Chapter 491: Matcha Cake Again

Matcha cake again. In their youth, Vanessa never enjoyed matcha-flavored desserts. She would always pass her portion to Sienna. As the adopted daughter, Sienna never felt empowered to refuse. She endured every bitter bite. Eventually, everyone assumed she adored matcha cakes. No one ever truly learned her preferences. The memory almost made her laugh aloud now.

"I never liked matcha cake," Sienna stated flatly.

Helena froze, the cake hovering awkwardly between them. She had always believed Sienna loved matcha. All those years, they never knew her true tastes? Slowly, Helena withdrew the offering. "We'll get you something you prefer next time. We want to understand you better now."

"Unnecessary," Sienna dismissed coldly.

Philip's voice strained with emotion. "We know you resent us, Sienna. We were wrong. We failed you terribly." He continued, "Discovering you're our biological daughter changes everything. We will compensate for past neglect. We won't repeat those mistakes." Helena's eyes glistened with unshed tears. Her gaze pleaded for forgiveness. "I'm so deeply sorry, Sienna. We treated you like an outsider since childhood. We never listened. Never tried to understand you." Her voice trembled. "Recently, our actions became unforgivable. We wronged you repeatedly."

She clasped her hands tightly. "We don't deserve your forgiveness. But tell us how to ease your pain. Shout at us. Strike us. Anything to provide you solace." Both parents radiated genuine remorse and shame. Sienna observed their weary expressions. The satisfaction she anticipated felt hollow now. Seeing their pain brought no fulfillment. Their apologies meant nothing. Could words undo childhood trauma? Erase years of neglect? Never. Those experiences shaped her permanently. She never felt belonging in this family. Yet, should she despise them? They were also Vanessa's puppets. Victims of manipulation.

Forgive them? Could she?

Five years ago, she attempted explanation. She claimed victimhood. Helena struck her before she finished speaking.

The Jordan family universally condemned her. They dismissed her pleas. Branded her a disgrace. They exiled her barely conscious to Africa. Abandoned her to die. Only miraculous fortune spared her. For five years, no contact. No concern. As if she never existed. Returning to Kingsport, they blamed her incessantly. Despised her presence. Just yesterday, they disowned her. Seized her shares. Attacked her manor. Sienna's eyes hardened recalling these injustices. "Leave. Your apologies are worthless. I require nothing from you. Nor will I retaliate."