Dumped Then Claimed By A Billionaire (Nerissa and Owen) novel Chapter 115

Chapter 115

Chapter 115

Anna just stared at Nerissa.

Her gaze was dripping with mockery.

After all, she was supposed to be the most important guest at the Berenson family’s place today.

‘Does Nerissa even know who’s supposed to be in the spotlight?’

The more Anna dwelled on it, the more pissed off she became.

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She used to think people as oblivious as Nerissa only existed in cheesy novels, but turns out, real life is just as wild.

‘Seriously, just when I thought nothing could surprise me anymore, Anna muttered to herself.

Mrs. Berenson smiled and said, “Nerissa, I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I just asked the kitchen to prepare a few dishes. I hope you’ll find something to your liking.”

“Mrs. Berenson, if a feast fit for royalty is considered ‘just a few dishes,’ then what does that make my usual meals?” Nerissa joked, glancing at Mrs. Berenson. “You’re really spoiling me here-I’m not sure I can handle all this extravagance!”

Nerissa had been to Minttown before, so she was no stranger to the way people here treated their guests.

When Nerissa said that, Anna couldn’t help but react.

‘Does she really think the Berenson family prepared an imperial banquet just for her?

‘Yeah, right.

‘What a shameless brat.

‘She’s only basking in my spotlight and doesn’t even get it. Totally clueless.

‘So shameless it’s honestly embarrassing.

‘If it weren’t for me, Nerissa wouldn’t even get a taste of this royal spread.

‘Not a chance, Anna scoffed inwardly.

Mrs. Berenson hurried to reassure her, “Don’t be silly, you absolutely deserve it! Forget everything else-Nerissa, you’re the one who saved my life!”

‘A life-saver?

‘When did Nerissa turn into some kind of hero?

‘She just Jucked out and hit the jackpot!

Anna figured Mrs. Berenson was just being polite, but of course, Nerissa actually took it seriously.

“Anna, come sit here,” Just then, Chloe walked over and patted the seat next to her, gesturing for Anna to join her.

Dawn was the youngest grandson in the Berenson family. In ancient times, the name Dawn was a poetic term for a star.

He was the youngest of all the Berenson family’s grandsons.

He was the son of Chloe and Frederick.

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Anna just knew the Berenson family really liked her.

And sure enough, they seated her right next to Dawn.

It was clear as day.

Anna could tell Chloe was trying to play matchmaker between her and Dawn.

Even though Dawn was the youngest grandson in the Berenson family, his talent was nothing to scoff at.

He’d grown up in Paxoria, and at just 23, he was already ranked among the top three tycoons on the continent.

He hadn’t cracked the Forbes Global list just yet, but that day was definitely coming soon.

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The more Anna thought about it, the more excited she got. She flashed a bright smile and said, “Thanks, Aunt Chloe.”

“You’re welcome. Make yourself comfortable, and don’t be shy when the food comes,” Chloe said. The Berenson family’s dining room was massive-350 square meters, and the table was so ridiculously huge, you’d need a megaphone to be heard from one end to the other.

“You’re too kind, Aunt Chloe. I’ll just treat this place like my own home,” Anna replied with a sweet smile.

“Treat this place like her own home?’

Chloe’s brows twitched almost imperceptibly.

‘Anna’s getting a bit too comfortable for someone who’s just a guest.

‘Did I say something that made her think she could just move in?

‘Pretty sure I didn’t,’ Chloe reassured herself.

She’d put Anna here because, as a junior in the family, she had to sit with the Berenson family’s grandkids.

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After all, Anna and Nerissa were in completely different positions in the family.

It’s not like she could put Anna up front with Mrs. Berenson.

“Go ahead and sit,” Chloe said calmly, then turned and walked off without another word.

Better not say anything more-who knows what Anna might start thinking again.

Anna slid into the seat next to Dawn, her voice sweet as honey. “Dawn.”

“Ms. Bailey,” Dawn replied with a polite nod.

“Come on, Dawn, you don’t have to be so formal-just call me Anna

Dawn didn’t say anything, just gave her a polite smile.

He was the type with bold, unforgettable looks.

When he smiled, it was downright mesmerizing-true to his name, his eyes seemed to hold a galaxy of stars, sparkling, warm, and dangerously charming.

Anna could barely keep herself afloat in the sea of his dazzling smile.

