The Tower Reversed: Back to 18 (Venus) novel Chapter 22

**Chapter 22: The Wrong Sister**

Jim’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Mr. Weston, do you really think this is wise? Won’t it be too much of a burden?”

Darcy’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “If the Burns choose to disregard my savior’s worth, then I’ll make it clear through my actions that she deserves their utmost respect.”

Jim paused, uncertainty flickering across his face. “But why not just help her directly? Why take the long way around?”

“You see, Jim, that’s where you’re mistaken,” Darcy replied, maintaining his calm demeanor. “Venus is not the type of woman who is driven by money or material gain. She possesses a quiet elegance that is rare. I intend to invest further in their company. When her family witnesses that commitment, they’ll have no choice but to treat her with the respect she rightfully deserves.”

Meanwhile, just outside the hospital, that very “graceful” savior was indulging in a trio of hot dogs from a nearby street vendor, all for a mere five bucks.

Venus stood by the roadside, a content smile on her face as she savored each bite of the hot dog, oblivious to the world around her.

At the same time, Axel had just descended from the rooftop and made his way back to the hospital room. He found Lumi lying weakly on the bed, her pallor a stark contrast to her usual vibrant self. Axel felt the weight of unasked questions pressing on his mind, particularly about that fateful night when Venus returned home, but he held back, unsure of how to breach the topic.

“Axel,” Lumi’s voice broke the silence, soft and fragile, “how did things go with Venus? Did she still insist on not forgiving us?”

Axel’s brow furrowed as he recalled Venus’s parting words.

She had called him annoying, and lamented how their family clung to her like a shadow. That phrase echoed in his mind, stinging more than he was willing to admit.

A scowl formed on his face as he wrestled with the memory.

Lumi’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as the room fell silent. “If only we had never been switched at birth. The heiress should have been her. It’s only natural for her to harbor resentment towards me.”

“Lumi,” Axel said gently, moving closer and taking her hand in his. His voice softened, filled with sincerity. “No matter who Venus is, the sister I have loved for the past eighteen years is you.”

Lumi felt a rush of emotion at his words. Her eyes reddened further, giving her an almost ethereal quality, fragile yet beautiful.

“Axel, thank you. Everyone in the family treats me like I belong, like I’m one of you. But if this continues, Venus may start to resent me even more. This is her true home. I’m the intruder here. She is your real sister. Perhaps… perhaps I should consider returning to my birth parents.”

“Lumi!” Axel’s voice took on a firm edge. “This is your home! None of us will allow you to return to that despicable old drunk’s house.”

He recalled the one time he had met Venus’s adoptive father—a man who seemed incapable of making it through a single day without beer or cigarettes. The image of him, with his greasy hair, tattered clothing, and the pervasive stench of alcohol, was enough to make anyone want to turn and flee.

In stark contrast, Lumi had grown up cherished and adored. She exuded grace, poise, and beauty, qualities that would be utterly crushed in an environment like that.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify