Side Chick Era Over (Sharon and Carter) novel Chapter 520

Chapter 520

Richard’s deep affection for Shayla was well known throughout their social circle.

Otherwise, why else would he have remained single all these years?

But gossip was just that-gossip. High society was a cesspool of rumors and facades, and Uriah had long stopped believing in the myth of undying love.

The idea that Richard had an illegitimate daughter didn’t come as a surprise to him at all.

Richard opened his mouth, as if to explain, then fell strangely silent. As if by default, he was conceding the point.

That was when Sharon spoke.

“Uriah, I am not part of the Kalen family. My surname is McKinzie, not Kalen.”

Rick said sternly, “Jenna, this isn’t the time for tantrums.”

Sharon turned to look at him. “I’m not throwing a tantrum. I’m simply telling the truth. Or… unless…”

She paused, the corners of her mouth lifting into a half-smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Rick, do you think of yourself as an illegitimate son?”

Rick’s face darkened instantly.

She was right. If Sharon was an illegitimate daughter, what did that make him?

He had resented his mother for abandoning him, for never once coming back to see him after all these years.

But now, she was gone. And the fact remained-she had been the rightful Mrs. Kalen. That truth could never be erased.

Richard noticed the shift in Rick’s expression. A faint crease formed between his brows

At last, he sighed.

“She’s not an illegitimate daughter.”

Uriah caught the subtle changes in everyone’s expressions. He raised his brows, pretending not to understand.

“But I heard your wife passed away shortly after giving birth to your youngest daughter, Victoria.”

Richard glanced at Victoria.

She stood quietly, her composure unshaken despite the storm swirling around her identity.

He had raised her with great care. She was smart and capable, never a step behind even the most accomplished men.

His expectations for her were sky-high.

Everything the Kalen family poured into Victoria-the best education, the best opportunities-hadn’t been wasted. Had she lacked the brains to match the resources, she would have amounted to nothing.

Richard’s gaze swept across the room, noting every flicker of emotion on each face.

He had to protect Victoria.

He sighed, then gave a bitter smile. “Their mother didn’t die. She left the Kalen family. Jenna………”

He paused, then added for clarity, “Jenna is Sharon. She was born after Shayla left.”

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Though Richard chose his words carefully, he didn’t lie.

Sharon saw through him immediately. He wasn’t shielding her he was shielding, Victoria. He was hiding the fact that Victoria, not she, was the one born out of wedlock.

Realization dawned on Uriah. “So, Sharon isn’t your illegitimate daughter?”

“That’s right,” Richard confirmed. “I didn’t know about her at the time. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I learned of her existence. Later, I brought her back to the Kalen family, but tensions arose. She left in a moment of anger.”

Rick said nothing.

Victoria remained silent.

Even Sharon had no intention of speaking further.

Uriah turned back to Richard. “And what about what she just said-what happened with Cole?”

Richard replied, “It was during Sharon’s birthday celebration years ago. She and Cole were found alone in a room together…

“That’s why I’ve come today. Back then, the matter was left unresolved, and Sharon left because of it. I’m here to ask you to hold Cole accountable. He should take responsibility for what happened.”

The words had barely left his mouth when Sharon’s and Cole’s voices rang out at the same time.

“There’s no need.”

“I refuse.”

Uriah glanced at them. “Is this what Sharon wants? Or is it what you want?”

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