Chapter 7 Are You Connected To The Fraud Case

The Sylvester residence was situated in the most prestigious district in the city. Driving into the garden, Roseanne parked the car and ventured deeper into the property. There, she spotted a manor house. The door swung open and she stepped inside, her mind filled with curiosity about who might be present that day. The Sylvester family was one of the Four Prominent Families of Yolham. The patriarch, Henry Sylvester, held traditional beliefs and feared solitude, hence he forbade the family from branching out. Apart from the eldest daughter who was married off, Roseanne's father, Burton, and her Uncle Trovan, Burton's younger brother, lived in the Sylvester residence. Roseanne also had another uncle who was still unmarried. He was a somewhat renowned painter, completely devoted to his career. He was always on the move, rarely returning home, making him the child that most worried Henry. Soon, Roseanne spotted the Sylvester family members on the couch. Just as she had guessed, everyone from Burton's family was present except for their youngest son Raymond, who was in his final year of high school. Trovan was also there. The atmosphere was tense as they scrutinized Roseanne like they would a criminal. She didn't speak, her gaze fixated on Aurora nestled in Claire's arms. An inexplicable emotion swept across her heart, arriving swiftly and departing just as abruptly. Henry had a stern expression, his deep and authoritative eyes fixed on her barely concealing his anger. “Roseanne, do you know why an emergency meeting was called today?” Henry's face had grown thin, yet his eyes were still bright and piercing, radiating an aura of authority. He was extremely concerned about his reputation and had a habit of giving orders, not at all tolerating any disobedience from the younger generation. If they dared defy him, they were labeled as disrespectful. Hence, he had a preference for obedient and well-behaved children. However, Roseanne was not one of them. Roseanne withdrew her gaze, nodding slightly. “I know. It's because I'm getting a divorce.” Bang! Henry slammed his hand onto the table with such force that it made the cups rattle, causing some of the water to spill out. “Simply because you wanted to marry Brandon, Aury chose to step aside for you. Yet, within just two years, you've stirred up a divorce scandal. Have you ever thought of the Sylvester family's reputation?” As soon as these words were uttered, Burton immediately displayed a look of displeasure. “Dad, Aury doesn't even like Brandon, so how could you say she stepped aside?” Henry's lips were pinched into a thin line as he said, “The Sylvester family agreed to give up that piece of land in the northern suburbs, and the Graham family had already agreed to annul the engagement in return. Yet, Roseanne insisted on marrying Brandon, even going as far as to sign a prenuptial agreement in secret. Do you know what people are saying about her? They're calling her a love-struck fool and an idiot. The Sylvester family's reputation has been completely tarnished!” By the end, Henry had become so agitated that he pounded the table a few times. “Grandpa, please calm down first.” Zachary Sylvester poured a cup of water and slid it across to the old man. “Brandon was the one who cheated on Rosie with the eldest daughter of the Scott family. It's not her fault.” Zachary was Roseanne's older brother, the eldest son in the Sylvester family. Over the past couple of years, he was the one Roseanne had the most contact with. Half of Roseanne's professional experience was taught by him. The relationship between the two was actually quite decent, and they could converse calmly. Trovan adjusted the large gold chain around his neck. “Zachary, I don't agree with you on that. Old Mr. Graham told me that Roseanne invested five hundred million in Graham Group. I didn't expect Burton to give such a substantial dowry to his biological daughter privately. I wonder if he will give as much when our dear Aury gets married.” He particularly emphasized the term “biological daughter,” the sourness in his tone exceptionally evident. Trovan, who bore a striking resemblance to the late Sophia, Henry's wife, was exceptionally handsome. From a young age, he was well-liked by others. As he grew up, he transformed into a charming playboy. Henry felt his son was a disgrace and used to pressure him into getting married. After the birth of a son, Trovan finally settled down, desiring to have a daughter next. However, his wife, Adeline Brooks, wanted to prioritize her career and was unwilling. This disagreement led to many years of bickering between them. Trovan had a soft spot for gentle