Chapter 9 More stronger

As soon as Nathaniel left the station, Bethany, who had been clamoring to see Sheryl, was finally allowed in. Her heels clicked against the cold concrete floor of the detention center as she walked slowly, every step burdened with thoughts she hadn't voiced in years. She had brought some spare clothes for Sheryl to change into.

The officer ahead of her unlocked the cell with a dull clank and stepped aside, nodding for her to proceed.

Sheryl sat on the edge of the metal bench inside the cell, her eyes downcast. At the sound of Bethany's voice, she looked up. For a moment, they just stared at each other. The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable-it was heavy, steeped in moments of tangled friendship and unspoken regrets.

"Sheryl," Bethany called softly, "Sister,"

Sheryl exhaled as she stood, brushing off her skirt. "Fate is funny, isn't it?" she murmured.

Bethany furrowed her brows.

"From afar, I watched my sister-in-law once be discarded by her dumb ex-husband for another woman who didn't even live to see the next spring, thinking that such case can't happen to me," Sheryl continued. "And now look at me. Cast aside like old velvet. But somehow, I'm still standing. I always do. Just like Sister in law."

Bethany's heart ached. She couldn't even bring herself to sit, just gripped the bars with white-knuckled fingers. "Why didn't you let Alexander adopt you into the Wolfe family? He proposed it months ago. If you had taken the name, maybe Nathaniel wouldn't have treated you like this! Maybe people would've respected you!"

"They would respect the 'Wolfe' name not me." Sheryl chuckled softly. It wasn't bitter; it was haunting. She stepped forward, rested a hand gently atop Bethany's head. "Everything happens for a reason, Bethy. And every decision I made, even the worst ones, shaped me."

They stood like that for a long moment, the hum of silence vibrating with unspoken apologies. Then Sheryl pulled back slightly.

"Have you told Alexander and Mia about... what happened?" she asked.

Bethany shook her head. "No. I didn't want Alexander burning down someone's empire over you. I know you wouldn't want that."

"Good." Sheryl smiled, genuine this time. "You know me too well."

"Unfortunately," Bethany muttered before huffing. "Let's get you out of here. This place doesn't suit you."

Bethany accompanied Sheryl as they both exited the station. However, they were unaware of Nathaniel's presence.

Minutes later, they were in the car. As Bethany drove through the narrow streets of Belgrade, she side-eyed her companion. "How did the case get wrapped up so fast? Did Nathaniel, that bastard threaten you or something?"

Sheryl looked out the window. Her voice was calm, almost detached. "It doesn't matter. All that matters is that I am going to make a strong comeback. And those who stole from me, who looked down on me, will regret it. Every last one of them."

Bethany gave her a long glance but didn't press.

Then Sheryl turned fully to her. "Can you take me to my father?"

Bethany blinked. "Your father? Now?"

"Yes. There's something I want to tell him. Besides, I need to shower. I reek of sweat."

Bethany chuckled.

They drove in silence to the Lancaster estate, a large marble-fronted manor nestled on the outskirts of the city. As soon as the car stopped, Sheryl got out. She inhaled deeply, the crisp air biting at her skin, before walking up the stairs.

She didn't have to look for him. Lancaster stood by the tall window, tending to his prized roses. Without turning, he spoke.

"You didn't come home for dinner yesterday. It was your birthday."

"Something came up," she said, voice softer than she expected. She couldn't tell him about the stupid stunt that Nathaniel had pulled.

He turned around, removed his gloves, and walked toward her. "I know I'm not the father you can be proud of. But I would do anything to make you happy, Sheryl. It's what I owe you."

Sheryl's eyes welled, but she blinked them away. She stepped forward and hugged him. "If I had another chance, I'd be the daughter you could be proud of. Not a shadow always hiding."

"You were never a shadow," he said, hugging her tightly. "I've always been proud."

They pulled apart and she inhaled shakily. "I'm leaving Serbia. I need to explore the world. Find something more than this. But I'll be back."

He didn't argue. Just nodded and motioned to his butler. A moment later, her phone pinged. She looked down and gasped.

Her account had just been credited with an amount she couldn't even count in one glance.

She looked up, stunned. "Dad... this is..."

"Don't look at me like that," he smiled. "You're making me feel like I gave you too little."

She chuckled, eyes glassy. "It's enough. Thank you." She hugged him. Disengaging from the hug, she blinked as she held her nose, "I need to bath."

Lancaster chuckled, "Of course."

Moments later, Sheryl returned. She was now putting on the cloth that Bethany had brought for her. Smiling at her dad one last time, she turned to leave but paused. "I'm not taking anything with me. I'll be back."

She rejoined Bethany in the car, and they drove off to Alexander's estate.

At Thornvale residence, Mia sat on the terrace enjoying coffee when she saw the car approach. Her brow furrowed.

She nudged Alexander, who had just ended a virtual meeting. Celeste lay curled near his feet. "Something's wrong," Mia whispered.

Alexander followed her gaze and nodded. "It's Sheryl."

The trio gathered at the breakfast table. Pastries, eggs, and fresh fruit lay untouched as tension coiled in the air.

They spoke lightly for a few minutes-about weather, politics, the latest gala.

Then Mia asked, "So, how did the party go?"

Bethany froze mid-sip. Sheryl was the one who answered, her tone calm.

"It went well."

Before either of them could press further, she continued, "But that doesn't matter. I came to tell you something important. I'm leaving Serbia."

The words hit like a slap across the table.

Mia blinked. "What?"

Bethany gasped, "The heck!"

Alexander's jaw tightened. "Why now?"

Sheryl folded her hands in her lap. "Because I need to find something I lost before I destroy what little I have left."

Neither Mia nor Alexander spoke immediately. The silence was heavy again-but this time, it was laced with a thousand unspoken questions.

Sheryl met Alexander's gaze squarely. "You always told me I was made for more than this. Maybe you were right."

Alexander stood, his chair scraping softly. He crossed to her, pulled her into an embrace.

"If you need anything, call me," he whispered.

Sheryl grinned and said "who would have thought her step brother would hug her one day."

"Don't get used to it."

Mia stood next and hugged her tightly. "Come back whole."

Bethany sulked as she looked away earning a chuckle from Sheryl. "Don't come close to me." She snapped.

"Oh Bethy..."

Bethany glared at her and whispered, "And you expect me to believe that that cunt didn't threaten you? Tch."

"Keep it as our little secret, will ya?" Sheryl smiled as she extended her pinkie finger.

Looking away, Bethany asked, "When will you be back?"

"I don't know. But I'll be back more stronger than I am now."