She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 74

Quiana couldn’t catch her breath. She swayed like she was about to faint. Adele wasn’t doing much better. The mother and daughter clung to each other, shaking.

Adele stammered, “Qu-Quiana… what did he mean?”

Quiana didn’t want to believe it either, but reality was standing in front of her. The Loyce she’d driven out with such satisfaction hadn’t gone back to some broke, miserable life—she’d walked straight into the highest circle and become the tycoon’s only granddaughter.

“No… impossible,” Quiana whispered, lips trembling. “How could she have that kind of luck?”

Her face turned paper-white. She sagged, about to collapse.

Adele caught her. “Quiana!”

Loyce watched with a cold, amused curve to her mouth. “Heart palpitations from emotional shock. She won’t die.”

Gordon snorted and told the butler, “Show them out. They’re embarrassing themselves.”

The butler stepped forward, polite but unyielding. “Ladies, please leave the estate.”

Savannah saw the door closing on her future and immediately fled. She didn’t even glance at Adele and Quiana on the way out.

Adele supported Quiana, her face livid, but she didn’t dare say another word. They left in humiliation. Quiana looked back once, eyes full of jealousy and fear.

Loyce didn’t even give her a glance. She turned to Gordon. “Grandpa, I’ll sign for my delivery and change. I’ll head out right after.”

Gordon’s expression softened again. “Go on. Don’t run late.”

Loyce smiled faintly and walked away.

...

Meanwhile, Byron and Fabian were in Hank’s office, sweating as they tried to salvage the project.

Hank sat behind the desk, impatience written all over him. “The Vaughns breached first. My brother taking the deal back was perfectly justified. As for the Sampsons, if you chose to partner with the Vaughns, you take the risks that come with it.”

Byron’s forehead slicked with sweat. “There has to be some misunderstanding. We’ll cover any losses, please, just give us another chance.”

Hank gave a cold laugh. “A chance? Your family let Quiana bully my sister for years, and you want a chance?”

Byron froze. “Your sister?”

The office door opened. Morris walked in and said flatly, “Hank, Grandpa asked me to tell you—the Sampsons and the Vaughns are banned from the Lonsdale Group from now on. No exceptions.”

Hank flashed a reckless grin. “Good. I was done pretending to be polite. My hand was about to start itching for something a lot less civilized.”

“Yes, sir.” Robert placed the project file by Lucian’s hand.

Then Lucian asked, almost casually, “Anything new with the Lonsdales?”

Robert thought for a moment, understanding exactly who Lucian meant. “The Lonsdales’ newly recovered daughter was previously engaged to the Vaughn family; the engagement has been canceled. The two-billion-dollar project was withdrawn, and both the Sampsons and Vaughns have been hit hard. Bankruptcy is inevitable. They’ll likely keep harassing Ms. Lonsdale.”

He continued carefully, “Also, the Walsh family has been keeping an eye on Ms. Lonsdale. But our people noticed someone quietly removed every surveillance tail. I suspect Ms. Lonsdale did it herself. The Lonsdales don’t seem aware. And there have been a few assassination bounties posted on the dark web, but no one’s taken them.”

Lucian tapped the table, eyes unreadable. “She is the reason I’m alive. If she doesn’t want attention, we’ll help keep her covered. And as for the Vaughns and Sampsons…”

His long fingers plucked a flag from the map and tossed it aside. “Help her out. Clean it up. Make sure they never recover.”

Robert nodded. “Yes, sir.”

...

Close to the gala, Sybil, who’d been at a salon for hours, deliberately waited until the last possible moment to call Loyce. Her voice dripped with apology.

“I’m so sorry, Loyce. I ran late getting ready. If I send the driver now, you might not make it in time… can you come on your own?”