Return Of The Real Heiress: Secrets And Masks

Claire's words, combined with her pitiful expression, made it seem like she had truly endured a great deal of suffering

The others, upon hearing her story, couldn't help but feel more anger towards Stella.

Even Leo and the others, who had moved to a safer distance, felt their hearts clench with sympathy.

Hank quietly wiped away a tear. "I had no idea my mom had it so bad. I need to talk to Cherise when we get back.

"This grudge needs to be settled"

Crow's face was filled with fury. "Claire is just too pitiful. I wish I had been faster to get here"

Leo chimed in, "Exactly, how could they do this to our kind-hearted and beautiful Claire? I'm going to tell Mr. Chivers when we get back

Meanwhile, Ryan, who was standing with them, coughed lightly and averted his gaze.

He didn't show much expression, but inside, he was thinking that if he hadn't been there to witness everything, he might have believed Claire's story. She didn't seem like someone who had been kidnapped at all.

She was calm and nonchalant, as if she were just playing house.

And the part about hair-pulling-Claire was the one who had yanked Stella's hair.

Stella, standing by the shoreline, was completely stunned. She stared blankly at Claire, unable to comprehend the situation.

Normally, she would have her parents backing her up, and she was used to dealing with people who were more refined. Now, she was alone, and Claire's unconventional tactics had thrown her off balance.

Stella was seething with rage, wishing she could strangle Claire, but the man standing beside Claire made her hesitate.

Claire knew exactly what Stella was thinking. She paused for a moment, then casually linked her arm through Arthur's, and raised her chin.

She stared at Stella with a look that said, "What can you do about it?"

Crow nudged Leo with his elbow. "Hey, doesn't Claire seem a bit manipulative right now?"

Leo nodded in agreement. "Yeah, she's got a real knack for this," he gave a thumbs-up.

Arthur had been listening intently to Claire's story. When she finished, he turned his gaze towards Stella.

Unlike when he looked at Claire, his eyes were now filled with disapproval, and the air around him seemed to press down with intensity. "I didn't expect the Waltons to so blatantly disregard the law. Or do you think your family is above the law?"

Somehow, despite his calm tone, his words carried a powerful weight.

That made Stella take several steps back and shake her head frantically. "No, Arthur, you have to believe me. She's lying. Everything she said is false.

“I didn't pull her hair; she pulled mine. Look, you can see where she yanked my scalp and left it bare.

"She's pretending to be weak. She's good at it. Don't be fooled by her."

Stella actually showed Arthur the spot on her head where her hair had been pulled out.

Claire wouldn't let Stella get away with that. She let go of Arthur's arm and placed her hands on her hips. "Well, I've got a witness. Ryan, tell everyone here, did she pull my hair and try to kill me in the dead of night?

"If it weren't for my quick thinking and some timely help, I wouldn't be standing here with all of you. Ryan, tell them the truth!"

Ryan stepped forward and, with a completely neutral expression, said, "Yes, Claire was indeed attacked by Stella. Stella did pull her hair."

"See?"

Stella's voice broke as she shouted, "You're all in this together! It's not fair! I didn't do anything. She's the one who's unkempt and pulled my hair.

"I just wanted to kill her. I couldn't stand seeing her get your love, Arthur. I thought

if I could just stab her while she was asleep, it would be over.

“But it was just a pillow under the blanket. The assassination failed, didn't it? None of it happened. It's all a lie!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Claire pointed at her and said, "Look, Arthur. She just confessed. She didn't want me to see tomorrow's sun. She tried to murder me, but I narrowly escaped. I've solved your case. Did you get all this on record?"

Not just Claire, but the people standing behind her started to chime in, "Oh! So that's how it is. Murderer! Murderer! Murderer!"

Arthur remained expressionless for a few seconds before letting out a cold snort. “Alright, take her away. The rest of you, tell Tristan or your Walton family to give me a proper explanation!"

At Arthur's words, Stella felt a chill running through her.

As two men in black approached her, she realized the gravity of the situation and began to call out for help, "Lydia, help me! Go home and inform your grandparents!

"This can't be my ending! I work for Translation Bureau! I can't end up like this! Lydia, help me! I know I was wrong! I shouldn't have done this!"

However, Lydia didn't respond to her plea.

Stella didn't know that the last time she used Lydia as a scapegoat, her heart had died completely.

*****

On the other side, Claire, led by Arthur, began her journey back to Betrico.

She had initially wanted to return with Leo, Hank, and Crow.

But as soon as she mentioned it, everyone scattered.

Crow even left behind a shoe and didn't bother to pick it up.noveldrama

With no other choice, Claire had to accompany Arthur on his helicopter.

It was for the best; she had a couple of things she wanted to say to him.

But before that, she called Cherise to let her know she was safe.

Although it was almost sunrise, Cherise had been up all night. Only after receiving Claire's call did she finally relax.

Morris was the same; he couldn't sleep as long as Cherise was awake.

Now, finally, things were looking up. The two shared a glance, then, in unison, embraced and drifted off to sleep.