Chapter 1
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Samantha Moreno watched the scene unfold from the rootrop, a shy smile spreading across her face, jewel, you’ve had it easy for over twenty years, she thought to herself is time for that to come to an end
jewel hadn’t gone far when her phone rang she glanced at the caller ID and answered, recognizing the familiar voice.
Jewel, is it true the Moreno family kicked you out? the caller asked.
Jewel’s tome was flat as she confirmed with a simple “Mm?
The caller’s voice grew agitated, “This is outrageous! 1 www the video of what happened before Samantha fell into the water she clearly tripped on her own. If you hadn’t jumped in to save her, she would we drowned
After a poise, the vince continued, even more heated. “The Moreno family is a bunch of ungrateful wolves. As soon as their biological daughter shows up, they toss you out like trash. If we’d known it would come to this, you should never have bailed out their company”
Jewel let out a soft chuckle, her composure a stark contrast to the caller’s agitation. “Listen to you, getting all worked up
Anyone would think you were the one who got kicked out?
I’m just angry on your behalf! the caller insisted
“Alright, alright jewel said, “Just come pick me up, will your I’ve been trying to hail a cab forever, and I’m about to turn into * drowned rat
Her words were cut short as a blinding fight suddenly shot towards her. She instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes. The screech of brakes pierced the air, but on the rain–slicked roads, it was futile. The car slammed into her before she could
The impact sent jewel flying into a neartry flowerbed, her head cracking against a rock. She struggled to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over her, and she lost consciousness.
As she fell back, the necklace around her neck shipped into view
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11:43 Thu, 18 Dec A
Chapter 1
The driver scrambled out of the car and rushed to check on the victim. Panic was evident in his voice as he reported back to his passenger. “Mr. Snider, I think she’s passed out.”
Calvert Snider, the man in the back seat, gazed down at the unconscious woman, his expression unreadable. He insed a single command. “Take her to the hospital”
As Jewel was lifted into the car, Calvert’s eyes were drawn to the necklace around her neck. His brow furrowed as he leaned closer to examine it. In the dim light of the car’s interior, he could make out the shape of a moon pendant
With sudden urgency, he pulled out his phone, scrolling through his gallery until he found a particular photo. The sun pendant in the image was a perfect match for the moon around Jewel’s neck.
The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. This woman was his childhood betrothed–the long–lost girl of the Turner family.
When Jewel came to, she found herself surrounded by a chorus of unfamiliar voices. As her vision cleared, she locked eyes with a silver–haired elderly man. Behind him stood four strikingly handsome young men.
The old man’s eyes welled up as he spoke. “My dear, you’re awake.”
Jewel’s brow furrowed in confusion. “I’m sorry, but who are you?” she asked, trying to make sense of the scene.
Franklin Turner’s voice quavered with emotion as he explained. “My dear, I’m your grandpa. These three are your brothers – Lachlan, Caspian, and Jackson Turner. And this fine young man is your fiancé, Calvert.”
He paused, his voice thick with regret. “It’s all my fault. If I had kept a closer eye on you back then, you would never have been taken from us.”
Jewel’s confusion deepened. One minute she was getting kicked out of the Moreno family, and the next she had a grandfather, three brothers, and even a fiancé. This had to be some kind of wild dream
Sensing Jewel’s bewilderment, Lachlan stepped forward, gesturing to the necklace around her neck. “You see that necklace? It’s the Turner family’s heirloom – the Sun and Moon set. Grandpa placed it around your neck himself the day you were born.”
Jewel’s hand instinctively went to the necklace. Her father – or rather, the man she had believed to be her father – had given, it to her on her eighteenth birthday, claiming he had bought it back at great expense from an auction.
Lachlan continued, his voice laced with guilt. “It’s our fault – we were too busy fooling around back then and didn’t watch over you properly. That was how those lowlifes managed to snatch you away.”
“Hold on, Jewel interrupted, trying to process this flood of information. She looked at each of them skeptically. “Isn’t it a stretch to claim I’m family based on just a necklace?”
Franklin’s eyes softened as he gazed at her. “There’s no doubt in my mind. Your eyes are the spitting image of your mother’s I’d stake my life on it – you’re my granddaughter, through and through.”
Before Jewel could object, a deep, cool voice cut through the air. “There’s no need for speculation. I’ve already sent a sample of your hair for DNA testing. We’ll have concrete proof soon.”
Jewel turned to face the speaker – Calvert, her alleged fiancé. His piercing eyes and chiseled features were undeniably handsome, but his demeanor was ice–cold, warning others to keep their distance.
Despite herself, Jewel’s gaze lingered on his face a moment too long. She had always been a sucker for a pretty face.
Calvert’s eyes swept over her, and he suddenly raised his hand to button up the top of his shirt. Jewel blinked in surprise, wondering what had prompted that reaction.
2/3
11:43 Thu, 10 Dec ASIO.
Fesking the subtle interaction, deared his throat and addressed the three Turner brothers. “It’s getting late boys. Why do you help me back to my room?
But Grandpa. Tan stay and look after Lachlan began, but seeing his grandfather’s meaningful look, he quickly caught
jwel was at a loss for words, completely unimpressed fry their terrible acting
“Calvert,” Lachlan said, we’ll take Grandpa back. Mind looking after our sister for us? Thanks, man
jewel opened her mouth to protest, but to her surprise, Calvert nodded.
Onor the door clicked shut behind the others, Calvert turned to face Jewel. His eyes bore into her with an intensity that made her breath catch.
“Now that everyone else is gone,” he said, his voice low and serious, “we need to discuss breaking off our engagement”
