The Real Heiress Rules the World (Sloane Rivers) novel Chapter 421

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“Mr. Jeffrey,” Lucas said in a low voice, “we learned from Jessica that years ago, she bribed a nurse at the hospital. After Ms. Beth gave birth, that nurse secretly took her baby away. Jessica then gave the child to the Stonebridge Rivers family, warning them not to let the child have a good life. So Helen handed the baby over to a pair of farmers in the countryside and even staged a switch to keep the child from ever learning the truth.”

He turned to the woman beside him. “Sloane is the baby who was switched; she was never the Rivers family’s real daughter.”

“You’re saying Dr. Rivers is my sister’s child?” Kaizen stared at Sloane in disbelief.

“That’s impossible!” Jeffrey said firmly, shaking his head. “Dr. Rivers cannot be Beth’s child.”

He paused before continuing in a grave tone. “It’s true something went wrong when Beth gave birth, but the child was quickly found. That child died soon after. To be cautious, we ran three DNA tests. All of them confirmed that the baby was indeed of Oliver blood. So Dr. Rivers cannot possibly be Beth’s daughter.”

“As for why you resemble Beth so much…” Jeffrey studied Sloane’s face closely. “Perhaps it’s just a coincidence.”

Sloane’s lips trembled; the light in her eyes slowly dimmed. She had thought she’d finally uncovered the truth about her past, only to realize it was all for nothing. If I’m not Beth’s daughter, then who am I? Why would Jessica lie?

Lucas noticed her faltering immediately. His warm hand gently covered her cold fingers. “Don’t panic yet,” he murmured.

Then he asked in a low, steady voice, “Could it be that Ms. Beth gave birth to twins?”

“Impossible.” Jeffrey shook his head again. “If she had twins, the doctors would have seen it in the scans–and Beth herself would’ve known.”

Sloane suddenly stood; her voice was barely audible. “I’m sorry. We must have been mistaken. Let’s end this here.”

Before anyone could respond, she was already walking quickly out of the room. Lucas followed and caught up to her in the hallway, pulling her into his arms.

“Lucas…” Her voice was filled with confusion he had never heard before. “If I’m not an Oliver, then who am I? Why would Jessica lie about that?”

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12:17 Mon, Oct 27

Chapter 421 Who Even Am 1 Now

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Lucas stroked her hair gently. “Maybe Jessica fooled us; or maybe…” he hesitated, then said quietly, “maybe there’s something else–something that’s been hidden all these years.”

Sloane rested against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat as she tried to steady her own breathing.

“No matter who you are,” Lucas whispered beside her ear, “I’ll stay with you until we find the truth.”

Sloane gripped the hem of his shirt tightly, and the two of them stood there in silence for a long while.

Finally, she spoke again. “Since that’s the case, there’s no reason for us to stay with the Olivers any longer. Once Jeffrey’s health improves, let’s go home.”

Lucas lowered his head, brushing his chin lightly against her hair. His voice was soft and reassuring. “All right. We’ll make it in time for Jill and Cameron’s engagement party.”

Sloane lifted her head, surprised. “They’re getting engaged?”

“Yeah. Samson just sent me the news today.” He looked into her eyes, his gaze deep and steady, and lifted a hand to gently caress her cheek. “Jill will be so happy to see you.”

12:17 Mon, Oct 27