Chapter 34 I No Longer Owe the Parker Family Anything

With the true nature of the Parker family revealed, sympathy and goodwill for them quickly turned to contempt and disdain among the audience.

Paul and Nicole, standing beside Kayla, were perplexed by her unexpected behavior. They didn't understand why Kayla had taken such a drastic turn.

Nicole tried to interject, tears streaming down her cheeks, pleading, "That is not true. My mother is speaking nonsense. We have never mistreated my sister Olivia..."

Before Nicole could finish, a sneer echoed from the audience, coming from the girl in the black dress who had been mocking Nicole from the start.

"Enough. Everyone in Wonkin City knows the Parkers' true intentions. What facade are you trying to maintain here?" The laughter that followed was laced with mockery and disdain, plunging Nicole into an unexpected state of humiliation.

Ignoring Kayla and Paul, Nicole quickly covered her face and moved through the crowd, desperate to avoid the mockery. But her escape was thwarted when she collided with someone, knocking her to the ground.

Nicole looked up and saw a tall figure silhouetted against the light, exuding an intimidating aura. His features were more commanding than Alexander's, sending shivers down her spine. His cold blue eyes appeared to penetrate her very soul.

Nicole sat dumbfounded on the floor, surrounded by surprised murmurs from onlookers.

"Is this Mr. Whitman? It must be. His presence is formidable."

"I've heard he avoids such events. Why is he here?"

"Oh no! I hope my outfit meets his expectations. Mr. Whitman dislikes ostentatious attire."

Nicole finally recognized the figure before her as Ian from the Whitman family, one of Haereth's most influential families. Ian, known for his enigmatic nature and dislike of social media, sent ripples of apprehension through the audience.

This was Nicole's first encounter with Ian. Scott seemed insignificant in comparison.

The scene before her was reminiscent of a romantic drama. Nicole felt fragile and vulnerable in the bustling banquet hall, while Ian stood before her like a gallant hero, ready to rescue her from trouble.

Nicole became so engrossed in her imagination that she forgot about her earlier embarrassment and desire to flee. Instead, she looked at Ian with a combination of shyness and dependence. Nicole's excitement peaked as Ian finally made a gesture, and she eagerly extended her hand to him.

However, when Ian saw Nicole's hand, his expression darkened noticeably. In another situation, he might have been tempted to discard the suit jacket that Nicole had accidentally touched.

Ian, suppressing his discomfort, was about to retrieve a handkerchief to clean his suit when he noticed Nicole reaching out to him.

Perplexed, Ian wondered, 'Did she hurt herself when she fell? Why is she seeking my help?

Ian's frown deepened as he scrutinized Nicole's diamond-studded manicured nails. He then turned to a nearby waiter and curtly asked, "Why don't you help her?"

The servers hesitated briefly before realizing the situation and quickly moved to assist. With one on each side, they lifted Nicole off the ground, surprising her with the unexpected turn of events.

Nicole couldn't help but be confused, thinking, "This isn't how it's supposed to happen!"

Megan found the situation amusing as she observed from the sidelines. Initially taken aback by Ian's unexpected presence, she quickly recovered her composure, attributing Ian's presence to his relationship with Alexander.

Ian ignored Nicole, who was being assisted by the servers, and approached Olivia to extend his congratulations. "Congratulations, Ms Sinclair. "I apologize for my tardiness," he said.

Ian's simple mention of "Ms. Sinclair" publicly confirmed Olivia's status as a Sinclair family member.

Ian's statement was significant because he represented the Whitman family. Olivia's identity would be recognized in Haereth's upper social circles after tonight, regardless of the guests' opinions.

Olivia gave a faint smile in response to Ian's greeting. "You don't need to apologize, Mr. Whitman. You arrived exactly on time," she replied.

Olivia's smile faded as she addressed Paul, who stood nearby, in a cool tone. "The Parker family raised me for eighteen years at a total cost of no more than one million dollars. Before this, I transferred one million in child support to your account."

Paul's expression became frosty, and the guests around him were taken aback. While one million dollars might be reasonable for raising a child in a typical family, it appeared insufficient in their eyes. Given the Parkers' wealth, it was clear that they had mistreated Olivia over the years. For a brief moment, disdain filled the eyes directed at Paul.

Olivia continued to stare at Paul intently, speaking calmly. "Moreover, I've already sacrificed my life for Nicole. I have paid my debt to you. I owe the Parkers nothing more."

Paul's eyes narrowed, and his cheek muscles twitched as he struggled to keep his face.

Kenneth felt a pang of sorrow. He had long suspected that the Parker family had mistreated his daughter, but it wasn't until Olivia's revelation that the truth seemed to be clearly stated.

"From today onward, there is no longer any familial tie between the children of the Sinclair and Parker families," Kenneth told reporters. "In exchange for raising Olivia, the Sinclair family agrees not to take any action against the Parker family. However, if the Parker family dares to use the name of the Sinclair family in the future, do not blame us for retaliation."

After finishing his speech, Kenneth gave a cold command: "Zach, escort them out."

Paul and Kayla departed in embarrassment, passing Olivia. Olivia whispered, "I forgot to mention, your fate-altering magic didn't work at all."

Kayla immediately turned to Olivia, her face twisted with disbelief. Olivia didn't care if Kayla believed her or not because she knew the truth would eventually come out.

"If you want to spare Nicole from her impending misfortune, have her come to me personally with her grandmother's bracelet," Olivia said, unconcerned about Paul's glare or Kayla's bitterness.

Before they could respond, butler Zach abruptly ushered them out, effectively ending their presence.

As the banquet resumed, Percival directed Olivia to greet a few elders. When she returned, she was surprised to see Ian still present.

His arrival surprised and intrigued everyone.

Olivia sensed Ian's reluctance to such events and decided to ask directly out of curiosity.

Ian, seemingly anticipating her question, cast a cold look at Alexander and said calmly, "He suggested I take responsibility for you."

Olivia trembled slightly and almost spilled her champagne. She turned to Ian, her eyes wide with disbelief, silently questioning the meaning of his words.

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