"Sign it."


    Cloudia was speechless.


    In this moment, Ste''s demeanor was clear-cut and decisive. It seemed like she had no attachment left for the entire Larkin family. This only infuriated Cloudia more, her chest heaving vehemently! Cutting ties, huh? Fine, so be it. Then we''ll see who''s left picking up the pieces when regret kicks in.


    Blinded by her anger, Cloudiapletely overlooked the absolute control that underpinned Ste''s actions.


    Finally, with a grit of her teeth, she picked up the pen and signed the disownment agreement.


    The moment thest stroke was made, Ste immediately took the document, as if afraid Cloudia might change her mind.


    Cloudia''s blood boiled at the sight, but she managed to hold back her fury. Barely containing her anger, she asked with as much patience as she could muster, "When will they be back?"


    She had gotten her signature, Cloudia thought, everything should being to an end now.


    However, Ste locked the document in a safe, and then turned to her with an expression of feigned ignorance, "Who? What are you talking about?"


    Cloudia couldn''t speak, feeling her heart sink.


    She asked about "who"? What did she mean by that?


    "You, you..."


    Cloudia was choking up; she started at Ste, hardly believing the conclusion she wasing to. Yet Ste looked back at her nkly, as if genuinely clueless about whom she was referring to. Cloudia felt utterly deceived.


    "Finley and Tegan, you promised me," Cloudia stammered out.


    Ste had said, clear as day, that once the agreement was signed, Finley and Tegan would be allowed to return.


    Now, her nk stares were what? Was she going back on her word?


    Seeing Cloudia''s desperation, Ste couldn''t help but scoff, "Are you joking with me? Finley and Tegan, since when were they mine tomand?


    Mrs. Larkin, you''re quite the


    objects I can just hand over.


    Besides, they''re not my


    subordinates. Why would they listen


    tome?"


    en


    Cloudia trembled with rage. She had been duped by Ste.


    "You, you..." Her shaking finger pointed at Ste, her emotions teetering on the edge of copse.


    Nothing infuriated the Larkin family more than someone making light of Urs''s situation. And now Ste...


    Ste chuckled lightly, "Mrs. Larkin, the disownment agreement has been signed. We''re nothing to each other now, right? Whatever happens to the Larkin family from here on out is none of my concern."


    As if they ever did anything for her. After being brought back, the Larkin family hadn''t offered her a single benefit, only troubles.


    Cloudia''s vision darkened with anger, her mind nk at the mention of the signed agreement.


    "Life and death are at stake, and you''re here ying games with me! Just ask Finley and Tegan toe back."


    Ste secured the agreement, "If you can persuade them yourself, be my guest. I won''t stop you. If you can bring them back, that''s on you.


    As for asking me to help you? Urs wants to take my life. Do I look like a fool, rushing to save her?"


    Urs had been unting her power


    thesest few days. Demanding one thing white stepping on her the next? Well, if she enjoyed stepping on


    people so much, she could just save herself. Why beg anyone for rhelp?


    Cloudia trembled, "You, you, you lied to me. How could you..."


    Her voice broke, unable to form another word. She couldn''t believe that Ste had actually deceived her.


    "How can you be so malicious? That''s a human life we''re talking about! Do you understand how desperately Urs needs Finley and Tegan''s help right now?" Cloudia was beside herself with grief.


    Ste replied, "And what''s that got to do with me? If she dies, she dies. People die every day around the world; am I supposed to cry for each one?"