Chapter 1485 - 1475: Your Background Is Not Honorable

"Madam, my relationship with Mr. Stewart isn’t as you imagine." Chloe Winston gently refused. In this particular situation, Constantine Stewart was the victim; shadows of his childhood affected his personality and disposition later on. The butterfly effect led to Constantine, who had already moved overseas, returning to the Imperial City and adopting her, resulting in the two eventually becoming strangers.

The root cause, if you think about it, is probably this noble Countess right in front of us.

"If I’m being honest, Madam, you’re more interested in relieving your inner guilt than truly repairing this mother-son relationship, which is probably why Constantine Stewart has always remained indifferent towards you." Otherwise, if a mother truly cared for her son, how could she be at a loss for years? Even when Constantine Stewart was injured and his life was at risk, the struggles of the Countess visiting him in the hospital made headlines in the media. Such mother-son affection seems to be mixed with more than just pure feelings.

Chloe’s sharp and merciless words made the Countess’s expression change several times, from blue to white, then back to blue, ending with a faint, sorrowful sigh.

"I initially thought Winter was protecting you well; little did I know you would teach me such a vivid lesson. Miss Winston, has anyone ever said you have a heart that sees through the impermanence of the world beneath your Lolita-like innocent appearance?" The Countess’s gaze towards Chloe Winston grew increasingly complex, with a faint hint of gentleness. This young girl truly surprised her; she had thought it was only her looks and simple nature that made her son view her differently. But now it seemed beneath her delicate exterior, she actually had a heart as strong as a diamond.

"I grew up in an orphanage and never experienced parental warmth, so I prefer to see things objectively." Chloe smiled, recalling the Countess’s earlier mention of the Jade Pendant, furrowing her brow and withdrawing her smile. She asked softly, "Madam, could you please tell me about the origin of the Jade Pendant?"

"Besides me, no one will tell you about the origin of this Jade Pendant, but I have a condition," the Countess changed her sitting position to appear more elegant and composed, speaking softly, "Although I am a failed mother, I won’t have any more children in this lifetime. Winter is my only child, and I want to mend this mother-son bond. If Miss Winston agrees to help me, I will tell you the origin of the Jade Pendant."

"However, considering you might be my future daughter-in-law, I don’t recommend you investigate your own lineage, as it’s not honorable." The Countess sighed softly, but still offered a word of advice.

Chloe’s body froze. Could her lineage be dishonorable?

"If it’s not honorable, why would Constantine Stewart treat me well because of this Jade Pendant?"

"This matter is a long story, whether you listen or not is your choice. Though if I tell you, it will certainly anger him, worsening our relationship further. But if you promise to help me, I will still tell you." Only with Chloe on her side does the Countess have a glimmer of hope.

Chloe remained silent for a long time, her eyes closing slightly, reflecting on her experiences over the years. Her life’s trajectory changed the moment Constantine Stewart appeared, no matter how unpleasant her lineage, she must accept it, as it is the fundamental of her being.

"Madam, have you thought about it? You are making a deal with me; if I agree, it means betraying Constantine Stewart, and what I can do to help you will be very limited. He is a person who loves and hates distinctly."

The Countess smiled faintly, already knowing her choice. She reached out and took the plump baby-shaped Jade Pendant from Chloe, her long, jade-like fingers gently stroked its engravings. Her gaze softened, sighing lightly, "Even after the Stewart Family moved overseas, they did not sever ties with the country. The Stewart Family has ancestral business here, and they return for vacations every few years. My first husband had a young companion in the Imperial City; they maintained contact for many years, each establishing their own families and careers. Later, some events in the Imperial City led to the Stewart Family being absent for over twenty years. I never expected Winter to attempt to discover your whereabouts after returning, nor did I expect that your family still has descendants."

With each sentence from the Countess, Chloe’s body stiffened a bit more.

"Are you aware of last year’s shocking national corruption exoneration case, Miss Winston?" The Countess stroked the now-warm coffee cup softly, asking lightly.

"I’ve heard a bit." Her heart felt suffocated; when the Squire siblings’ affair occurred, she and Constantine Stewart were in the midst of a divorce. That half-year was muddled and aimless, and she truly only heard a few snippets about this matter, not taking it to heart. But now, recalling ties to the Squire siblings and the Shaw Family, it must be an earth-shattering case, with inner secrets not accessible to ordinary citizens.

"This matter involves the Shaw Family; I cannot clearly explain it to you, nor detail the causes and effects. I can only tell you that over twenty years ago, before you were born, the Imperial City underwent a bloody cleansing activity, which implicated your family to a degree akin to treason.

As for how your father survived, how he had you, and how you ended up in the orphanage—none of this can be examined. If you are truly the owner of the Jade Pendant, then you are the child who survived." The Countess’s voice was incredibly soft, requiring Chloe to listen intently to comprehend.

Her fingertips tightly gripped the sofa beneath her, her whole body cold as ice, akin to treason? So her unworthy lineage stems from this reason?

The Countess saw her face drained of color and spoke softly, "You needn’t be afraid. Your father survived, indicating that he did not directly partake in the incident; your family was merely implicated. Growing up in an orphanage and later being adopted by Winter, connecting with the Shaw Family—you think they know nothing of this? Should they investigate, you wouldn’t have grown up peacefully. When Winter adopted you, he already cleansed your past."

Chloe suddenly met the eyes of the noble and elegant lady in front of her, her lips trembled lightly, wanting to speak, but her teeth uncontrollably chattered.

"Madam, I’m not afraid. I’m merely sad. After spending over twenty years alone without parents, floating in this world rootless, only to suddenly learn of my lineage—there is only sadness and joy." Her voice was broken, her slender body trembled gently, then suddenly stood up, rising too quickly and nearly fainting.

"Madam, I need to return first." She grabbed her bag, her steps shaky as she walked outside, feeling the world trembling and swaying. She attempted to open her bag to find her phone, letting items fall to the ground, someone approached to inquire.

"Miss, do you need help?"

She shook her head, tears streaming uncontrollably as she touched the phone and randomly dialed a number.

"Chloe? Where are you?" Constantine Stewart heard her soft sobs, his expression changed drastically, and he said deeply, "I’ll come to pick you up immediately."