Chapter 198

But then she was violated by him who was drunk. When he sobered up, the count concerned about his reputation, pressed a significant amount of money into Lena’s hands, insisting that she must never reveal what had transpired.

At that tine, Lena’s family was in dire need of a large sum, so she accepted the Count’s money, never expecting that she would become pregnant.

Lena initially planned to abort the unexpected child, but the doctor informed her that her uterine wall was too thin to endure the procedure, and she would never be able to conceive again. She couldn’t bear the thought, and despite the agony, she brought the child into the world.

Then, to hide the existence of the child and to prevent the Count and his wife from discovering her, she tearfully left the child at an orphanage. Still, she would occasionally sneak off to see the child she had abandoned. She watched her daughter grow day by day, which brought her both joy and sorrow. Her joy lay in her daughter’s blossoming beauty, and her sorrow in not being able to meet her lonely gaze and innate longing for maternal love.

At the time, the Duke already had a son and a daughter, and a family feud was brewing. Revealing the truth about Natalia’s birth would likely put her in mortal danger. Thus, Lena, burdened by guilt, happened to encounter her old flame, Kyler.

Lena confessed to Kyler the truth about her daughter’s conception and implored him to take Natalia back to his homeland, to raise her as his own, and to promise to provide her with the best care.

Kyler, who had been in love with Lena in their youth but was separated from her due to parental interference, agreed to Lena’s request. He took Natalia home and introduced her to his family as his biological daughter.

Natalia sat on the couch, quietly listening to Lena recount her past. Her emotions were in turmoil for a long time. She had always thought that she was an unwanted child, but she had never imagined that she was the product of a rape. The realization caused indescribable pain that left her feeling dizzy.

No wonder she lived in an orphanage. Everything was because she was a child that should not have existed!

At this moment, Natalia’s eyes were dry. She only wanted to know who the despicable perpetrator was.

“I want to know, who is he?” She asked.

Although Natalia didn’t say it explicitly, Lena understood that she wanted to know who her biological father was.

Lena hesitated for a moment before deciding to tell the truth. “It’s Henry’s father, Count Rowell.

Natalia was stunned by this revelation. She had never imagined that the seemingly amiable Henry would turn out to be her half–brother. Everything was too bizarre. It seemed that Cal’s decision to keep the truth from her was because he was afraid that she wouldn’t be able to bear it.

Now that she knew everything, Natalia didn’t know how to face Lena. She quickly stood up and said, “I’m sorry, Ms. Lena, I have to go.”

Lena hurried after her. “Can you forgive me, baby? I sent you away because I feared for your safety. If the count and his wife knew about you, they would surely harm you. I had no choice…”

Natalia shook her head weakly. “It’s all in the past… I just need some quiet time alone. I’m sorry to have disturbed you, Ms. Lena.” With that, Natalia pushed her way out of the room. Lena leaned against the wall, sinking to the floor as silent tears streamed down her face. Her daughter wouldn’t forgive her.

She referred to her as Ms. Lena. The pain was unbearable. She wished she could disappear from this world.

Natalia was her flesh and blood, borne from her womb after ten months. How could she not love her child? However, the aristocracy valued lineage above all else. They only allowed intermarriages within the nobility. Commoners were strictly forbidden from bearing their offspring. To protect Natalia, she had secretly placed her in the orphanage.

Now, Lena was facing an adult Natalia, and her inquiring gaze left her at a loss for words.

Outside, Natalia staggered away. When she saw Callum, she couldn’t hold back any longer. She collapsed into Callum’s arms, and her expression filled with sorrow. “Let’s go.” “Ms. Clarkson, are you really Ms. Lena’s daughter?” Henry immediately asked.

Callum glared at Henry. “Shut up, can’t you see how pale she is? Why are you still asking questions!”

With that, he scooped up the frail Natalia, and asked her worriedly, “Are you okay, Buttercup?”

Natalia slumped in the car seat. Her breath was shallow. “I’m fine… Let’s go home, Callum.”

Alright.”

Callum didn’t press for more details. He drove off, leaving Lena’s home behind. Not long after, they pulled up in front of an imposing castle. Without turning his head, Callum told Henry, “You can get out now.”

Henry was visibly upset. “Really? I don’t understand anything yet, and I’m just getting /3 13:10 kicked out? That’s not fair.”

“Fair? Where in the world is there true fairness?‘ With that, Callum pushed Henry out of the car and drove off.

Henry looked disheveled, and dusted off his crumpled suit, shaking his head in disbelief. *Jerk. So impolite!”

With that, he headed towards his family’s castle. Before he could enter, he unexpectedly ran into someone.

“Dad, what are you doing standing here so late?”

The man was none other than Henry’s father, Count Rowell. Dressed in a black suit, he had a head of gray hair that was like snow. His gaze was deep and stern, and his dark blue eyes shone with a faint light. Hearing Henry’s voice, Count Rowell turned around and asked sternly, “It’s late. Where are you coming from?”

Henry scratched his head. “Ah, I’ve just returned from Ms. Lena’s place.”

Count Rowell’s eyes flickered as he frowned. “What were you doing at her place in the middle of the night?”

“I was just with a girl, who might be Ms. Lena’s daughter,” said Henry, sticking out his tongue a bit. He then quickly corrected himself. “They just look very similar, and I’m not sure if they’re related. It’s late, I should head back to my room.”

Count Rowell just hummed in reply. After Henry was out of sight, he cast a glance towards Lena’s house, then scowled as he retreated back to his castle.

A girl who looked like Lena