‘Oh my god!

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‘Dawn just smiled at me!

And those eyes… so dreamy, so full of emotion.

“Wait, is Dawn totally into me already?

Who knows, maybe he really is!’

The moment Anna realized it, her heart started pounding like crazy.

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Anna leaned in, keeping the conversation going. “Dawn, I heard you’re making big moves in Paxoria these days.”

“Yeah,” Dawn replied.

Anna’s smile got even brighter. “I went there for vacation two years ago. It was awesome.”

“Mm.”

“Dawn, did you go to college in Paxoria too?”

“Mm.”

‘She just won’t shut up!’ Dawn thought, feeling his patience snap.

‘Anna is seriously way too chatty!’

Dawn was honestly tempted to just plug his ears and tune her out.

Yep.

He had zero interest in talking to Anna, so whatever she said, he just grunted “mm” back at her.

But Anna was totally clueless, like she couldn’t read the room at all.

Dawn was floored-he never realized someone could be this dense.

“Dawn…”

Just as Anna was about to say something else, Dawn stood up and said, “Excuse me, Ms. Bailey, I need to use the restroom.”

‘Why did Dawn suddenly get up and head to the bathroom?”

She stared after him, confusion written all over her face,

‘Weren’t we just hitting it off?

“Wait, did I make him so flustered he had to escape and cool off?

The more Anna dwelled on it, the more convinced she became.

She’d read some stories about Dawn before.

Even though he was already twenty-three, he’d never been with anyone-not even once.

He’d never had a girlfriend, ever.

She was probably the first girl who’d ever gotten this close to him in real life.

Just thinking about it made Anna’s cheeks flush. “Okay, Dawn, go ahead,” she said.

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Dawn turned and headed for the restroom.

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The table was massive, the Berenson family had a ton of people, and with everyone’s attention on Nerissa, it was almost impossible to notice if someone left the table.

On Nerissa’s left sat Mrs. Berenson, and on her right was Victor.

The two of them kept loading up Nerissa’s plate with food, using the serving chopsticks nonstop.

In no time, her plate was stacked so high it looked like a little mountain.

“Eat up, Nerissa! Have some more meat, you need to put some meat on your bones. You’re way too skinny!”

“Make yourself at home, Nerissa.”

“Seriously, Nerissa, don’t hold back!”

Nerissa genuinely enjoyed the meal, feeling right at home with all the warmth and attention from the Berenson family.

Later that afternoon, Nerissa said she should get going. As much as she loved hanging out with the Berenson family, Faye was still waiting for her back at the hotel-no way was she going to leave her friend all by herself.

Mrs. Berenson really didn’t want Nerissa to leave. She just stood at the door, staring after her until Nerissa was completely out of sight.

It was like Nerissa was leaving for good, and might never come back.

Marianne tried to comfort her. “Mom, don’t worry. Once the DNA test comes back, we’ll have Arie move in with us. You’ll get to see her every single day.”

That finally brought a smile to Mrs. Berenson’s face.

Jessica grinned and added, “Marianne’s right, Mom. Once the DNA results are in, you can hang out with Arie as much as you

want.”

The daughters-in-law gently supported Mrs. Berenson as they walked back inside.

Suddenly, Nancy seemed to remember something. “Oh, Mom, should we let Mrs. Sullivan know about the DNA test we’re doing with Nerissa?”

After all, this was a pretty big deal.

Mrs. Berenson hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. “Let’s not say anything just yet. Tiffany’s health isn’t great, and Arie means everything to her. I don’t want to put her through any unnecessary stress. We’ll tell her once the results are in—it won’t hurt to wait.”

Even though Mrs. Berenson was convinced in her heart that Nerissa was really their Arie, the DNA results still hadn’t come back yet.

If it turned out she wasn’t, then all of Mrs. Sullivan’s hopes would’ve been for nothing.

Nancy nodded. “You’re right, Mom.”

They all walked into the living room.

Anna was still sitting on the couch.

Mrs. Berenson just felt a headache coming on. The ones I want to stay are gone, and the ones I wish would leave are still hanging around!’ she thought, annoyed.

TUE

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“Mrs. Berenson,” Anna jumped up as soon as she saw her come in. “You’re home.”

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Mrs. Berenson nodded, rubbing her temples, then turned to Verena and said, “Verena, make sure Anna’s comfortable. I’ve got a headache-I’m going to rest in my room for a while.”

