Chapter 143: Conversation With Arthur

Liliana’s heart skipped at Arthur’s question.

What have you been told about your parents’ deaths?

For a fraction of a second, she didn’t know how to respond.

But years of watching her family navigate difficult situations—and the natural acting skills she had developed through her career—allowed her to hide her surprise.

She lowered her eyes and let sadness settle across her expression.

"I know the investigation has resurfaced."

Arthur watched her carefully.

"That’s all?"

Liliana nodded.

"The investigators haven’t told us anything yet. They only said they’re looking into what happened twenty years ago."

She sighed.

"I honestly don’t understand why it suddenly became important again."

Arthur leaned back.

"Do you believe the rumors?"

Liliana frowned.

"Rumors?"

Arthur studied her face.

"There are people saying your parents didn’t die because of an accident."

Liliana’s expression changed just enough to look confused.

"What rumors?"

Arthur remained silent.

She continued.

"I haven’t really paid attention to what people are saying. I already moved on."

Her voice softened.

"The St. Claire family supported me after my parents died. They gave me a home, a family, and everything I needed. I’m grateful to them."

Arthur watched her.

Liliana smiled faintly.

"I’m busy with my career now. Of course, I’m concerned about the investigation, but I don’t want to think about it too much."

She looked down at her hands.

"Losing my parents left a scar when I was a child. I spent years trying to live with it. I don’t want to feel that pain all over again."

Arthur’s expression became unreadable. For a few seconds, he simply looked at her. It felt as though he was searching her face for the smallest sign of deception.

Liliana remained perfectly still.

Then Arthur finally spoke.

"You sound like your father."

Liliana looked up.

"You knew him well?"

Arthur smiled faintly.

"Very well."

"My father told me about you."

That caught Arthur’s attention.

Liliana continued naturally.

"He said you were important to the family. That’s why I was always curious about you."

She smiled.

"I was actually looking forward to meeting you."

Arthur’s expression softened.

"Really?"

"Yes."

Liliana nodded.

"But then Dad died before I could meet you."

Arthur lowered his eyes.

"I see."

"And when Grandma cried after receiving your invitation, I realized how much she missed you."

Arthur looked at her.

"She cried?"

Liliana nodded.

"She did."

A small smile appeared on her face.

"She was always worried about what happened to you."

Arthur said nothing.

"She even kept your photographs displayed in the living room of the Sterling mansion."

His eyes flickered.

"She did that?"

"Yes."

Liliana laughed softly.

"That’s another reason I was curious about you. Uncle Robert and Uncle Gideon were always around, but you were never there."

Arthur chuckled.

"Did your uncles tell you about me?"

Liliana shrugged.

"Some things."

"What did Robert say?"

Liliana tilted her head as though trying to remember.

"He told me that you and my father were very close."

Arthur’s smile faded slightly.

"He said you cried a lot when Dad died.."

Arthur looked away.

"I did..."

There was something in his voice. Something almost genuine.

Liliana noticed it.

"He really loved you," she said.

Arthur looked back at her.

"Your father was the only person who truly understood me."

Liliana remained silent.

Then she asked carefully, "What about Uncle Gideon?"

Arthur laughed.

"Gideon and I were never close."

"Really?"

"Not at all."

He smiled.

"Robert was always arguing with me."

Liliana laughed softly.

"That sounds like Uncle Robert."

Arthur’s smile grew.

"Only Edward was good to me. He never treated me like an outsider."

He paused.

"Maybe because he was the eldest."

Liliana studied him.

Arthur’s words sounded almost nostalgic. Yes, almost.

She smiled warmly.

"I’m happy I finally met you, Uncle Arthur."

Arthur blinked.

"Uncle?"

Liliana suddenly looked embarrassed.

"Is that okay?"

For the first time during their conversation, Arthur’s expression genuinely softened.

"Of course."

He smiled.

"You can call me Uncle."

"Then I’m happy to finally meet you, Uncle."

Arthur nodded.

"I’m happy too, Liliana."

The conversation continued smoothly.

They discussed her career, her recent projects, and her growing presence in the entertainment industry.

Eventually, Arthur brought up CyberFront’s ambassador campaign.

"I was disappointed when I heard you and Chris had reservations about the proposal."

Liliana smiled politely.

"We were simply being careful."

"Understandable."

"I’ll ask the Chairman and my manager to review the proposal again."

Arthur raised an eyebrow.

"Does that mean you’re interested?"

"I think CyberFront is an impressive company."

Liliana smiled.

"And the campaign could be good for both sides."

Arthur nodded.

"I’d be pleased if you accepted."

"I’ll consider it."

There was no mention of Chris and her relationship. Arthur never asked whether the rumors about them were true. He never asked whether she was secretly married.

Liliana had expected him to. But he didn’t. That made her even more suspicious.

Arthur had either done his homework already...

Or he had another reason for avoiding the subject.

Eventually, Arthur stood.

"We should return to the party."

Liliana nodded.

"Of course."

When they stepped into the ballroom, several people immediately turned toward them. Chris was among them. His eyes went straight to Liliana. She gave him a subtle smile.

I’m fine.

Chris understood.

Arthur noticed the exchange but didn’t comment.

Instead, he looked at Liliana.

"Would you give your uncle the honor of the first dance?"

Liliana hesitated for only a moment.

"Of course."

The music changed. A slow, elegant melody filled the ballroom.

Arthur offered his hand. Liliana placed hers in it.

Across the room, Chris watched them. His expression remained calm, but Matthew knew his son well enough to recognize the tension in his eyes.

"Trust her," Matthew quietly said.

"I do."

"Then let her do what she came here to do."

Chris nodded.

On the dance floor, Arthur led Liliana gracefully.

"You dance well," he said.

"Thank you."

"Your father taught you?"

"No. I learned later."

Arthur smiled.

"You would have made him proud."

Liliana looked at him.

"Did he ever talk about me?"

Arthur’s steps slowed for half a second.

"Many times."

"What did he say?"

Arthur looked directly at her.

"He said you were the most precious thing in his life."

Liliana’s heart tightened. For a moment, she almost forgot that she was pretending.

Then Arthur whispered,

"He only wished for your happiness."

Arthur’s expression was calm. But his eyes were watching her. Testing her.

Liliana smiled gently.

"All fathers wish that for their children."

"I know."

They continued dancing.

Neither noticed Victor and Sarah standing among the servants near the edge of the ballroom, listening carefully.

Sarah touched the hidden earpiece.

"Everything is being recorded."

Victor nodded.

On the dance floor, Arthur smiled at Liliana.

"You really are your father’s daughter."

Liliana smiled back.

"Is that a compliment?"

"Very much so."

But behind his pleasant expression, something remained hidden.

And Liliana could feel it.

Arthur Jones had welcomed his niece warmly. He had spoken about Edward with affection. He had accepted Lucia’s love. He had never once mentioned the investigation directly.

Yet somehow, Liliana had the unmistakable feeling that this conversation had not been an introduction.

It was a test.

And she wasn’t certain who had passed it.