Shattered Rose He Held On Tight novel Chapter 100

Chapter 100 Cutting off Ties

:

38

Finished

“What are you talking about? Didn’t you hear Claudia call her my cousin? Lydia is the daughter of Lottie’s older sister, whom the Lancasters adopted 17 years ago. Claudia is the Lancasters‘ only true daughter.”

“No, wait! The point is that the Lancasters stopped giving Claudia money after she turned 18. Could it be that they were switched at birth after all?”

Not only were old wounds reopened, but the Lancasters‘ favoritism was once again laid bare for everyone to see.

Their faces darkened all at once.

Even Jasper, who had remained silent ever since Sterling reclaimed Claudia’s birthday for her, now looked at them in disbelief.

He knew the Lancasters treated Claudia poorly, but he had never imagined they would favor Lydia to such an extreme.

Claudia never liked to complain.

No, maybe she had wanted to say something before.

But whenever she brought up Lydia, Jasper, feeling guilty and sympathetic toward Lydia, would always tell her how pitiful Lydia was. He would urge Claudia to be understanding and even tried to mend the relationship between the two girls.

After all, before their grandmother’s death, Claudia had endured everything in silence. Everyone had peaceful days back then.

But the truth was, after that, whenever Claudia and Lydia quarreled, Claudia never told him what Lydia had done to her.

Unable to stand the crowd’s sharp, mocking words any longer, Zane was the first to lash out. “What nonsense are you spouting? When has our family ever stopped giving you money? You’re just greedy for more, so you made up lies to frame Lydia!”

As the one born into privilege, never having to fight for anything, he was shielded so completely that he remained naïve and ignorant.

Claudia answered calmly, “Zane, play with men all you want, but don’t let it rot your brain. Whether I received money or not is something easily checked with the accounts.”

She turned her gaze on Wilson, Lottie, and Clarence. “Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster, Mr. Clarence, tell me. Since I turned 18, have I ever received a single penny from you?”

19:08 Thu, Oct 9

Chapter 100 Cutting off Ties

Clarence argued instantly, “I gave you a card-”

ញ គ 38

Finished

“After that card was frozen, was it ever reactivated?” Claudia shot back immediately.

The words struck Clarence like a heavy blow. His mind flashed back to when his assistant had mentioned that the card was repeatedly suspended, barely usable at all. The assistant had even asked if he wanted to confirm with Claudia what new card she was using for her daily expenses.

His silence now left Wilson and Lottie stunned.

Claudia had been telling the truth all along. She had never used family money since coming of age.

But then, how had she survived after leaving home back then?

Claudia gave them no time to recover.

She continued and mocked herself, “Forget it. You’ve never treated me as your daughter anyway. Let everyone here bear witness today.

“Since the Lancasters only acknowledge Lydia as their daughter in their hearts, then I’ll no longer claim the identity of a Lancaster heiress. From this day forward, the Lancasters have no

say

in my life, in my marriage, or in

my marriage, or in any decisions I make. I’m cutting off all ties between me and the Lancasters.”

After tonight, people would surely speculate about her and Sterling’s relationship.

People might try to win Sterling over by flattering Wilson and Clarence, or by investing in Lancaster Group. If all that profit ended up with Lydia instead of her, she would be seething with jealousy.

In short, only she could use Sterling’s influence.

She had to cut off every chance the Lancasters had of borrowing his power. Tonight, she needed to make her position crystal clear.

She didn’t fear gossip. She wouldn’t allow someone she disliked to take advantage for the sake of status or face.

Besides, without Jasper, there could be other men just like him. And with Lydia stirring things

who knew what foolish moves her parents might make?

up,

She had to destroy their control over her and the power to make decisions for her life once and