Chapter 499 - 95 Sister’s Sanctuary

Chapter 499: Chapter 95 Sister’s Sanctuary

Daniel’s POV

My mother’s steely gaze remained locked on me, deliberately ignoring Sybilla who stood frozen on the marble staircase of our family estate, her face pale with shock at the ultimatum that had just shattered the afternoon silence.

"Sybilla, go pack your belongings," I commanded, keeping my eyes fixed on my mother’s imperious stare. "We’ll handle our mother when she’s thinking more rationally about family loyalty."

A while later, I steered my black sedan away from the Martinez family compound with my siblings beside me. My mother hadn’t even acknowledged her daughter’s departure—a calculated display of power. She was applying pressure in the way she knew best. No one wielded emotional manipulation quite like my mother, particularly when it came to controlling my sister’s future.

"Daniel, she despises me now!" Sybilla wept from the backseat as we headed toward the private airstrip. "How am I supposed to navigate this?"

"Mom doesn’t despise you, Sybilla. You act like you’ve never witnessed her tactics before," I said, attempting to steady her nerves. "She’s essentially a calculating matriarch who says whatever necessary to bend people to her vision. Port’t you observed how she operates with Dad?"

"I simply cannot comprehend why she’s so determined to force this union with that pathetic Barlow heir," Sybilla said, angrily wiping away her tears.

Gregory shifted forward from the passenger seat. "I might have some clarity on that matter. I had a conversation with Dad recently. He’s actually apprehensive about this marriage arrangement, but Mom extracted a promise that he’d support her publicly on this decision."

"Why does that not surprise me in the slightest?" I muttered under my breath.

"You understand how they function—absolute solidarity," Gregory continued. "When one makes a family decision, the other backs it completely regardless of their private reservations."

"But what’s driving Mom’s investment in this particular alliance?" I asked, genuinely seeking to understand her strategic thinking.

"Grant’s mother runs in Mom’s social circle and believes marriage might stabilize her son’s reckless behavior. She assured Mom that after the wedding ceremony, she’d keep him under strict supervision, especially since they’d be residing in the Barlow family mansion. Mom then persuaded Dad that forming ties with the Barlow organization would strengthen our territorial influence." Gregory explained the political machinery behind the arrangement.

Sybilla’s grief instantly transformed into blazing fury. "Live under that woman’s roof? She’s absolutely intolerable!"

"Precisely my point," Gregory agreed with a knowing nod. "So stop those tears and take charge of your destiny, sister. Go with Daniel and seize control of your own path, because if that worthless Grant ever dares lay a hand on you inappropriately, Daniel will need to arrest me for murder."

Sybilla dried her face, drew a deep breath, and met our concerned gazes in the rearview mirror. "Well, I suppose I’m officially a family exile like Daniel now." She managed a laugh, playfully striking my shoulder. "You’ll be responsible for supporting me financially."

"What you’re going to do is secure legitimate employment," I grumbled, which sent both of them into fits of amused laughter.

From Port Harbor’s private terminal, we proceeded directly to collect Lila from her position at Thorne Corporation. During our flight, I had thoroughly explained the family crisis to Sybilla, who was appalled by the arranged marriage situation. Despite all her theatrical tendencies, our mother had never resorted to physical violence against any of us. Even with her stubborn insistence about this union, I couldn’t envision her literally dragging Sybilla home against her will.

My encrypted phone buzzed, and I connected it through the vehicle’s secure communication system. "Dad."

"Daniel, I understand you’re providing sanctuary to a family runaway," my father said, his tone more amused than genuinely angry.

"I warned you that if she refused this marriage, she wouldn’t be compelled," I replied with unwavering firmness.

"I have complete confidence you’ll provide proper protection for her," he sighed heavily. "When you grow weary of the responsibility, simply arrange her return. Your mother wasn’t being entirely serious about permanent estrangement."

"Are you still advancing this marriage alliance?"

"Yes, we are committed to this path. I’ll eventually convince your sister this arrangement serves her best interests and the family’s strategic position. But I’ll allow her time to cool her emotions first. Let’s characterize this as an extended visit to you, and she’ll return home soon enough." He maintained his diplomatic composure despite my mother’s sharp complaints clearly audible in the background.

"Advise Mom to control her temper. This situation escalated beyond reason, and that’s entirely her responsibility."

"Daniel, your mother is accustomed to having her directives followed without question. That fundamental aspect won’t change. And Sybilla is simply displaying youthful rebellion."

"If she refuses to adapt her methods, we will adapt our responses," I warned with quiet menace. "First me choosing law enforcement, now Sybilla fleeing, and if Mom doesn’t reconsider her approach, Gregory will be the next to abandon ship. I suspect you don’t want to lose him as well—he’s the only son who actually wants to remain with the family business operations. Consider that carefully, Dad."

"I’ll manage your mother’s expectations. Keep Sybilla under control until I arrive to retrieve her," he said before terminating the connection.

"He’s planning to come collect you personally," I teased my sister, who made an expression of pure revulsion.

"I’m not returning anywhere! I’m staying here, finding meaningful work, and achieving complete independence," Sybilla declared with fierce determination.

"I believe you and little one will form an excellent friendship," I smiled, anticipating that my sister would discover a valuable ally in Lila.

"I’m tremendously excited to finally meet her!" Sybilla’s eyes sparkled with genuine enthusiasm.

When the elevator doors parted at Thorne Corporation’s executive floor, Sybilla was hanging playfully on my shoulder, and I had my protective arm around her waist. I immediately detected the little one’s jealous expression burning across her delicate features. She looked absolutely enchanting when displaying territorial anger. I stopped directly in front of her reception desk, and she glared at me like she wanted to commit justifiable homicide.

"I’ve returned, little one," I smiled warmly, but received no reciprocal warmth in return. "No welcome kiss for me?"

"Is this her?" Sybilla asked with a mischievous grin.

"Yes, this is her," I confirmed, my eyes never departing from Lila’s distinctly unfriendly gaze.

"Oh, Lila, I’ve been desperately wanting to meet you!" Sybilla released me and circled around the polished desk toward Lila. "I’m Sybilla, this fool’s sister."

Lila studied her carefully, then examined me, then returned her attention to Sybilla. Finally, she produced a genuine smile, rose from her chair, and warmly embraced my sister.

"Hi, Sybilla! I’m absolutely delighted you’re here!" Lila’s tone shifted to sudden enthusiasm and welcome.

"Tiny Cipher, has Daniel provided any new intelligence on—" Jude emerged from his private office, stopping abruptly when he spotted me. "Oh, you’ve returned to us."

"Just landed. Is everything running smoothly?" I asked, noticing something seemed slightly off in his demeanor.

"Yes, all operations are functioning normally. And who might this stunning lady be?" Jude asked, immediately shifting into his characteristic charming mode.

My sister rewarded him with an absolutely dazzling smile that could melt steel.

"My sister, Sybilla. She’ll be staying with us for an extended period," I explained the new arrangement.

"Not just temporarily, brother. I’m here to establish permanent residence," Sybilla corrected with authority. "But don’t worry, Lila, once I secure proper employment, I’ll find my own accommodations."

"Sybilla, you’re completely welcome to stay as long as you desire," Lila reassured her with genuine warmth.

"Oh, thank you so much, Lila!" Sybilla turned back to Jude with obvious interest. "It’s truly a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"The pleasure is entirely mine, Sybilla. I’m Jude."

"Jude is Xavier’s assistant," I explained the organizational structure.

"Oh! Xavier works in this building too?" My sister’s expression suddenly shifted to serious concern, and I confirmed with a solemn nod.