Chapter 12 The Wretch and Her Despicable Mother

Kayla and Nicole entered the Parker Villa and noticed Paul descending the stairs, engrossed in a heated phone conversation. His demeanor was clearly filled with anxiety.

"Mark, didn't we finalize everything?" Our terms were nearly finalized. Why the sudden halt from the Sinclair Group?" Paul's words jolted Kayla and Nicole, who exchanged nervous glances, sensing a hint of guilt.

Nicole felt compelled to approach Paul, but he looked sternly at her and raised his hand, indicating that she should avoid causing a scene. He continued his conversation, hoping to appease the other party. "Could it be that our terms were too strict? We are open to negotiating, including revising our profit share. I am genuinely committed to this collaboration with the Sinclair Group."

A response crackled through the phone, causing Paul's face to tense. His composure wavered, and he collapsed onto a nearby bench, exhausted.

Kayla and Nicole rushed over to his side, concerned. "Paul, what's wrong?"

Paul buried his face in his palms. "How would I know? The Sinclair Group abruptly called off the deal. Everything seemed fine just moments ago!"

Turning to Kayla, Paul asked, "Weren't you taking Nicole to see Angela? Did anything happen at the Sinclair Villa?

Kayla's heart raced at his question, realizing that the Sinclair Group had not disclosed their visit. Nicole grabbed her arm before she could respond, signaling that she should remain silent.

"Dad, nothing happened. We hadn't even met Angela," Nicole assured him.

Paul, though troubled, did not press further. He raked his hand through his hair and mumbled, "But why? The Sinclair Group could have been an excellent partner... We could have improved our situation. I can't just let this go."

He rose with determination and quickly exited the villa, leaving Kayla and Nicole behind to ponder the unexpected turn of events.

Kayla turned to Nicole with a troubled expression as she watched Paul leave. "Nicole, why did you intervene earlier? The Sinclairs ended the partnership because of that despicable woman, Olivia..."

"Mom!" Nicole intervened firmly. "I have been thinking. Mr. Sinclair never explicitly identified Olivia as his daughter. Perhaps we misinterpreted?"

Nicole couldn't believe Olivia, who had left the Parker family, was now part of the esteemed Sinclair lineage. She struggled with the idea of Olivia having a higher status than herself.

How could we have misheard? If Olivia isn't Mr. Sinclair's daughter, why would he suddenly end our collaboration? Why would their butler make such remarks?" Kayla was convinced Olivia was the missing Sinclair daughter, as the circumstances were too coincidental to ignore.

Kayla made up her mind that she needed to clarify this with Paul as soon as possible. The Sinclairs are wealthy. They had cared for their daughter. No amount of gratitude would suffice. How could they call off the partnership like this? It was ingratitude.

Nicole insisted, "Nevertheless, I refuse to believe it. Consider this, Mom. If Olivia is truly the Sinclair heir, why didn't they get her sooner?"

"The person who contacted Dad mentioned that they live in a remote area with poor signal." Nicole argued that such a prestigious family would not resort to deception.

"Perhaps Mr. Sinclair's sudden rage stemmed from our disturbance at the villa today. The termination of the partnership could simply be a coincidence. Nicole reasoned, trying to reassure herself and Kayla that business matters are serious; they would not make decisions based on trivial incidents.

Kayla began to hesitate as she reflected on Nicole's words. "Is that possible?"

"Absolutely," Nicole said, pulling out her phone.

"There is discussion in the group chat about Ms. Sinclair's situation. They mentioned a banquet that the Sinclair family intends to host in two days to formally introduce her. If we get an invitation, we'll see the truth firsthand."

Kayla hesitated after hearing Nicole's suggestion.

Given the recent cancellation of their partnership with the Sinclair Group, obtaining an invitation to their event appeared daunting.

Nicole rushed to reassure Kayla as she sensed her uncertainty. "If Olivia isn't really the Sinclair daughter, we can use this opportunity to clarify things with Mr. Sinclair. Dad might be able to save the partnership. Mr. Sinclair is unlikely to refuse in such a situation."

She paused, then considered another option. "But if Olivia is indeed Ms. Sinclair, she can't abandon us after reconnecting with her biological parents, right?"

Nicole's words triggered a realization in Kayla.

She wondered, 'Why didn't I consider this before?'

Regardless of Olivia's true identity, this situation provided an opportunity for them.

"Nicole, you are onto something. If that woman is truly a Sinclair, Mr. Sinclair would not dare to publicly reject us. Whether through the partnership or not, the Sinclairs would owe us gratitude for raising Olivia."

Kayla's confidence increased as she pondered. She clapped her hands decisively. "I will work to secure the invitation. We'll bring your father along. Also, you should get two elegant dresses. We need to look our best for the two-day event."

The upcoming Sinclair banquet featured an elite guest list from Haereth's upper echelons, where Nicole would make her debut, undoubtedly drawing attention.

Nicole blushed at the thought, leaning into Kayla's supportive embrace to share her excitement.

Olivia, unaware of the Parkers' plans, was led to her new room by Lauren following dinner.

The suite, located on the third floor, was spacious and decorated in a whimsical, princess-themed style, exuding a dreamy ambiance appropriate for a child.

The outer section of the room was cluttered with toys and gifts, including a baby stroller.

"This room was originally set up for you as a nursery. Kenneth always kept things that way. But I felt the decor was too childish, so I booked another room for you first. I planned to paint and redecorate this room before giving it to you. I didn't expect it to upset you. "Please forgive me," Lauren said, affectionately holding Olivia's arm.

Olivia calmly withdrew her arm. "I understand."

Lauren noticed Olivia's distant demeanor, and her smile faltered. She gave Olivia a few more instructions before leaving. Lauren's friendly demeanor faded as the door closed behind her, leaving her with a darkened expression.

Once alone, she cast a somber glance at the closed door, her eyes revealing a hidden turmoil.