At the auction that day, Cloudia made a point of showing up in person, bringing Urs along for the ride.


    When the massive canary diamond was unveiled, Urs couldn''t hide her covetous gaze.


    But this was about a piece valued at over ten million dors here, not something the Larkins could just snap up with a wave of their hand.


    And to think, the very same diamond ended up fashioned into a ne, now adorning Ste''s neck? Who exactly snagged that diamond, and what was their connection to Ste? Ste replied, "Aurora!"


    Cloudia''s breath caught in her throat. She questioned, "Who gave this to you? What''s your rtionship with them?"


    "Is that any of your business?" Ste shot back with a biting retort.


    "You..."


    Cloudia felt her breath sink even heavier. She wanted tosh out, but remembering her purpose foring, swallowed down her harsh words.


    Lately, Ste had been nothing but cold towards their rtion. But no matter what, Cloudia was her mother. This repeated disdain was too much to bear.


    "Just say what you came to say," Ste''s voice was icy.


    Feeling unsettled once more, Cloudia took a deep breath, "Tegan and Finley need to return, no more dys."


    The insistence from the medical team on these two being crucial was a clear sign to Cloudia. To save Urs, they were indispensable.


    Ste let out a scoff.


    "You''ve been dodging mywyer for days, I almost thought you''d given up on Urs."


    Cloudia remained silent. Her already paleplexion turned ashen at the mention of thewyer.


    "I won''t cut ties with you, you''re my daughter after all, my own flesh and blood." Cloudia''s tone hardened as she spoke.


    Anyone unaware of their story would think she truly cared about Ste.


    But Ste was too sharp for that.


    She scoffed again, "Do you really et


    care about me as your daughter, or


    is it something behind


    after?"


    You''re


    Blocking her card or driving her to leave the house was futile, and she couldn''t shut down the studio either Even a brainless person would realize what there would be behind her. And now here she was, acting as if there was much maternal affection to speak of.


    Cloudia''s face stiffened.


    Ste continued, "My studio pulls in seven hundred thousand a year, but all you see is the sources that contributes to my sess." "You..."


    Cloudia seemed struck by the usation, her face contorting in difort.


    Ste, however, remained indifferent, continuing, "Ah, the true colors of a businesswoman."


    Even family ties had their price tags.


    Yet, Ste was surprised. The Larkin family actually showed genuine concern for Urs, a testament to her influence.


    Being used mercilessly, Cloudia


    was boiling with rage! The pretense of reconciliation shattered, she snapped, "Do you really need me to sign the papers for them to return?"


    Cloudia was done with the back-and-forth. If signing was what it took for Tegan and Finley toe back Urs, she''d do it. Done with Ste''s ingratitude, she was ready to sever ties. Let''s see if without their backing, those people would still stand by her. Ste remained silent, her gaze falling upon Cloudia.


    Meeting her determined eyes, Cloudia gritted her teeth and nodded, "If that''s what you want, fine, I''ll sign. Are you happy now?" As Cloudia finished her piece, Ste pulled the documents from a drawer and handed them over.