The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 435

"I'm so sorry." Jasper's grip tightened. "I won't give up on you. I'm going to do everything I can to fix this. Nicole? Say something."

"I want to go home," she whispered.

"All right. I'll drive you."

Nicole was in a daze.

She had thought her dreams were finally coming true, but now, it felt like her whole world was shattering.

Jasper gently stroked her hair, his heart aching for her. "Nicole, trust me."

She looked directly into his eyes. "I do. I trust you."

Jasper's heart sank further. He pulled her close for one last, desperate embrace.

When they arrived at the Shaw estate, Jasper intended to go inside and make his intentions clear, but he was immediately cut off by a group of Moore family bodyguards who had rushed to the scene.

"Nicole, go inside first," Jasper said.

"But—"

"Just remember," he interrupted, "Jasper will never give up on Nicole. Never." He reached out and touched her hair one last time. "Go on. Don't keep Mr. Shaw and the others waiting."

"Message me when you get home," Nicole said.

"I will."

"Jasper... please stay safe."

He nodded slightly. He kept a smile on his face until she disappeared inside, and then it vanished instantly.

*****

Jasper stormed into the Moore estate and threw the DNA test results onto the table.

"Mom."

He knew this would crush his mother, but Amber was a parasite who didn't deserve another ounce of her devotion.

To his surprise, Vivian simply shook her head. "It's okay. I already know."

Jasper stared at her, caught off guard.

"She's the daughter of your father's first love," Vivian said. She was smiling, but it was the kind of smile that broke Jasper's heart. "Your father told me your sister died in infancy... I never believed him."

As she reached out to grab Jasper's hand, her entire body was trembling. Jasper pulled her into a hug, gently patting her shoulder, his eyes filled with pain for her.

He looked up, his gaze hardening. "Dad, don't you have anything to say?"

Felix glanced at them with cold indifference. "The engagement between the Shaws and the Moores is canceled. Jasper, I don't think I need to explain why."

A cold smirk played on Jasper's lips. "I'm not giving up on Nicole."

"Not giving up?" Felix let out a harsh laugh. "You think the Shaws will still let you marry into their family?"

"If they don't, then I'll stay single for the rest of my life."

"You—" Felix's jaw tightened in fury.

"Where is my sister?" Jasper demanded. "Are you certain her death wasn't an accident?"

Vivian watched her go with a cold, triumphant sneer before walking away.

"Mom, are you okay?" Jasper asked, his voice thick with concern.

"Don't worry, I'm fine." Vivian patted his hand gently. "Jasper, whatever you decide to do, I'm behind you. I know this rift between the families will hurt the Shaws' opinion of you. If it helps, I'm willing to go see them personally to plead your case."

"I'll go too," Mark added.

Jasper looked from Vivian to Mark, a faint smile finally touching his lips. "Mom, Mark... thank you."

"I've decided to move out," Vivian announced.

"Mom, no," Jasper countered, his heart aching for her. "Amber is the one who should be leaving."

Vivian let out a bitter, hollow laugh. "Your father will never kick her out. Jasper, I want you to stay at your villa for the time being. And listen to me—don't make a move until you're absolutely sure of yourself. You'll only make things worse."

"I know," he replied.

Vivian looked around the home she had painstakingly cared for all these years, a mocking, derisive smile crossing her face.

*****

At the Shaw residence, Vincent took a deep breath, his eyes heavy with heartache as he finally spoke the words.

"Nicole, your engagement to Jasper is off."

The news broke her. Nicole couldn't hold it back anymore; tears began to track slowly down her face. Sylvie pulled her into a protective embrace, her own heart breaking for her.

"Dad," Nicole choked out, "did the Moores only agree to the engagement to tie our families' interests together just for this? Was this always the plan?"