Chapter 544

Lauren Nieves sat across from Alicia, saying nothing for a long while. The silence stretched, heavy and unbending. Alicia let out a cold laugh, the corners of her mouth lifting with mockery. "What? Happy to find out you're not really my daughter?" Lauren shrugged with a light smile. "Glad you're self-aware. Finding out we're not related? Honestly, feels like a weight's been lifted. Finally get to breathe right." Alicia's face darkened. "Even if I didn't give birth to you, Charles and I raised you all these years. That counts for something. A debt you owe." Leaning back in her chair, Lauren didn't even bother pretending anymore. No point keeping up a fake act when the truth already ripped the mask off. Fake daughter, fake mom—might as well drop the whole sweet-girl charade. Not like it ever suited her anyway. "Funny," Lauren said, lips curving with amusement. "Not only are you not my mom, you clearly don't get me either. I've always been the type people call ungrateful." Alicia's glare