Anna narrowed her eyes, suspicion flashing across her face. ‘A headache?

‘What’s up with Mrs. Berenson suddenly getting a headache?’ Anna wondered, not buying it for a second.

Anyone could tell it was Nerissa who’d gotten under her skin.

Verena immediately looked worried when she heard Mrs. Berenson had a headache. “Mom, are you okay? Should I call Dr. Smith over to check on you?”

“No need, I just need to get some sleep and I’ll be fine,” Mrs. Berenson replied.

Hearing that, Anna was 100% sure Mrs. Berenson’s headache was Nerissa’s fault.

‘Otherwise, why would she not even bother with a doctor?

‘Nerissa is so clueless, she doesn’t even realize how much trouble she’s causing Anna sneered to herself.

She stood up, her voice soft and sweet. “Mrs. Berenson, I actually picked up a bit of massage last year from a teacher. How about I give you a quick massage? It’ll help you feel better.”

“No need, really,” Mrs. Berenson gently refused.

Anna’s lips curled into a subtle, self-satisfied smile.

‘She must be worried I’ll wear myself out, Anna thought, feeling pretty pleased with herself. ‘I mean, everyone in the Berenson family is trying to match me up with Dawn-it’s only a matter of time before I’m their future daughter-in-law.’

*****

Nerissa made her way back to the hotel.

That afternoon, she and Faye had a blast-hopping on a yacht, exploring the underwater world, and hitting up all the hottest Instagram spots.

When they got back to the hotel that evening, Faye got a WhatsApp message from her mom. Her face instantly fell. “Nerissa, my mom just texted-my grandma back home was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and she went missing yesterday. She still hasn’t turned up. I need to book the earliest flight and get back ASAP.”

“Alright, let’s get our stuff together and head out tonight,” Nerissa said without hesitation.

“Nerissa, you really don’t have to come with me. And what about the Berenson family’s DNA results? Don’t you need to wait for those?” Faye asked.

Nerissa and Faye shared everything, so Nerissa had already told Faye all about the DNA test.

“No point waiting around. Who knows what the results will be anyway, and if I really am their Arie, the Berenson family will definitely get in touch,” Nerissa said. “We came to Minttown together, so of course I’m not letting you go home by yourself.”

Faye was so touched she couldn’t help but hug Nerissa tight. “Thank you, Nerissal You’re such an angel.”

After packing up their things, the two of them made their way back to Aosthorne together.

Since she was in a hurry, Nerissa just sent Verena a quick WhatsApp message.

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It was nine o’clock at night.

Nerissa was sitting in the airport terminal with nothing to do, so she posted on Instagram.

[Heading home.]

She paired it with a photo of the airport terminal.

At the same time, Lennox was lounging in bed, scrolling through Instagram.

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Ever since Nerissa went on her trip, she’d been posting almost every day, sharing all the fun moments from her adventures.

Right on cue, as expected, her latest post appeared on his screen.

‘Heading home?’

Lennox arched his brow, a hint of curiosity flickering in his eyes.

‘Is she coming back already?’

Without hesitation, Lennox fired off a quick WhatsApp message to Melinda: [Check all the flights from Minttown to Aosthorne today.]

Melinda was lightning fast.

She replied in just a few minutes.

[Boss Lennox, there’s only one flight from Minttown to Aosthorne today. It leaves at 9:30 PM and lands at Aosthorne Airport at 11:50 PM.]

As/soon as Lennox saw Melinda’s message, a plan started brewing in his mind.

At exactly 10 PM, Lennox headed out from Stratfordland right on time.

Mrs. Hannah Stratford happened to be coming downstairs and saw Lennox picking up his car keys. She asked curiously, “Lennox, where are you going so late?”

“Just some work stuff came up,” Lennox said.

Mrs. Stratford was about to say something else, but Lennox had already walked off.

Meanwhile-

The plane landed right on time at 11:50 PM.

By the time Nerissa and Faye got their luggage, it was already 12:20 AM.

They were rolling their suitcases along, chatting as they went.

“Nerissa!”

Just as they reached the exit, a surprised voice called out from nearby,

Nerissa glanced up, a bit startled. “Lennox? What are you doing here?”

Lennox shrugged, “I was supposed to pick up a client, but they canceled last minute. Didn’t think I’d bump into you here. Since I’m here anyway, let me give you guys a lift home.”

