Chapter 1427 Truly Ironic
Richard turned to Selena. "If this outcome doesn't satisfy you, you can use the Smith family's influence to force him out of Vistalia—send him anywhere to suffer."
Selena stood frozen, speechless.
She hadn't expected Richard's ruthlessness toward Lawrence—not just expelling him from the Smith family, but cutting off all legitimate career paths. Lawrence would never find proper employment again.
Her mouth opened, but words failed her.
Richard was finally embodying the role of a powerful family patriarch.
She clutched Raymond's sleeve with a soft sigh. "Let's go, Raymond."
Raymond nodded, and they descended the stairs together, leaving Richard alone in the vast hallway.
He remembered the laughter that once filled these rooms and felt a wave of desolation. His family would likely never be whole again. Selena refused to return, and now Lawrence was gone too.
Despite his efforts to salvage relationships, he kept losing more. Perhaps this was punishment for his greed.
Rubbing his eyes, he took a deep breath and asked hoarsely, "Mom, don't you have anything to say?"
Cora slowly shook her head, having fallen into complete silence.
Richard, exhausted in body and spirit, had nothing left to say.
Back in the car, Raymond held Selena close. She felt like she was floating, disconnected from reality.
She'd suspected Layla might not be a Smith, had even imagined it all might be some elaborate scheme—but she never imagined she was the true Smith daughter.
The irony wasn't lost on her. After all the abuse she'd suffered at Tessa's hands, it turned out Tessa had been the impostor all along, living the life that should have been hers.
Exhausted, she leaned into Raymond's embrace.
He gently rubbed her back. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you last night. I thought Richard would wait longer before being so direct. I wanted to spare you this pain for a while."
Tears instantly fell from Selena's eyes. The pain was overwhelming—her identity stolen, Tessa's cruel treatment, Lawrence's betrayal. After everything, how could she possibly return to the Smith Villa?
Even if they offered her all their shares, it wasn't what she needed. She'd already achieved financial freedom; what she'd always wanted was family love.
Raymond's heart ached hearing her muffled sobs. "Don't cry, please don't cry. Think of the baby."
Selena quickly wiped away her tears. "I just want to go home and sleep."
"Of course, sweetheart. Let's go home. No more tears."
The endearment made Selena's cheeks burn. Raymond had spoken without thinking, and now his face grew warm too.
After an awkward silence, he finally stammered, "I've heard other people call their partners that, so..."
"What people?"
"You know, couples and such."
He then pulled her close again. Though Selena couldn't see it, the tips of his ears had turned bright red.
"It doesn't matter," he mumbled.
But he certainly couldn't bring himself to say "sweetheart" again.
Selena found herself smiling. What had been embarrassing moments ago now seemed amusing as she watched Raymond's flustered reaction.
"Let's go home, Raymond. I'm truly exhausted."
"Whatever you want," he said, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek.
Meanwhile, Lawrence sat in a daze as his car stopped outside Tessa's villa. An hour ago, he would have rushed inside to check on her. Now, every word of concern he'd ever shown her, every time he'd agreed with her criticisms of Selena—each phrase cut through him like a sword, leaving him bleeding inside.
He entered the house.
Tessa had been waiting eagerly, especially after Richard's call. She thought Lawrence was coming to take her back to the Smith Villa for good.
She rushed forward, grabbing his arm excitedly. "Lawrence, you're finally back! I waited all night for you. I missed you so much."
But she noticed something was off about him—not exactly gloomy, but defeated. Lawrence, who had dominated negotiations for years and left opponents speechless, now looked broken.
Her smile faltered as she quickly tried to reassure him. "Is this about Selena? Richard told me everything. It's not a problem—just give her some money and she'll forgive us. Lawrence, I truly didn't know she was your sister. I'll apologize personally, and I'm sure she'll forgive us."
She clung to his arm, trying to shake it playfully.
Lawrence slowly pulled away, his voice cold. "I'm having someone take you somewhere."
"Where?"
Lawrence's face remained impassive as he managed a smile, one that looked more painful than tears. "It's a surprise. You can't know in advance."
He then took a thick black cloth and placed it over her eyes.
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