Chapter 13

The atmosphere in the Dalton residence was so heavy that it was almost suffocating. Ian and Henry stood in the center of the living room, their faces pale, pain and regret filling their eyes. Anna and Christopher sat on the couch, hands clasped and knuckles white, still unable to recover from the shock. "Let's go ask Aunt Rose!" Ian said suddenly. "She must know where Ruby is!" Henry nodded. "Yes. Let's go now." Just as they were about to leave, Cecelia rushed forward suddenly and blocked their way. Her face was deathly pale, and she sounded panicked as she cried, "Don't… Don't go! Ruby took the money and left, which means she doesn't intend to come back! Why do you insist on looking for her? Let me be your daughter! I can be a good sister too!" Ian's face turned cold. "Cecelia, stop this nonsense," he said, his anger barely restrained. "Ruby is my sister, my parents' biological daughter! You can't take her place!" Cecelia began crying. Her voice bordered on hysteria. "But you r