Reborn From Ashes novel Chapter 9

Anna's attitude toward Hayden was cold. In fact, she seemed to care even less about him than the rest of the Sterlings did.

The two of them had never shared any bond.

Throughout her three years at university, Anna had barely interacted with Hayden. Their only encounter was when the Sterlings had initially reunited with him and she had returned home briefly then.

After that, their exchanges were limited to a few brief greetings whenever she was home for a break.

The relationship Anna had with Hayden was nothing more than strangers. She was indifferent to how the Sterlings treated him. To her, Hayden was someone insignificant who couldn't be discarded but had no value to her.

Julia was lost in thought after hearing Anna's question of her wanting Hayden to come back just to continue mistreating him. She frowned and her face darkened.

"Mistreat him? We're just doing this for his own good. He came from nothing. How else is someone of low birth like him supposed to make it in the Sterling family or in high society? Should we just hand everything to him on a silver platter?

"He has too many bad habits. If he doesn't change them, he'll ruin his own future. We must change him. Only then can he fit in with the Sterlings," Julia shamelessly stated.

She believed that everything the Sterlings did was justified.

"Although I don't know what kind of bad habits he has, if he has truly left because he felt mistreated, it'll be hard to bring him back. If money is what he wants, then yes, he might return. But if not, then this could be a complete break with the family," Anna suggested.

Her eyes were sharp as she made a further assumption. "Unless, this is all a scheme to test the Sterlings' feelings about him."

Julia's eyes widened in shock. A scheme?

She wondered why she hadn't thought about the possibility of it. Maybe it was because she wasn't completely indifferent toward him, so she hadn't thought of the situation to that extent.

If the Sterlings cared about Hayden, they would think of ways to try to bring him back. Then, he might continue staying with them.

But if they ignored him, that would signify his status in the Sterling family, and he would have no reason to return.

"Is he that bold to try and outsmart us?" Julia muttered coldly.

"Stop wasting time trying to call him. You should discuss this seriously and decide whether to go find him and talk or let him be," Anna said dismissively, waving her hand.

After pondering for a moment, Julia decided to inform Charlotte about everything. If Francis knew about Hayden's scheme, he would be furious.

…

In the living room, the Sterlings were gathered together.

Julia relayed Anna's theory, and the entire room was stunned.

"What? That useless bum is trying to manipulate us? Who does he think he is? Does he think we'll beg him to come back? That would only happen in his dreams. If we were to go and find him, we'd be the laughingstock!"

Lily had the biggest reaction. She was disgusted at Hayden's possible manipulation.

Morgan lowered his head and toyed with the hem of his shirt, pretending to feel uneasy.

"Maybe this is a test for me too. It's all because of me that he left. I should be the one to bring him back and let him know that the Sterlings still care for him. If he really doesn't come back, we'll never get to see him again," he said while pretending to cry.

"Morgan, don't cry. This isn't your fault." Charlotte hugged him. Her face was filled with concern.

Morgan's voice was choked with guilt. "But I'm just an outsider. I don't want to be the cause of Hayden hating you all."