Chapter 1396 An Instruction Etched Into His Life
Two cars set off for Ridgefield simultaneously. This time, Paul took extra precautions, arranging for security teams to escort them from both front and rear to prevent another "accident" like before.
With a laptop balanced on his knees, Paul typed intensely, his brow furrowed in concentration.
Lawrence traveled in the second car. His phone had been flooded with messages lately, most from Tessa.
After Jason had thrown Tessa out, he'd cut off all her credit cards. The elite social circles were always quick to worship the rising and abandon the falling. Everyone was speculating about what had happened within the Smith family—how Tessa, once treated like royalty, had suddenly been exiled from the Smith estate.
Lawrence sat straight-backed, staring at Tessa's desperate messages, his forehead creased with worry.
He'd cherished her for so many years, never once questioning whether she was truly his sister. Since childhood, when Jason had told him, "Tessa is your sister; always look out for her," that instruction had become ingrained in his life.
Tessa: [Lawrence, everyone is mocking me. I feel terrible. My chest hurts so much. Am I dying?]
Tessa: [The Layla situation wasn't my deliberate scheme. I was targeting Selena—I had no idea Layla would be in that car. Lawrence, don't you think someone set me up? Used my hatred for Selena to damage my relationship with the Smith family? Why won't anyone believe me? After all these years of love and care, even if I'm not truly a Smith, was that ever my choice to make?]
Reading these message, Lawrence rubbed his temples wearily.
His phone rang—Tessa again. She'd been calling constantly, but he'd been avoiding her. Moved by her last text, he finally answered.
Tessa's sobs immediately filled the line.
"Lawrence, I thought you'd never speak to me again! I'm in so much pain. Some people beat me yesterday, but I didn't dare fight back. No one's on my side anymore."
"Lawrence, where are you? Please, can I come to you?"
Lawrence felt something catch in his throat.
For years, Tessa had depended on him—she was the family member who relied on him most. His feelings for her weren't easily dismissed, yet his deepest love should rightfully belong to his biological sister.
"Tessa, I'll investigate your claims about being set up. Just stay at the villa, keep out of trouble, and your needs will be taken care of."
Tessa bit her lip. How could she possibly stay put? She couldn't let that bitch Selena live happily!
Was Lawrence now investigating Layla's identity too? If the Smiths discovered Selena was their true daughter, her humiliation would be complete!
Her hatred for Selena was uncontrollable. Selena had stolen Raymond, her beloved—for that alone, Tessa wished the most excruciating torment upon her.
Though her mouth tasted of blood, she maintained her fragile facade.
She said weakly, "I understand, Lawrence. I'll wait for you at the villa."
After hanging up, Tessa wanted to scream, to flip the table before her. Her chest heaved violently as she clenched her fists.
Sleep was impossible. She feared waking to news that the Smith family had announced their long-lost daughter's return.
Anxiety consumed her. She even wished Jason would die right now!
If not for Jason, she wouldn't have been exposed so quickly!
Damn them all!
Let them all die!
That night, curled up in bed, she sensed a presence in her room.
This villa belonged to Lawrence, with minimal security and only two staff members looking after her.
"Who's there?" she demanded, switching on the bedside lamp.
A masked man sat by her window. When he spoke, his voice was soft as the night breeze. "You're not without options, you know. I can help you."
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