Return Of The Real Heiress: Secrets And Masks

After finishing the call, Claire yawned, feeling the weight of sleepiness.

It was, after all, the time when most people were supposed to be asleep.

Then, remembering something, she glanced at Arthur beside her and chuckled, "Sorry about this. It's such a late hour, and here I am troubling you to come out.

"Sorry for disturbing your rest!"

Arthur could see how tired she was; her eyelids were drooping significantly. "You don't need to be so polite with me. If you're sleepy, just lie down and rest. I'll wake you up when we arrive. You're safe here, so feel free to sleep."

Claire shook her head vigorously and smiled, "No, it's okay. Let me say what I need to say first, and then I'll lie down and rest."

Arthur nodded, understanding that she had something important to say. "Alright, go ahead. I'm listening."

Claire reached up and touched her forehead, her expression showing a hint of hesitation.

Arthur didn't rush her, just sat quietly by her side.

After a moment, Claire finally spoke slowly, "Arthur, I've been thinking a lot about what you said these past few days. I'm not young anymore, but I'm definitely not old either.

“And that doesn't matter at all. As long as I have a young heart, that's what counts. Youth is about taking risks, not fearing gossip, and following your heart.

"So I've decided that at the age of 45, on the brink of turning 46, I want to give us a real try. I want to see what it's like to be with you properly."

Though Claire's words were spoken with gravity, the hint of shyness on her face couldn't be hidden.

Arthur noticed it all.

He smiled at her for a few seconds before extending his large hand. "Welcome to my life, Claire. It's my honor to have you."

This gesture eased the awkwardness that came with Claire's shyness. She extended her hand as well. "And welcome to my life, Arthur. It's my honor too."

With that, their hands clasped together, shook a few times, and they both laughed in unison.

When the news of Stella's arrest reached Tristan, his private jet had just landed in Ritewood.

He was there to attend an important bilateral economic summit.

Before he even left the airport, his assistant received the news.

He approached him, saying, "Sir, Ms. Walton was taken away by Arthur's men. It seems Arthur personally went to the island to find Claire and arrested Stella.

"She was caught with a knife in Claire's room, intending to kill her. There are witnesses and evidence."

Tristan's face turned pale with anger.

He walked into the airport's VIP lounge and growled, "Stella, that fool, how could she be so impulsive? And how did they get witnesses and evidence? How did Arthur even get there?"

This was the second point the assistant wanted to make. "We have a mole on our island, sent by Arthur. His name is Ryan, and he's the older brother of Mateo."

Hearing this, Tristan's eyes widened in disbelief. He cursed, "Ryan! Arthur! Damn it! For years, I couldn't plant a single person in his circle, and now it turns out he's had his hands in my territory? Is he planning to confront me openly?

"I don't mind a confrontation, but I'm worried about being exposed to the public.

Where was Stella taken? Has anyone informed my parents?"

The assistant replied truthfully, "She was likely taken to the Dark Web Division. As for Mr. and Mrs. Walton, no one has informed them yet."

Tristan stamped his foot in frustration. "Find someone to inform them. Stella is their precious daughter, and they should handle it themselves. Also, release Lydia. I have a new mission for her."

It was the third thing the assistant wanted to tell Tristan, "Sir, the family informed us that Lydia has escaped!noveldrama

"And according to our informants on the island, it seems Lydia has defected to Cherise's side, as she was the one who brought several people ashore."

"Lydia!" The word was gritted out through Tristan's teeth.

He kicked a wooden stool with all his might, sending it crashing into a glass

screen.

"Great. How ridiculous! So my own daughter has betrayed me, hasn't she? The daughter I raised with all my heart sides with my rivals.

"No wonder, she likes a man from Morris's side. Fine! Very well!

"Arthur, you want to confront me openly? Very well, then let's do it! It's time to settle the old grudge of you taking my position years ago.

"Inform my parents about Stella's arrest and her betrayal. As for the rest, we'll deal with it after the summit. We'll be heading back to Clusia immediately!"

"Yes, sir!"

Soon, the news of Stella's arrest reached the ears of the Waltons.

Upon hearing it, Jagger was furious. "How dare they treat my daughter this way?

"Hmph! Arthur, you bastard! If it weren't for us old-timers paving the way and securing your positions, would you have the peace and stability you enjoy today? "To think he dared to imprison Stella in the Dark Web Division? That's a grave insult to our family."

Cora chimed in, "My dear, we must prepare immediately and go get her. Stella has never known hardship.

"If they refuse to cooperate, we can no longer show mercy to Morris or Arthur. Arthur clearly has no affection for Stella, and the two of them have no future together. He must be dealt with!

"Stella is the daughter we've longed for and cherished. We can't let her be imprisoned in that dark, humiliating place."

Ironically, as they spoke, they had completely forgotten about Lydia, who had been imprisoned in the Dark Web abrirm twice recently.

In comparison, it was clear who held more weight in the Walton family Fortunately, Lydia was no longer there; otherwise, her heart would have been broken all over again.