Unexpected Revelations

Uncle Wang looked on in surprise as Zuri dismounted from the motorcycle. "Second Miss, why are you riding this? It's too dangerous."

Zuri had no time for small talk. She nodded curtly at Uncle Wang and hurried inside. There was only one thought in her mind: uncovering the truth. She needed to know if she was really their daughter.

In the living room, Dalia was leisurely arranging flowers, the soothing music creating a serene and comfortable atmosphere. Zuri's sudden entrance shattered the calm elegance of the scene.

Dalia frowned slightly as she placed a small daisy into a vase and looked up. "Zuri, bursting in like this is quite improper. You might do this at home, but remember to behave properly outside to avoid making a spectacle of yourself."

Zuri stepped forward and replied softly, "Okay."

Dalia was taken aback, seemingly surprised by Zuri's unexpected compliance. "Mother, teach me how to arrange flowers," Zuri said, picking up a thorny rose.

Dalia was even more astonished. Ever since Zuri had come through the door, she had always felt a sense of distance from her, a cold and aloof demeanor that was hard to describe. This sudden closeness made her uncomfortable.

"Alright," Dalia said with a smile. "I'll teach you. Flower arranging is a skill that can cultivate your temperament. It will help with your impulsive nature."

Arianwen came in with a tray of fruits and was pleased to see the mother and daughter chatting happily.

"In a few days, there's a charity event. I plan to donate blood with Azura. Mother, my blood type is O, right?" Zuri asked casually.

Dalia tensed up and disagreed. "I think it's O. While it's great that you want to help, there are safer ways to do it. Donating blood isn't always safe; you could catch diseases. Let's avoid it."

Zuri smiled. "Those concerns are outdated. Blood donation is very safe now, no need to worry."

"No, what if something does happen? It took so long to find you, I don't want anything to happen to you. Be a good girl and listen to me."

Dalia was adamant.

"Alright, I'll listen to you," Zuri agreed, then suddenly asked, "Mom, what's your blood type?"

Dalia, relieved that Zuri had dropped the idea of blood donation, answered naturally, "I'm type B."

"Oh, then I must have inherited my blood type from Father," Zuri said with a smile.

Dalia nodded. "That's right."

She didn't want to continue the topic and shifted the conversation. "Your father plans to have you married once you turn twenty. If you really like Leo, I won't object."

"Do you not want me to be with Leo?" Zuri asked, puzzled.

Dalia saw a rare opportunity to speak her mind. "Leo is excellent, but his family is complicated. I want you to be happy and not have to deal with those complexities. If you two have issues, we might not be able to help."

Zuri, rather than feeling touched by Dalia's concern, felt a chill in her heart.

Zuri wasn't someone who lived a sheltered life. She had seen the worst of human nature through her harsh experiences. She could clearly sense Dalia's intentions behind her words, especially after hearing from Azura that Saira often tried to visit the lakeside island.

It wasn't hard to guess Saira's motives. Dalia certainly knew and had given instructions several times. If the Leo family was so dangerous, why would she send her beloved daughter into such a situation?

In her previous life, Zuri had envied the affection Dalia showed Saira. In this life, nothing had changed. Suddenly, a shocking thought crossed her mind.

Zuri leaned closer to Dalia for the first time, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I understand. I'll keep my distance from him. We're just friends, not what you think."

Dalia, seeing Zuri's compliance, was pleased. "Mother, I'm back," Saira's sweet voice echoed as she entered the living room, her smile fading upon seeing Zuri and Dalia together.

Zuri smiled at Saira, a smile that seemed to say, "See, Mother is mine."

"I'm a bit tired, I'll go upstairs," Saira said, her heart aching. Despite being prepared for this, it still hurt when the moment came. She hurried upstairs, not wanting to see their closeness.

Zuri observed Dalia's pained expression, which was clear to see. Dalia wanted to say something but ultimately stayed silent, her expression normal as she looked at Zuri. "I'll teach you more another day. Your arrangement today is quite nice."

Zuri nodded. "I'll go upstairs."

"Go ahead."

After she left, Dalia's smile faded. She looked at the two flower arrangements in front of her and called a maid. "Place them in the entryway."

The maid carried the flowers away. "Where are you putting those?" Arianwen asked.

"Madam wants them in the entryway."

"They're so beautiful. Why put them there?" Arianwen looked at the flowers, recognizing one as Zuri's work.

"I don't know."

Upstairs, Zuri closed her door and opened her hand to reveal a long strand of hair. She had plucked it from Dalia without her noticing. Zuri placed the hair in a sealed plastic bag.

Later that evening, Zuri knocked on the study door, carrying a tray with tea and snacks. "Father."

Aaron looked up. "What's the matter?"

Aaron had been troubled lately. The Hu family had somehow managed to change the plans for the West Suburb project, turning it into a profitable venture. Now the Hu family's crisis was over, making Aaron, who had abandoned them, a laughingstock.

Because of that piece of land, the Hu family was now poised to make billions, and everyone who had praised Aaron was now admiring Sergio's boldness and skill.