Chapter 197 Reunion

Chapter 197 Reunion
The Sterling estate was vast. The road to the main building was like a drive to a castle. Tarred roads flanked by trees on both sides of the road that formed a canopy, giving way to a field of well-trimmed grass and a garden so beautiful, it took one’s breath away in seconds just before the loud gasp of surprise that followed. If the entrée was mind-blowing, the mansion was in a different league. It was an all-white, huge edifice that stood proudly at the center.

“Oh my goodness,” Brie let out a gasp as she turned to look at Alex. “This is—unbelievable.” She shook her head slightly, clearly impressed and too stunned to form words. She knew the Sterlings were old money, but this—they were in a different league.

Inside, preparations for the party were underway. Staff moved briskly, arranging flowers, setting tables, ensuring every detail was perfect. The air was charged with anticipation, and the staff was ready. The patriarch had been waiting for this moment. Everyone knew of the long-lost granddaughter of the Sterlings' return. At least the entire Sterling household.

Brie placed her hand gingerly in Alex’s as she stepped out of the car. Her face glowed with happiness as she stared into his blue eyes.

“We’re here.” She let out a deep breath and stepped in beside him.

Inside the mansion, the butler had announced Adeline’s arrival. Immediately, the Sterling patriarch rushed forward despite his grandson's plea to take it easy. He refused to listen to them, rushing forward as the door pulled open.

The moment he saw Brie, he froze. She was the spitting image of her grandmother, his late wife.

“Adeline,” he whispered; the name rolled out of his lips like a prayer after so many years. And before he could stop himself, he started crying.

Brie froze. When she saw the old man approaching her, she felt an indescribable urge to go to him. If not for Alex’s arms around her waist, she could have lost her manners.

Brie’s voice faltered as she spoke, her words polite but uncertain. “I’m sorry, Sir… I’m not…”

Adam stepped down, his smile gentle. “Welcome home. Brie, this is our Grandpa. Grandpa, this is Brie.”

Brie’s gaze softened. She offered Howard a gentle smile, her voice warm despite her confusion. “I’ve heard so much about you. Happy birthday, Sir Howard.” She bowed slightly.

Howard’s lips trembled, his eyes glistening. He nodded like a child given candy, his hand reaching out to clasp hers fondly. Brie glanced at Alex, then at the Sterling brothers, her confusion deepening, but she didn’t say anything.

Howard’s voice was thick with emotion. “Come, my child. I would like to show you something.”

Alex gave her a subtle nod, his eyes steady, urging her to trust. Brie hesitated, then followed Howard beside him, while Alex remained with Adam, Xander, and Caleb.

The study was dimly lit when Brie stepped inside, but the moment the light was flicked on, Brie froze as her eyes landed on the wall.

There, framed in gold, was a picture of a young woman. The resemblance was uncanny. The woman in the portrait looked exactly like her — the same eyes, the same delicate features, the same quiet strength. But Brie knew it wasn’t her.

Howard’s voice broke the silence. “You look so much like my wife, Adeline. We named our granddaughter — the only girl in the family — after her. But we lost her.”

Brie’s breath caught, her chest tightening. She couldn’t tear her gaze off the portrait, her chest pounding so heavy in her chest. She couldn’t understand why, but something about the woman in the picture called to her. She felt a sense of familiarity.

Howard continued, his voice trembling. “My son and his family had gone on a business trip. A few days later, we heard the sad news. They had been in an accident. But… we couldn’t find Adeline’s body. We thought she must have gotten lost, or worse, been killed by wild animals in the wilderness. It’s a miracle that you are alive.”

Brie’s eyes widened, her mind spinning. She turned to the Sterling brothers, her voice shaky. “Wait… what?”

Adam, Xander, and Caleb exchanged solemn glances before nodding. Caleb was the first to speak, his voice gentle yet firm. “Yes, baby sister. You’re our sister.”

Brie almost laughed, the sound brittle. “You don’t know that. We might just look alike.” She spoke, but something inside her believed them.

Her gaze shifted to Adam, searching for answers. Adam’s expression was steady, his eyes unwavering. Slowly, he reached for the envelope on the table and handed it over to her.

Brie’s fingers trembled as she accepted it. She opened it carefully, her breath uneven. Inside were documents, photographs, fragments of a past she had never known.

Howard’s voice broke through her disbelief. “You’re my granddaughter. You really are my granddaughter.”

Brie’s knees felt weak. Alex, sensing her discomfort, supported her into the nearest chair, her hands clutching the envelope. Her mind raced as she had no memories, other than those of her childhood, the struggles at the orphanage, and the loneliness. Could it be true? Could she really belong to this family, this legacy?

When her eyes skimmed the report, her fingers trembled slightly; her tears fell on the report, causing it to get wet.

“I—I’m your sister?” She looked up at the Sterling brothers.

Caleb’s smile was faint but sincere. “You’re our sister.”

“And we’re not letting you go again,” Xander added. Brie rose up slowly, then walked up to the elder patriarch, and then hugged him.

Howard’s eyes brimmed with tears as he patted his back, his voice thick with emotion. “I thought I’d never see this day. I thought I’d lost you forever. But you’re here. You’re alive.”