Chapter 626: Chapter 626: The Old Story of the Xia Sisters

“But Cory suddenly needed to work out of town, and he asked for one of our daughters to accompany him. My heart ached at the thought of parting with our children, but Nidya, who was only six at that time, insisted on going with him. Nina and your Uncle Frederick were devastated, crying and begging her to stay. But she still chose to leave with Cory.”

“At that time, I missed my little girl so much that I would call her often. She told me that she followed her father because she was afraid that if he was away from home for too long, he would become estranged from us. I was deeply moved by her words. Despite being only six, she showed a great deal of understanding.”

“Cory is a man; how could he take care of a child? I was afraid Nidya would suffer with him. I would bring her home every six months to stay for a month. The two sisters were very close and always had so much to share. I couldn’t bear to see them separated, so I suggested Nidya move back and she agreed.”

Mrs. Russell paused here.

“At that time, Nidya said she still had some belongings where she was staying and needed to go back for a trip. She promised to return within a week. However, a week later, Nidya didn’t return. Nina and Frederick worried about her and went to bring her back. They were shocked when Nidya not only refused to leave, but also shouted profanities at Nina and told her to get lost.”

“I was stunned that such a well-behaved daughter could change so drastically. I thought maybe Cory had influenced her somehow. So, I sent someone to keep an eye on Nidya, only to find out…”

Mrs. Russell was choking back her emotions, not trying to cry, but Xaviera could clearly hear her hitching breath.

Mrs. Russell allowed herself a moment of silence before beginning again, her voice strained with sorrow: “I discovered that Cory had been having an affair. Nidya was living with his mistress, even calling that woman ‘mom’. The three of them were playing happy families.”

“When I found out about this, I asked Cory for a divorce. I thought the children would understand me, but Nidya said…

——’Mom, as a woman, you have to be tolerant. Dad just made a mistake that every man might make. And since you’ve been living separately for so long, he needed a woman to care for him. You can’t entirely blame him.’

——’Not to mention, we both like Auntie Mr. Legend. She’s young, beautiful, and kind. She takes great care of me and I feel happy living with her.’

“After that, Nidya never came back. After I divorced Cory, I took Nina and Frederick back to the Russell family. Yet, as the girls got older, Nidya stole Nina’s fiancé, Jeremy Campbell. She became a person I no longer recognized, abrasive and cruel; she had entirely forgotten the bond between siblings.”

Mrs. Russell’s voice was full of despair, “I carry some blame for the way she is now! Xaviera, I despise her, but I also bear guilt. If I had insisted on keeping her with me back then, perhaps things would have been different.”

Xaviera remained silent. Perhaps when Nidya left home back then, it was indeed for her parents. However, she later abandoned her family for the sake of a stranger.

According to Mrs. Russell, the same girl who had been a sweet sister just the week before suddenly became abusive.

Xaviera couldn’t help but feel like Nidya had become a stranger.

At this moment, Mrs. Russell slowly spoke: “Anyway, if it concerns Nidya, you can consult with me. Don’t be deceived by her.”

Xaviera replied, “Alright, Grandma.”

After ending the call, Xaviera was still lost in thoughts about what Mrs. Russell had said. Something didn’t add up. What could have happened to cause such a drastic change in Nidya within such a short span of time? Didn’t the Russell family find this unusual?

Perhaps everyone had their suspicions, but since they couldn’t find any evidence, Mrs. Russell had given up.

Just then, Caleb walked in and carried her to his car, “The school is a bit far from here; I’ll give you a ride.”

Looking at Xaviera who was deep in her thoughts, he gently said, “The news on the internet was deliberately disseminated by Nidya, don’t let it bother you.”

Xaviera nodded.

Caleb started the car, his mind as muddled as a ball of yarn.

Sean had just called, anxiously saying, “President, this morning, Mr. Mamet and the joint-stockholders stirred up trouble and even invited all the investors over. They said that if you don’t show up today, they will collaborate with Mr. Mamet.”