Chapter 6

She paused before continuing.

"And... her wish was granted."

Bryce's eyes widened slightly.

Ava's voice became increasingly sorrowful.

"She said she doesn't want to stay in the Hart family anymore... despite everything Mother and Father have done for her."

As she spoke, tears gradually gathered at the corners of her eyes.

"I tried persuading her not to leave, but..." she sniffled softly. "She pushed me away."

A single tear rolled down her cheek.

"She wouldn't listen to anyone."

Bryce remained silent.

Ava continued, making herself appear even more pitiful.

"She's still jealous because William chose me."

She lowered her head sadly.

"After all... he was originally betrothed to the real daughter of the Hart family."

She gently placed a hand on her chest.

"Which is me."

"William has always loved me."

She sighed dramatically.

"But Rose refuses to accept reality."

"She became so upset that she decided to submit an application just to leave this family forever."

"That's enough."

Bryce's cold voice interrupted her and shook his head firmly.

"That's not true."

His expression hardened.

"Rose would never do something like that."

Ava looked at him with an expression of disbelief.

"But that's the truth, Brother."

She forced another bitter smile.

"Please... just let her go."

"I've already tried persuading her."

"So did Mother and Father."

"But she was determined to leave the Hart family."

After saying that, Ava turned toward Mrs. Hart.

"Please help Elder Brother understand, Mother."

Mrs. Hart immediately held a hand against her chest as though she were deeply hurt.

"That child..." she said bitterly.

"I can't believe I raised her all these years only for her to reveal her true colors."

Her voice trembled with anger.

"Do you know what she asked me today?"

Bryce silently stared at her.

"She asked me how much it cost to raise her all these years."

Mrs. Hart shook her head in disappointment.

"How ungrateful can someone possibly be?"

Bryce couldn't help letting out a cold scoff.

"Or maybe..." he replied sharply, "...she only said that because all of you have been pushing her too far."

Silence instantly filled the room.

His eyes swept across every member of the family.

"You all know Rose."

His tone became even more serious.

"When she's angry, she says things she doesn't truly mean."

"Do you honestly believe she's happy about leaving this family?"

He looked directly at Mr. and Mrs. Hart.

"And all of you simply stood by and watched her leave?"

"What were we supposed to do?" Ava asked helplessly.

"She already found a match."

"That proves she meant every word she said."

She wiped away another fake tear.

"Please just let her go, Brother."

"I genuinely tried building a relationship with her."

"I wanted to be a good sister."

Her lips trembled.

"But she hates me."

Bryce stared at her silently before letting out another scoff.

"Build a relationship with her..."

He muttered those words under his breath, his eyes filled with obvious disbelief.

Not believing a single word she had said.

Without another moment of hesitation, he shut the laptop firmly.

"I'm going to bring Rose back."

The declaration echoed throughout the living room.

The moment those words left his mouth, Ava felt her entire body stiffen.

A wave of panic washed over her.

Her heart pounded violently inside her chest.

No...

He can't find her.

What if Rose tells him everything?

Ava forced herself to remain composed despite the terror rising within her.

"For real, Brother? I'm afraid she won't listen to you."

It's better she marries some useless wastrel and leaves the Hart family for good. Ava thought inwardly. If she knows what's best for her, she'll never set foot in this mansion again.

After pretending to think for a few seconds, Ava finally sighed in resignation.

"Alright then, Brother."

"If that's really what you want to do..."

She forced a small smile.

"I truly hope she'll listen to you."

"After all..."

"You're her favorite brother."

She lowered her head as though feeling guilty.

"And if she agrees to come back..."

"I promise I'll never frustrate her again."

"I won't make her sad anymore."

Bryce gave her a long look before nodding once.

"Good."

He turned toward Mr. and Mrs. Hart.

"I'll be back."

Without waiting for either of them to respond, Bryce turned around and strode out of the Hart mansion with determined steps.