Chapter 8 Biological Parents

Flora left without a care, completely unaware that within ten minutes of her departure, a group of big shots from the antique appraisal and art circles rushed over, only to feel disappointed that they'd missed her painting demonstration.

It didn't take long for this news to reach Gavin's ears. He tapped his fingers on the armrest, deep in thought.

After a moment, he pulled out his phone, ready to have his assistant investigate Flora's background.

His gut told him Flora was no ordinary person.

Just as Gavin was about to press the call button, Olivia, sitting beside him, pressed down on his hand.

He gave her a questioning look.

Olivia said earnestly, "If you investigate her rashly, you'll only push her further away."

Rational and perceptive people always knew how to maintain boundaries. If Flora discovered his inappropriate actions behind the scenes, he'd never be able to get close to her again.

"Got it." Reminded by his grandmother, Gavin came to his senses and abandoned the idea.

Six o'clock in the evening.

Flora glanced at her watch and turned to ask Nolan, "Aren't we having dinner at seven?"

Realizing he hadn't bought Flora any clothes yet, Nolan reassured her, "No rush. Your Uncle Jasper Loomis and Uncle Kai Loomis are still stuck in traffic. It's fine if we're a bit late."

That said, knowing this was her first meeting with the White family members, Flora still wanted to arrive at the hotel on time to make a good impression.

The auction had taken up quite a bit of time. To save time, Flora didn't bother being picky about brands and simply walked into the clothing store closest to her in the mall. She quickly scanned the store, picked out a decent pale yellow dress, and headed straight to the fitting room.

When Nolan turned around to get some other clothes the staff had recommended, he saw she'd already had the clerk cut off the tags.

After paying, Flora picked up the bag with her old clothes and headed out. "Let's go, Uncle Nolan."

"Don't you want to buy a few more? We still have time." Nolan immediately followed her, unsure whether to take out his card or keep it in his pocket.

"I'll buy more later. Getting to the hotel is more important right now."

Seeing Flora about to order an Uber, Nolan quickly spoke up: "I already have a car arranged to pick you up. No need to get a ride."

When they reached the entrance, the car arrived just in time.

The two got in one after another, and Nolan placed the shopping bag on the front seat.

Looking at the unfamiliar logo on the bag, Nolan was a bit puzzled. "Don't young people these days all like trendy brands? You're not into that?"

Flora wasn't particular about clothes. "I'm not used to wearing them."

As long as it wasn't a formal occasion, she'd just wear whatever clothes she had.

Nolan didn't press further, mentally noting that since she wasn't interested in this area, he should make it up to her in other ways.

Soon, the car stopped at the hotel entrance.

Flora followed Nolan into the hotel, and for some reason, she felt inexplicably nervous.

Her palms, hanging at her sides, grew slightly warm, her fingers unconsciously curling as she quietly steadied her breathing.

She'd dealt with Michael and Susan before—wealthy families didn't have that much genuine affection.

Besides, they might not truly welcome her either.

Flora blinked, hiding the anxiety and unease in her eyes, maintaining an outward calm.

"We're here."

After several turns, Nolan stopped in front of a private room.

He stepped aside and said gently to Flora, "I'm going to open the door now."

As if seeking her permission.

Flora nodded slightly, took a deep breath, and her expression became especially serious.

The door opened.

When she suddenly met two pairs of worried eyes, Flora froze.

In that instant, even without introductions, both parties immediately understood who the other was.

Flora steadied herself and called out softly, "Dad, Mom."

Just those words instantly brought tears to Yara Loomis and Owen White's eyes. They rushed forward, Yara gripping her hand tightly, her lips trembling, tears flowing before she could speak.

Seeing the plain dress Flora was wearing, they assumed she'd had a hard time at the Smith family, and their hearts ached even more.

Owen put his arm around Yara's shoulder, gently patting her back to comfort her, his voice also choked with emotion. "It's good that you're back."

Yara, fearing that the long separation might have caused a rift, immediately told Flora about her years of suffering and explained that Flora had been switched at birth.

"When you were just born, I noticed you had a small mole at the end of your eyebrow. I said you took after me because I have one too." Yara raised her hand to gently touch Flora's right eyebrow.

Sure enough, she saw the exact same mole.

Her tears flowed even harder, her voice trembling. "Right after giving birth, I was exhausted. Your dad had some urgent business at the company, so we had the nanny watch over us. We never imagined that a heartless nurse would take advantage of the nanny stepping out to get water and switch her daughter with you."

"Thank goodness I noticed something was wrong that very night, but no matter how hard we searched, we couldn't find you..."

Yara's tears flooded out. Even though this was the countless time she'd brought this up, her heart still ached unbearably.

If only she hadn't rested, if only she'd kept holding the baby instead of putting her in the cradle, if only she'd discovered the switch sooner—then her daughter wouldn't have suffered all these years outside, and their family of three wouldn't have been forced apart for so long.

"Mom, this isn't your fault." Flora handed Yara a tissue to wipe her tears.

"The Smith family's circumstances are decent. They haven't mistreated me all these years. I've been doing fine." She smiled, deliberately softening her tone, trying to make her voice sound gentler.

Yara and Owen had investigated the Smith family, especially their behavior at her engagement party today.

They had their own judgment about how the Smiths had treated her.

After barely steadying her emotions, Yara said, "Flora, this hotel belongs to the White Group. We want to give it to you, transfer it directly to your name. We can do it right now."

Money was more practical than any amount of concern. She knew her daughter had just come home and inevitably had reservations. As her parents, they were willing to give without reservation, letting her slowly accept her family, learn to trust them, and truly feel a sense of belonging to them and to the White family.

Flora quickly accepted that the White family's wealth far exceeded her imagination and readily agreed.

Midway through, Flora went to the restroom.

When she came out of the stall, she ran into Vivian, who had just entered, along with a few of her friends.

Vivian was still wearing the dress she'd taken off at the engagement party. Because of the difference in height and weight, she kept pulling the dress up, using two safety pins at her waist, looking quite uncomfortable.

When Vivian saw Flora, surprise flashed across her face, followed by a knowing expression. "So you're here."

"This isn't your house." Flora couldn't be bothered with her and quickly washed her hands, then left.

But Vivian deliberately blocked her way, moving left and right to mirror her every step.

"What?"

Seeing her impatient tone, Vivian bit her lip, putting on a pitiful expression. "Sis, if you wanted the arranged marriage, you could have just told me. I wouldn't have fought you for it. But why did you work behind the scenes to deliberately keep Gavin from attending the engagement party and embarrass me in front of everyone?"

"Do you really dislike me that much?"