Chapter 81 Exposing Paige's Misdeeds
Julian found himself taken aback as he observed Paige confidently approaching the grand entrance of the Sackler family estate. He watched her retreating figure, only for her to halt abruptly in her tracks.With a swift turn, she bridged the gap between them in a few strides. Her voice was as frigid and low as ever. "Perhaps it's time for a confrontation, to determine whether you, the chief of security, hold the advantage, or if I do."Having issued her challenge, Paige finally took her leave.Julian remained rooted to the spot, shocked. This was a warning from Paige.The first warning she had ever given him!Unprecedented!He had seen Paige in action at the Sanatorium. Her movements were all efficient, her blows deadly. She was colder and more ruthless than Julian could ever be.Yet, Paige never aimed to kill; each slash was swift, precise, and brutal, but none were fatal, leaving only superficial injuries.If it came down to a fight, Julian was still uncertain who would emerge victorious.The Sackler family villa was just as Paige remembered it, impeccably maintained throughout the years.Her alleged sister, Xena, had been brought up here in the lap of luxury by Margaret. Paige, on the other hand, was considered less significant.Upon entering the villa, Paige navigated her way to Margaret's room with a familiar ease.The door was ajar, and the room was filled with people tending to Margaret's condition.Paige stood in the doorway, arms folded, observing the scene before her.Xena stood beside Francesca, playing the part of her dutiful daughter-in-law. However, with Louis in the room, there was a golden boy to match her perfect lady act. Francesca spoke sparingly, simply stating, "The old lady's getting on in years. Her primary concern should be regaining her health."Seizing the opportunity, Xena blurted out, "This is all Paige's doing. She's become far too audacious, locking me and Grandma up. If it weren't for Grandma's incident, she wouldn't have even allowed us to return home. Did Aunt Colleen and Grandpa Howard notice when they arrived? Paige has our house under siege."When Xena played the victim, her performance was worthy of an Academy Award.Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke, dabbing them away with a tissue clutched in her delicate hand.Pearlescent droplets fell, wiped away only to be replaced by fresh, glistening tears.From her vantage point, Paige had a clear view of every theatrical tear that Xena shed.Indeed, the pitiful appearance of this American beauty could stir sympathy in anyone. She could weep more convincingly than the heroines of television dramas.Unable to suppress her amusement, Paige let out a few chuckles from the doorway.Her laughter, sudden and stark against Xena's sobbing, drew the attention of everyone in the room.With all eyes now on her, Paige knew she couldn't just stand there idly."Please, continue," she said confidently. "Your performance is quite impressive. Should the Sacklers ever face bankruptcy, you certainly have a backup career in acting. With your looks and talent, you might even win an Oscar."No sooner had Paige spoken than Margaret began to cough violently.In between coughs, she pointed at Paige. "What are you implying?"Paige merely shrugged. "Old lady, your health should be your primary concern here."
Given the circumstances, Paige found no use in maintaining a facade. The act of pretending seemed utterly pointless. Xena, tears streaming down her face, pointed an accusing finger at Paige. "We may not have grown up together, but we are still sisters. What are you suggesting? Are you insinuating that I'm an actress?" Paige's brows furrowed in response. "I said 'Oscar-winning '! We live in modern times, Xena; 'actress' is not a derogatory term. Can't you take it as anything but an insult? I'm simply highlighting an opportunity for you." Margaret, at this juncture, didn't immediately fire back. After another bout of coughing, she calmed down, but her gaze upon Paige was now tinged with a fresh layer of fear. It was only then that Margaret grasped the reality that Paige wasn't joking—she was subtly delivering a threat. Paige was wielding the threat of financial ruin over the Sackler family. Incredulously, it took a second repetition for the full weight of Paige's words to sink into Margaret. She had been far too nonchalant! Margaret's eyes widened in terror as she stared at Paige, taken aback by her audacious defiance. Seeing Paige's insolence, Margaret realized she could no longer afford to show leniency. Just as Xena was about to speak, Margaret turned to Bradley. "I know I haven't always been kind to the child, but after all, it was the Sackler family who raised her. Despite leaving her in the countryside as a child, we never failed to provide for her." Bradley, naturally, sided with his kin. Paige's marriage to Raymond had made her part of Bradley's family as well. He was prepared to support Paige unconditionally. However, before he could voice his support, Raymond interjected. "Family shouldn't be throwing around words like 'confinement'. Mrs. Carnegie, could there be a misunderstanding?" Paige hesitated, puzzled. Raymond had been so distant towards her previously; why was he now rushing to her defense? Before Paige could respond, an impatient Xena blurted out. "Confinement is exactly the right word. Didn't you see when you arrived, Raymond? Your people surround our house; our family can only enter, not leave. Grandma is injured, and they won't even let us leave to get her medical help. If we can't go out, how will Grandma receive treatment? At her age, what if something happens to her? Paige, your heart is truly cold. Grandma provided all the living expenses you've ever had. Do you have no conscience at all?" Paige was indifferent to the Sacklers' attempt to shift the blame onto her. She didn't even bother to justify herself. Justify? What a waste of time! Neither of the two generations of Sacklers was worth her breath. However, when Xena directly attacked Paige, Raymond's demeanor shifted, his voice stern. "The accusations you're making, Ms. Sackler, seem to contradict my understanding!" Raymond's stance in supporting Paige was unmistakable and clear. Francesca, standing to the side, furrowed her brows deeply as she watched Raymond protectively shield Paige. It was evident to Francesca that facilitating a divorce between these two would be a challenging task. Unfazed, Xena changed her approach, no longer trying to tear into Paige but instead turning her charm on Raymond. "Raymond, you don't truly know this woman. Are you aware of what she's been up to today?" Paige stood off to the side, her laughter icy. "Haha... What have I done, pray tell?" Xena pointed an accusing finger at Paige, turning to Raymond. "Look at her, Raymond; she's guilty. The things she did today, she would never dare let you discover. But even though she's my sister, I can't cover for her wrongdoings. She tried to kill me and Grandma, and I have to expose her right here in front of you and Grandpa!"
