NOVPUBChapter 1211: 543 Family Members (Second Revision)_3 Chapter 1211: 543 Family Members (Second Revision)_3 The footsteps outside the door gradually faded away, leaving Charlotte Aria restless in the large bed.
She turned on the light, pulled out the identification results from her bag, and painstakingly reread it several times.
She called the bounty hunter again, ensuring there was no error in the results.
Where could it have gone wrong?
Charlotte Aria was puzzled.
She recalled Loretta’s words that night — “True to her genetic lineage of Madam.” This statement had initially made her believe that Aubree Groove was the daughter of her uncle by marriage.
But if Aubree was the daughter of her aunt, this statement still held.
...
She had inadvertently discovered this secret, and it was clear that her uncle was unaware.
Charlotte Aria knitted her brows in thought, wondering where the error lied?
Given that Aubree was the daughter of her uncle, why was she masquerading as the daughter of her aunt?
Regardless of whose daughter she was, the results were equally heartbreaking.
In fact, this result might even be easier to accept than the truth.
After all, her aunt was dead, and her uncle was in his prime.
As long as she kept quiet, this secret would forever remain unknown.
Charlotte Aria took out a lighter and ignited the identification document.
She watched as it was gradually consumed by the flames, her eyes gradually growing gloomy.
At the conclusion of the banquet, Catherine Liam had a lot to say.
But perhaps the shock was too much, and in the end, all she said was, “Let’s talk about it tomorrow, go to bed early.”
Matthew Aria wasn’t doing much better either, making it the first time the couple was in such harmony.
Aubree returned from her bath to find Loretta had prepared a bowl of mixed grain porridge, accompanied by vegetables, eggs, steamed buns, and fruits.
A comprehensive meal carb-loaded with proteins and vitamins.
Loretta was slightly worried, knowing that Aubree was vegetarian and hadn’t put any meat.
Considering her age and the fact that she’d lost a significant amount of blood, a vegetarian diet might be detrimental to her health.
After a hearty meal, Aubree retired to bed.
Loretta closed her bedroom door, and the next door opened, revealing a weary Charlotte Aria.
“Has Aubree returned?” she asked.
Loretta nodded in confirmation.
“And how’s Mr.
Cook doing?”
Loretta shook her head, “I’m not quite sure.”
Charlotte Aria frowned, “My uncle is there, there shouldn’t be any problem.
Maybe I should go to the hospital.”
Loretta hooked her lips slightly, “By the way, there’s someone…
I wonder if Miss Charlotte recognises her.”
Charlotte hesitated, “What?”
Loretta turned around: “Miss Charlotte, follow me.”
Charlotte put on her coat and followed Loretta.
They arrived in a narrow, cluttered room.
It was damp and chilly, as it had recently snowed.
On the floor of the room was a woman lying on her side dressed in The Aria’s maid uniform.
Charlotte walked towards the woman hesitantly.
Recognizing her face, she exclaimed in surprise, “Why, it’s my cousin Seraphine, isn’t it?”
“After last night’s incident, it would be difficult not to suspect that The Arias had been infiltrated by a mole.
After investigating, we found this unregistered person.
I suspect she was in cahoots with Romilly Powell and Virginia Frost, intending to harm The Arias and Madam.
I plan to hand her over to the police.”
Virginia Frost’s reputation was shattered.
Anyone associated with her was bound to face repercussions.
Charlotte thought of the secretive calls her mother had made behind her back.
Everything made sense now, and she cursed her mother’s foolishness.
If they handed Seraphine Moore over to the police, in order to protect herself, she would definitely implicate her mother.
Given that her grandmother already disliked her mother, if her grandmother’s dislike turned into resentment, she would have no place in The Arias’ house in the future.
Likewise, there would be no benefit for her either.
In any case, this matter must not escalate.
“This is a misunderstanding.
How could my cousin possibly be associated with Virginia Frost?
I forgot to mention, after leaving the hospital, she couldn’t find work and was ostracized by her family.
My mother, feeling sorry for her, arranged for her to work at The Arias’ house so she’d at least have a meal to eat.
However, in the rush of things, I didn’t get the chance to inform you, Loretta, which led to this misunderstanding.”
“How could Madam’s cousin work at The Arias’?
If word got out, it would be damaging to Madam’s reputation, as it would seem like she’s mistreating her own relatives.”
Charlotte struggled to keep a smile on her face, “My cousin is capable of hard work.”
Loretta curved her lips, “If you put it that way, it must indeed be a misunderstanding.
Given the circumstances, we must uphold the respect of the Madam.
If Miss Moore has no other option, let her stay and work at The Arias.
We wouldn’t starve her.”
Charlotte reluctantly responded, “Thank you, Loretta.
I appreciate your kindness.”
“I have other matters to attend to.
Miss Charlotte, please help Miss Moore rest.
She’s been in the cold all night, we wouldn’t want her to fall ill.”
With that, Loretta left the room.
Charlotte clenched her fist.
Loretta could have directly handed Seraphine Moore over to the police, but she didn’t.
Instead, she surrendered her to Charlotte.
She was aware that once handed over to the police and a third party got involved, it would disadvantage her mother.
Under the current circumstances, an internal struggle within The Arias would be unwise.
She was trying to remind her of that.
Charlotte looked at the woman passed out on the ground, took a deep breath, and helped her up into her bedroom.
After Catherine Liam woke up the next day, she was called into the room by her daughter.
She hadn’t slept well the previous night and felt disoriented.
“How could that girl be your aunt’s daughter?
Didn’t you say your aunt was a fraud?
I’ve never noticed it before.
No wonder your uncle isn’t fond of her, treating her differently.
Only we were in the dark and fully supportive.
They take us for fools and treat us like outsiders.
They don’t care about anything, since they aren’t of her womb.” Catherine rambled.
Charlotte pointed to the bed and said, “We should first figure out how to handle the aftermath.”
Catherine went over and took a look.
Suddenly, she slapped her thigh, “How could I forget about Seraphine?
Last night she!.”
Catherine patted Seraphine awake, “Seraphine, wake up.
What happened last night?”
Seraphine Moore gradually woke up and upon seeing Catherine Liam, she immediately started crying, “Cousin, I…I thought I would never see you again.”
Catherine stroked her hair in sympathy, “Don’t cry, I’ll handle it.”
Charlotte repressed her annoyance, “Fine, to keep up with your lie, my cousin will have to work as a maid at The Arias’ for some time.”
Seraphine’s voice suddenly became sharper, “What do you mean?
I am to work as a maid in your house?”
