weapon against her. When they had learned of her suffering, Bradley and the others had been furious. But now, that fury felt like a slap in the face.

Bradley seemed to realize this too. His expression darkened. He regretted his words. Why had he said that? He had promised to treat her better, so why had he…? But Sierra was too disobedient. He had no choice. This was the only way to make her comply.

However, this time, Bradley was wrong. His tried-and-true method no longer worked. Sierra pushed him aside and said calmly, “Then send me back.”

“To me, you all are no different from them.” In fact, they might even be worse. Those people had only been malicious, but the Xander family claimed to love her while cutting into her flesh.

Sierra’s words cut deep. Bradley’s face went pale. He never imagined she would compare them to her tormentors. They were her family! How could she say such a thing?

Chapter 47: The Breaking Point

“Everyone, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Sierra, the biological daughter of the Xander family.”

“You must be wondering why you’ve never seen me before. That’s because Denise and I were switched at birth. I came to the Xander family at fifteen, was sent to prison at eighteen, and was released just over a month ago. Now…”

“Enough! It’s enough!”

Bradley, finally snapping out of his daze, rushed forward and grabbed Sierra. “Stop talking!”

Sierra sneered at him, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Isn’t this my birthday party? Since no one here knows me, shouldn’t I introduce myself properly? I’m so grateful to my father and my family for taking me back, don’t mind if I’ve been in prison: throwing me this birthday party, and even finding me such a wonderful fiancé. Thank you so much!”

Someone in the crowd couldn’t help but laugh. Everyone in their social circle knew what kind of person Kason was. The Xander family’s expressions turned grim, especially Mr. Franklin’s. He looked at Sierra as if she were his enemy.

Bradley frowned and reached out to grab Sierra’s arm, but she shoved him away. “Don’t touch me, Mr. Xander. It’s dirty.” It was unclear whether she meant herself or him.

Jonathan, who was standing not far away, watched the scene with a furrowed brow. The Xander family surrounded Sierra, with a crowd of onlookers gathered around. Sierra stood alone like a wounded wolf, desperately trying to break free from the encirclement but unable to move. She was already covered in scars, yet she stubbornly refused to back down, making her seem pitiful in a way.

Jonathan walked over to her. He always acted on his own whims. Pushing through the crowd, he took Sierra’s hand and asked, “Do you want to leave?”

Sierra, who was still seething with anger, was caught off guard by his question. She instinctively looked up at him.