and sweet-natured girls, and so, he treated his niece, Aurora, with the same affection he would his own daughter. The arrival of Roseanne disrupted this tranquility. He was constantly on guard, worrying that Roseanne would snatch what should be Aurora's. Trovan didn't like Roseanne, and Roseanne didn't like him either. “Rosie's trousseau was fifty million, not five hundred million. If you don't believe me, Trovan, you can check the financial records.” The icy tone of the voice jerked Roseanne back to reality. She looked at the man who was her biological father, her face devoid of much emotion. Among the three brothers, Burton bore the most resemblance to their father, Henry. His features were stern, and his presence was imposing. Trovan held this elder brother of his in high regard, hardly ever contradicting him. “So, how did she come by her five hundred million?” Trovan had voiced the question that was on everyone's mind. Henry furrowed his brows. “Roseanne, where did you get the five hundred million you invested in Graham Group? Don't tell me it's like Ms. Scott said, that you were involved in the fraud case two years ago?” On her first day back at the Sylvester residence, Roseanne could distinctly sense that something was off. Claire treated her with utmost caution, afraid to upset her. Her tone was always gentle when she spoke. However, her affection for Aurora was genuine and deep. She would tap Aurora's forehead playfully and tease her by saying, “naughty”, or pat her head and tell her to behave. When Aurora made mistakes, Burton would reprimand her with a cold face, punishing her by confining her in the study to reflect on her actions. However, when Roseanne messed up, he would gently tell her where she had gone wrong before advising her to rest early. Zachary seemed to treat them both equally, yet there was always an unspoken barrier separating his kindness toward her. Just like Trovan, Raymond considered her an outsider from their very first encounter. Roseanne had long since found inner peace, so she merely chuckled. “Did you summon me back just to find out where this five hundred million came from? What good would knowing do?” “What kind of attitude is that!” From the moment he first laid eyes on Roseanne, Henry couldn't bring himself to feel any sense of closeness to her. The twenty-year-old young woman had grown up in the countryside. Yet, her demeanor was surprisingly aloof. There was not a hint of joy on her face upon finding her real family, nor did she take the initiative to address Henry as “Grandpa.” Upon comparing her to Aurora, he couldn't feel a familial bond with his biological granddaughter. He warned, “The mix-up of babies was an accident and not Aury's fault. Even without blood ties, she is still your younger sister. Do not harbor resentment, let alone entertain any thoughts of rivalry. What she has, you will have too.” He was the authority figure in the house, and no one ever disputed his words. Thus, he had assumed that Roseanne would obediently comply, responding with a simple “Yes, Grandpa.” But she didn't. Instead, she laughed mockingly, her voice cold as she said, “Rest assured, Old Mr. Sylvester. I have no intention of taking what belongs to Aurora.” With that single utterance of “Old Mr. Sylvester,” any chance of familial affection that might have developed between the grandfather and granddaughter was completely severed. Claire wore an anxious expression, wishing for her daughter to stop being so aggressively confrontational. However, as she opened her mouth to speak, she found herself at a loss for words. “Dad!” Burton rose to his feet, steadying his infuriated father and helping him sit down. Then, he turned his attention to Roseanne. “Rosie, can you explain to me how you managed to earn that five hundred million?” His tone was filled with concern, devoid of any interrogation. The word “earn” soothed the frustration and annoyance in Roseanne's heart. “I hold shares in a company, and five hundred million was the cumulative dividend over the years.” Burton nodded. “May I inquire about the company's name?” “I'm afraid I can't tell you. I've made a promise to keep it confidential.” Trovan scoffed lightly, his words dripping with sarcasm as he said, “Two years ago, you weren't even a part of the Sylvester family, just a villager. Where could you have possibly gotten the money to buy shares?” Roseanne slightly turned her head, stating each word clearly, “That's none of your business.” In an instant, the atmosphere became tense. Trovan stood up in a fit of anger, his voice booming with rage, “Is this how you talk to your uncle? Haven't you learned any manners after living with the Graham family for two years?”