The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 376

Thinking this was the perfect moment, Aaron quickly pulled out his wallet, counted out a thick stack of bills, and held it out to Ruby. He put on an earnest expression.

"Miss Ruby, I left in a rush, so I don't have much cash on me. But after hearing what you've been going through, I know things have been tough. Your sister was always very good to me, so consider this my way of repaying her kindness. Please, take it."

Ruby stared at the stack of cash in his hand, swallowing hard. "That... that doesn't seem right, Aaron..."

Despite her words, her hand was already slowly reaching out.

Seeing this, Aaron swiftly pressed the money into her palm. "Take it. It's really nothing."

The way Ruby's eyes sparkled at the sight of money proved she was a chip off the old block—just like Margaret. But Aaron figured her easily bought loyalty would make his next moves much smoother.

Once Ruby had securely pocketed the cash, Aaron circled back to the phrase he'd overheard outside the hospital room: "Now that she's gone, you won't even spare your own flesh and blood."

He let out a heavy, deliberate sigh. "Mr. Baylor really cherished your sister. Over the years, whenever he thinks of her... By the way, Miss Ruby, I noticed your mother didn't seem to like your sister very much?"

Aaron dropped the pivot perfectly, watching Ruby's reaction like a hawk. Even though she was still visibly upset, Aaron caught the brief flash of panic in her eyes before she masked it.

He pressed the advantage. "Sometimes, I genuinely wonder if you and your brother are the only true Sterling children, and your sister... wasn't."

He let out another heavy sigh and started spinning a tale to bait her. "You know, I have a cousin who was adopted by my aunt. When I used to see your sister, I always got that exact same vibe. I just felt like she wasn't a Sterling. I don't know if I'm right, though..."

The reason Aaron dared to guide the conversation so aggressively was that he knew Ruby and her brother didn't operate on normal logic.

Back when Ruby had briefly stayed at the Baylor Manor, Suzie had suddenly vanished. Jamie had kicked Ruby out, and Aaron had driven her home. The entire ride, Ruby hadn't stopped complaining, yet she hadn't asked where her sister went a single time. All she whined about was not being able to meet rich heirs anymore and missing out on luxury shopping sprees.

Adding to that was the dinner the Sterling family had at the Manor. The bizarre conversations at the table...