Chapter 271 Public Announcement
"No, she's not my mom. She must've mistaken me for someone else," Emma said, trying to be polite but keeping her distance.
"Oh, got it!" Seraphine replied warmly, squeezing Sophia's hand to comfort her. "Don't worry about it. Mistakes happen. One time, I was at the park with my mom and I grabbed another lady's hand, thinking she was my mom. I even tried to go home with her!"
Seraphine's innocent face contrasted sharply with Sophia's confusion. Sophia had no clue what was going on.
Just then, Henry walked in. Seeing that, the scene was so touching that he hesitated to interrupt. If Emma were still alive, maybe they could've had moments like this too.
Emma noticed Henry enter and quickly pulled Seraphine back, putting some distance between them and Sophia.
Even though Sophia and Henry had exposed Anna's true identity and she had been punished, it didn't mean Emma could forgive them.
These aren't enough to make up for the pain she has endured.
Henry saw Isabella's reaction and snapped back to reality. This wasn't their Emma, just someone who looked like her. He stood beside Sophia, gently wiping her face to help her regain her composure.
"Sophia, you're mistaken. This isn't Emma. Emma is gone. This is Isabella."
But Sophia kept staring at Emma with a sad smile.
No wonder Seraphine looked just like Emma when she was little.
The truth was harsh, and Sophia had to face the painful consequences of her own actions.
Sophia said awkwardly, "I'm sorry, Ms. Taylor. I mistook you for someone else. Thank you for your help today. Without you, my husband and I might still be fooled. And for the harm we caused you because of Anna, I apologize. From now on..."
"It's nothing. It was the right thing to do." Emma cut off Sophia's formal apology and left with Seraphine.
Seraphine had been missing Emma and insisted on visiting her at the hospital right after school. Coincidentally, Henry had to leave for something, so Emma was watching over Sophia temporarily, bringing Seraphine along.
That was how Sophia and Seraphine met.
Emma gently pinched Seraphine's soft cheek. Sophia still remembered what she looked like as a child. But Emma was determined to protect Seraphine, ensuring she wouldn't go through the same pain she did.
Her daughter was born to be happy.
The next day, the Stuart Group's official account released a striking announcement that quickly garnered widespread attention and discussion. The announcement was brief but shocking.
#Important Announcement: [The Stuart Group officially declares that Anna is not the biological daughter of the Stuart family. We are actively searching for the Stuart family's biological daughter. Anyone who can provide valid information will receive a $50,000 reward. Please note, the Stuart family's daughter has a distinctive butterfly birthmark on her waist. Thank you for your attention and support!]
The news immediately sparked a flurry of comments and speculation online. The comment section was flooded with shock and curiosity.
[What? Anna isn't the Stuart family's biological daughter? Then who is she?]
[Is the Stuart family trying to find their lost daughter? Poor Sophia!]
[A butterfly birthmark? I remember seeing a girl with that birthmark!]
[$50,000 reward? Who can find her?]
Meanwhile, Anna, confined to her hospital room, was filled with panic and rage upon hearing the news. She couldn't accept being publicly declared a "fake daughter," feeling a mix of anxiety and despair.
"How could they do this to me?" Anna roared, her eyes burning with resentment.
Now, she had become the laughingstock of all of Lakeside Haven!
Emma saw the news too and was pleased with Sophia and Henry's decisiveness. However, she thought they were still too soft-hearted.
Anna had been sentenced to death, her reputation in ruins.
But it wasn't enough.
Why should only Anna suffer? The entire Jones family had to pay for the hardships Emma endured.
Emma contacted a high-ranking member of the Stuart Group, encouraging them to reclaim the shares Anna held and compensate the Stuart Group for the damages caused by Anna's actions.
Anna couldn't afford the compensation, so the Stuart Group sued the Jones family for damages.
Jerry had to sell off their assets, and they ended up completely bankrupt and homeless. They sought help everywhere, but due to their poor reputation, no one was willing to assist them.
Therefore, they turned to Emma.
"Please, Emma, we raised you. You can't just abandon us!" Jerry pleaded, "Please, give us some money so we can buy food. We just want to survive!"
"Okay." Emma indifferently nodded.
Jerry was about to cry, but Emma's quick agreement stopped him. He hadn't expected her to agree so readily.
It seemed Emma was still the same, soft-hearted as ever.
Jerry and Olivia exchanged a smile, thinking their future was secure.
"Emma, we're getting old. Could you arrange a small villa for us? It doesn't need to be too big, just a few thousand square feet. We don't need many servants, just someone to cook and clean. Our demands are so low, you can surely manage that."
Emma sneered, "Indeed, not high at all. No problem."
Seeing Emma so agreeable, Jerry wanted to ask for more, but Olivia stopped him. She signaled him to be content for now. They could ask for more gradually.
Jerry decided to take what he could get.
Emma nodded in satisfaction.
"I have a villa in the countryside. The transportation isn't very convenient, but the scenery is beautiful. You can stay there." Emma called for the driver and pointed to Jerry and Olivia. "Take them there."
"Yes, Ms. Taylor. I'll ensure they arrive safely."
An hour later, the driver dropped them off at the airport. Only then did they realize something was wrong.
"Where are you taking us?" Jerry demanded, panic rising in his voice.
The driver smirked. "Ms. Taylor's orders. You're being sent to a remote village. Enjoy your new home."
Their faces turned pale as they realized Emma's true intentions. They had been outsmarted, and there was no turning back.
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