Faye narrowed her eyes. ‘Seriously, what kind of client could possibly need the mighty Lennox to come pick them up

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himself?

‘Who’s he kidding? This whole “client” thing is just an excuse to see Nerissa, Faye thought.

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“Mr. Stratford, my driver’s here to pick me up. You can give Nerissa a ride home,” Faye said, then turned to Nerissa. “Nerissa,

I’m heading out. My parents are waiting for me at home-we’re all going back to my hometown together!”

“Okay, hurry up! Text me when you get home,” Nerissa called out.

“Okay.”

Faye dashed off without even glancing back..

Lennox just reached out and grabbed Nerissa’s suitcase, smooth as ever. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

“Sure,” Nerissa said, quickly catching up to walk by his side.

Ten minutes later, they arrived at the parking lot.

Lennox popped the trunk and tossed her suitcase inside.

Nerissa slid into the passenger seat like she’d done it a hundred times, hooked up her phone to the car’s Bluetooth, and started playing some music.

She did it all in one smooth motion, like this was her second home.

Even Nerissa herself didn’t realize just how at home she was acting-she was way too comfortable, like she totally belonged there.

About an hour later, the car pulled up in front of Jamison Manor.

Hearing the car, Mr. Hunter Jamison hurried out to open the door. “Is that you, Nerissa?”

“Yeah, it’s me, Grandpa,” Nerissa called out as she opened the car door.

Lennox got out and pulled Nerissa’s suitcase from the trunk.

Mr. Jamison looked surprised. “Young Lennox?”

Even though he’d only met Lennox once before, Lennox was far from ordinary, so Mr. Jamison had no trouble remembering him.

“It’s me, Grandpa,” Lennox replied.

Mr. Jamison grinned. “Thanks for dropping Nerissa off this late at night. Come in and have some tea to warm up?”

“I appreciate it, Grandpa, but it’s pretty late-I’d better get going,” Lennox replied.

“Alright then, Lennox,” Mr. Jamison said, not pushing it. “Drive safe out there.”

Lennox: ???

‘Wait, Mr. Jamison’s really not even going to insist I stay for a hit?

‘Seriously? He’s just letting me walk out the door like that?’ Lennox wondered.

He was just tossing out some polite words, didn’t expect anyone to take it seriously.

But Grandpa actually took it at face value.

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Mr. Jamison pulled the suitcase along and called out, “Nerissa, let’s go home.”

Nerissa thanked Lennox and trailed after Mr. Jamison.

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Meanwhile-

Ever since Nerissa left, Mrs. Berenson had been sick in bed, feeling miserable all over and sighing nonstop. “Seriously, why does every minute crawl by so slowly? How am I supposed to survive these three days?”

‘So slow… it’s like time’s moving backwards.

‘Every day feels like a year-ugh, this is killing me,’ she groaned to herself.

Victor tried to reassure her. “Mom, the results are coming out tomorrow. We’ve waited all these years-one more day won’t kill us.”

Frederick nodded. “Victor’s right, Mom. Try not to worry so much. We’ll have the results tomorrow.”

“When those results come in, nobody’s allowed to look at them before me-hand them over the second they show up,” Mrs. Berenson insisted.

“Promise, Mom, you’ll see them first,” they all chimed in.

Just like that, it was the next day.

The DNA test report was delivered from the center.

As soon as Mrs. Berenson heard the DNA report had arrived, all her aches and pains magically disappeared-she was suddenly bursting with energy. She strode straight into the living room, her voice urgent: “Lee! Where’s that report? Hand it over, quick!”

The place was packed-wall to wall with people.

The whole Berenson family had shown up.

Everyone was on edge, waiting for the DNA results.

All eyes were glued to the report, hope and excitement written all over their faces.

“Mrs. Berenson, here’s the DNA report,” Lee said respectfully, handing her a file.

Mrs. Berenson’s hands were trembling as she carefully tore open the envelope and pulled out the report. The instant her eyes landed on the results, her legs gave out beneath her and she sobbed uncontrollably. “Arie, my sweet Arie-my precious grandchild!”

There it was, in black and white.

The DNA report spelled it out-Nerissa Jamison and Mrs. Berenson shared a quarter of their genes. It was official: they really were grandmother and granddaughter.