Chapter 261: Must Be Chairman Lockwood’s Biological Daughter

Chapter 261: Chapter 261: Must Be Chairman Lockwood’s Biological Daughter

The netizens online finally realized that the people in the room had no idea a livestream was running.

Every single deed Estelle had exposed was utterly unconscionable. Noelle was a beast in human form—a devil wearing beautiful skin! Drawing blood for fun, torturing for fun... was she even human? And her "biological mother," Rose Lowell, was a piece of work! It was a miracle Estelle had even managed to survive after returning to the Lockwood family! Yet, to the Lockwoods, her mere survival was somehow evidence that she needed to "repay" them? Because Estelle hadn’t died, she was obligated to sacrifice herself to stage a comeback for the Lockwoods and secure the happiness of that damn butcher, Noelle? Did the Lockwoods even hear what they were saying?

"Enough, Estelle." Old Mr. Lockwood spoke up. "Regardless, the matter is already settled. I know Noelle wronged you in the past, but right now, you bear the heavy responsibility of reviving this family. What do you expect me to do?

"Princess Avery specifically asked for the biological daughter of the Lockwood family. Noelle isn’t suitable, which leaves only you! Estelle, consider it as the Lockwood family owing you. Just marry him!"

Rose was trembling all over. Hearing Old Mr. Lockwood’s words, she seemed to suddenly snap back to reality.

"That’s right, Estelle! I am your mother, so everything I do is justified! You were born with a wretched fate, so you deserve to be sacrificed for this family. Noelle is different. She is meant to enjoy a peaceful, blessed life—don’t you know that? If you die, so many people will be happy. Why can’t you just go die!"

Noelle’s lips curled up slightly, though she feigned helplessness on her face. "Estelle... no one in the Lockwood family used to care about you. But if you marry him and bring in two billion in funding for us, everyone will remember your contribution. From now on, no one will ever look down on you again. Isn’t that a good thing?

"Sacrificing for the family is an honor, Estelle."

Initially, Noelle had felt a bit panicked, but seeing the attitudes of Rose and the rest of the Lockwoods, her worries vanished completely. She reasoned that no matter what, Estelle would be the only one marrying into that family. Even if Estelle wanted to settle scores with them, what could she possibly do? There was no one in the entire manor who would stand up for her. Even if someone sympathized with her, sympathy was utterly insignificant in the face of such massive profit.

[I’m going to die of disgust! Estelle was thrown away by Rose the moment she was born, swapped out for Noelle. Estelle has never eaten a single grain of rice or spent a single penny from the Lockwood family, yet now they want her to sacrifice herself for Noelle because Noelle shouldn’t have to suffer?]

[I used to think Noelle was just a manipulative hypocrite, but now I see she’s a true villain—bad to the bone! Arson, murder, stealing someone’s life, malicious abuse... she’s capable of anything! And now she wants to sacrifice Estelle for her own sake!]

[I’ve finally seen what the most disgusting parents in the world look like.]

[Is no one going to step in? These parents are literally selling their daughter, not to mention she’s already married! Isn’t this breaking the law?!]

[Estelle is their biological daughter. I bet they’re going to brush it off as a ’family matter’ in the end, aren’t they?]

Estelle rested her chin on one hand, suddenly giving Old Mr. Lockwood a meaningful look.

Over the past few days, she had been pondering the exact relationship between her adoptive grandfather, Grandpa Lockwood, and Old Mr. Lockwood. After interviewing quite a few people and piecing together Director Carson’s memories, a suspicion had formed in her mind. Grandpa Lockwood and Old Mr. Lockwood were brothers. This would explain why Grandpa Lockwood seemed so impoverished yet knew quite a few wealthy families.

There had to be a reason he left the Lockwood family, and that reason most likely traced back to Old Mr. Lockwood. Why did everyone automatically assume Old Mr. Lockwood had no brothers? Why had no one ever mentioned Grandpa Lockwood? Was it because Old Mr. Lockwood had driven him away for some reason? As for the reason, one word popped into Estelle’s mind: jealousy.

Of course, this was just her speculation. But regardless, even if Grandpa Lockwood was Old Mr. Lockwood’s brother, Old Mr. Lockwood would never acknowledge his existence. Therefore, Grandpa Lockwood’s descendants were not considered part of the Lockwood family. That meant the whole speech about "sacrificing for the family" was entirely invalid.

Furthermore, Estelle was already certain that Grandpa Lockwood, the man who had adopted her, was actually her biological grandfather. In truth, Grandpa Lockwood had dropped hints many times over the years. However, having been deeply hurt by Director Carson’s words when she was ten, she had always assumed her grandfather was merely trying to comfort her.

Having figured everything out, Estelle’s lips curled into a smile.

"Alright, Ms. Lowell, Old Mr. Lockwood, Noelle. I admit you make a fair point. Sacrificing for the family is indeed a great honor."

Rose immediately puffed up with arrogance. "I’m glad you finally understand."

"However, as the person involved, I have the right to know the details, don’t I?" Estelle suddenly tilted her head and asked, "Princess Avery, your marriage proposal was specifically meant for Chairman Lockwood’s biological daughter, correct?"

Princess Avery scoffed. "Naturally."

Estelle nodded and turned to Austin. "Chairman Lockwood, are you absolutely certain you want your biological daughter to marry Mr. Reno?"

Austin’s brow furrowed slightly. Why was Estelle asking such strange questions? She couldn’t possibly know something, could she? Before he could answer, Rose chimed in eagerly. "That’s right!"

Estelle finally revealed her first genuinely delighted smile of the day. "Very good."

Very good? No, wait, something wasn’t right!

Rose suddenly shuddered, snapping out of her frantic excitement. Wasn’t Estelle being a little too calm? Why, even when pushed to this absolute breaking point, could she still smile and say "Very good"? Estelle only had two bodyguards with her, whereas the Lockwood family had a small army of people. Even if those two meddlesome bodyguards left the manor and called the police, it would be too late. Estelle would have already been taken away by Princess Avery.

"What are you smiling about, Estelle!"

Estelle remained seated in her chair, her expression perfectly composed as she ignored the question. It seemed as though she was waiting for something.

That realization caused Austin’s heart rate to instantly spike. After all, while Rose might have been in the dark, he knew the truth all too well! His biological daughter was indeed in this room, but it wasn’t Estelle. It was Noelle!

Estelle knew full well that today was a trap, so why did she show up? And why didn’t she bring more backup? Why? As questions swirled frantically in Austin’s head, he suddenly grasped the most crucial point.

Did Estelle already know the truth? No, no, no. Even if she knew, it wouldn’t matter! He had paid off the insiders years ago and driven them out of Crestfall. If they wanted to keep receiving hush money, they would keep their mouths shut. Estelle had no evidence! But... but...

"Ms. Lowell," Estelle finally spoke, her tone slow and deliberate. "You must remember, you were the one who kept insisting that the person marrying Mr. Reno had to be Chairman Lockwood’s biological daughter."