Chapter 799

Mary and Penelope had grown accustomed to the lifestyle of socialites, yet Ashlyn’s appearance had ruined their fairytale lives in an instant.

That b*tch is an absolute jinx! She carries bad luck everywhere she goes!

Just then, Ryan arrived at the dark room and looked at the elderly woman guarding the door. “Open it!”

The woman hesitated briefly before following his orders.

Light suddenly illuminated the dark room, and Mary instinctively flinched and shielded her eyes from the glare.

“Have you come to get us, Ryan?” Upon recognizing Ryan, Mary hurriedly stood up and supported Penelope to her feet. She added, “Penelope’s sick. She’s running a fever. Take us away from this place.”

“I’m here to ask you something,” Ryan asked while looking down at Mary. His cold expression lacked any hint of brotherly affection.

Stunned, Mary asked, “About what?”

“Mary, we used to play in the backyard of the Count’s Mansion all the time. You even made a flower crown for me out of the plants there. Do you remember?”

Awkwardly, Mary answered, “Ryan, I don’t remember many things from our past. I went missing when I was so young, you see.”

“Not really. If I can remember them, why can’t you?” Frostily, Ryan continued, “I even remember you have a birthmark over your left waist. Can I look at it now?”

“Ah? Really? We may be siblings, but there should definitely be some propriety between us. How can I bare such a spot for you?” At the same time, Mary stared at Ryan in shock.

What is he playing at, coming here so suddenly and accosting me with so many questions? Is he suspecting something? But that’s impossible. I didn’t give anything away. When did he start suspecting me? Have I not done enough to keep up my facade?

Ryan arched a brow and drawled, “We grew up together and were very close. I’m just asking to see your birthmark. I’m not going to look anywhere else.”

Mary fumbled for an excuse. “Ah, why are we fixating on this? A birthmark can hardly represent our entire relationship, can it? It has always been there. How can it suddenly disappear? Why don’t you head back first? I-I’ve been here for so long, and I’m absolutely filthy. After Mom lets Penelope and me out, I’ll take a shower and show you the birthmark.”

There was no such birthmark on her body, but if Ryan insisted she had one, by hook by crook, she would make sure there was one over her left waist.

In fact, Mary was already contemplating methods to create a fake birthmark.

Her best option was to buy herself as much time as she could to execute her plan.

Ryan nodded at her words and dropped the topic. “All right, then.”

He promptly left the dark room, and the metal door slammed heavily behind him.

Mary was flabbergasted. He’s leaving? What about Penelope and me? What was all that talk about being close siblings? Da*n it!

Meanwhile, Ryan headed for his room with a grim expression.

His gaze was so cold it could freeze water.

My sister doesn’t have a birthmark at all! I was just testing Mary, and she actually claimed to have a birthmark!

Once he reached his room, he flung himself on the bed and closed his eyes.

At the same time, Bianca received a report from a housekeeper about Mary and Penelope’s situation.

“A fever?” Bianca almost dropped her cup from shock. “Let them out. Quick. Get the family doctor to check on Penelope.”

“Yes.”

The housekeeper hurried to the dark room, trailed by Bianca, who muttered, “Matilda, we should check on them too. Oh, dear! No matter how angry I am at them, they’re still my flesh and blood!”

“Yes, Old Mrs. Yates.”

Someone supported Mary as she stumbled out of the dark room, while Penelope was so weak she had to be carried.

The haggard pair returned to their rooms. Penelope’s body was burning, and her face was devoid of color.

Thankfully, the family doctor arrived quickly and gave her an injection to bring down the fever. He also prescribed some medicine for her.