Chapter 24
However, the desperate woman had complications during childbirth and by the time her baby was born, it was already dead. A nurse at the hospital then swapped. the babies–Bianca was handed over to Edward, while the stillborn baby was given to Bianca’s biological mother, Milena, who was in the same delivery room at the time.
The revelation of what had happened during Bianca’s birth left her reeling. The pieces of her fractured past were falling into place. Milena wept as she recounted the story, her voice trembling with anguish.
“When the nurse handed me that tiny, lifeless bundle, I believed her. I never questioned it. My heart broke that day and I carried that grief for years.” Milena’s tear- streaked face crumpled as she clutched Bianca’s hands. If Mr. Lawson hadn’t found us, I never would’ve known you were taken
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from me. You’re alive… after all these years. I’m really sorry, Aubree.”
Milena’s sobs filled the room and Bianca, tears streaming down her own face, reached out to comfort her. “Mom, please don’t blame yourself. None of this was your
fault.”
Milena shook her head, her lips quivering. “But I failed you. I should’ve protected you.”
Across the room, Anthony Stanton, Bianca’s biological father, clenched his fists. He had remained silent through most of the exchange, but now his deep voice rumbled with fury. “That hospital, that nurse and the Harper Family–they won’t get away with this. I’ll see to it personally.”
His words carried a weight that made everyone fall silent. Bianca could sense the barely restrained anger simmering beneath. his composed exterior. For a man who had likely controlled boardrooms and political arenas, this was personal–and his resolve was unshakable,
Chapter 24
Milena, regaining her composure, wiped her tears and turned to Bianca with a soft smile. “You must meet everyone properly.” She gestured toward the men standing quietly nearby. “This is your father, Anthony and these three are your brothers -Elliot, Stephen and Martin. You’re the youngest in the family and for years, your father and brothers hoped I’d give them a little princess to dote on.”
The warmth in Milena’s voice broke through the tension and Bianca’s heart clenched at the unspoken loss that had permeated their lives for so long. “Instead,” Milena continued, her eyes misting over again. “we thought we’d lost you.”
Milena pulled Bianca into another hug before pulling back with a teary smile. “We
always wanted to name you Aubree. So, from now on, that’s what I’ll call you. okay?”
Bianca nodded through her tears, her throat too tight to speak. When Milena
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Her eldest brother, Elliot, nodded. “That scumbag doesn’t know who he’s dealing with. You don’t have to live in fear anymore, little sister.”
Bianca felt a lump form in her throat at their unwavering support. For so long, she had fought her battles alone, but now she had an army behind her.
Nathan, who had been silent until now, spoke with a casualness that belied the significance of his words. “I heard from Elisa that Aubree once dreamed of acting.”
Bianca stiffened, her face paling. Memories of her crushed aspirations rushed back. She had once been accepted into the prestigious Film Academy with top scores, only to have her dreams derailed by Erick and his family.
“If our family produces an actress, it would disgrace Erick and bring shame to the entire West Family!” Bianca could still hear her former mother–in–law’s sneering voice, laced with contempt. Even Erick, who had
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initially encouraged her, had ultimately sided with his family, forbidding her from attending.
She lowered her gaze, her hands clenching in her lap. “It doesn’t matter now. That dream was a long time ago.”
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