CHAPTER 147: CHAPTER 145: MY DAUGHTER

"Let me introduce everyone, this is my youngest daughter, Emily Lyle."

With Shawn Lyle’s introduction, everyone turned to the young woman beside him.

The green and black ombre strapless dress was both luxurious and serene, highlighting Emily Lyle’s fair and bright skin, with delicate features that were non-threatening and could be described as gentle.

Especially with a height of about 170 cm, it matched most of The Lyle Family’s stature.

Previously, Elliana Lyle’s short stature was always criticized, with people doubting whether she was truly a daughter of The Lyle Family. Even the Lyle matriarch suspected Elliana wasn’t part of the family until a paternity test barely settled the issue.

But the sudden appearance of Miss Lyle has caught everyone off guard as they had never heard of a second young lady from The Lyle Family before.

A natural assumption about her identity was that of an illegitimate daughter.

At this moment, Shawn Lyle spoke again.

"The young girl has been sick and living abroad, she was only brought back when her mother passed away."

Shawn Lyle’s words directly quashed the notion of illegitimacy, particularly astonishing The Lyle Family members.

None of them knew when Shawn Lyle had a daughter living abroad.

"Most likely an illegitimate daughter, Uncle can say whatever he wants now that Aunt is dead," Ada Lee smiled lightly, revealing the underlying connection straightforwardly.

Florence Lyle waved her hand, indicating Ada Lee to stop talking. It’s not uncommon for prominent families to have illegitimate children, and thinking of this, she glanced at her husband not far off.

"Miss Lyle is truly beautiful, indeed a cultured and refined person."

Right after the introduction, someone came forward with a compliment.

Emily Lyle, still in a daze, didn’t understand why Shawn Lyle suddenly acknowledged her!

But she guessed most of it; Elliana likely crossed her father yesterday and that’s why she didn’t come to such an important event. Her father always favored obedient children, hence the decision to claim her back!

And not as an illegitimate daughter! She was now officially Miss Lyle, the second young lady!

This identity was something she never dreamed of. Facing greetings from so many strangers, she quickly put on a graceful and poised smile to greet them politely.

At this moment, Ada Lee walked towards Emily Lyle, smiling as she handed Emily a glass of wine.

"Sister Emily."

Emily Lyle looked at Ada Lee in bewilderment, not knowing who this woman was.

Seeing this, Ada Lee said, "Let me introduce myself, I’m your aunt’s daughter, Ada Lee."

"So you are my cousin. Hello, cousin." She had never met other members of The Lyle Family, and now facing them made her a bit nervous.

"It’s been years since we’ve seen each other, you must talk with me properly."

Surprised yet pleased by Ada Lee’s enthusiasm, Shawn Lyle also said, "Go ahead, you young ones will have plenty to talk about."

"Okay, Dad, excuse me." She quickly nodded to the surrounding people and then left with Ada Lee.

Compared to the lively backyard, the inside of the villa was much quieter.

"Emily, where have you been living abroad all these years?" What seemed like a casual question put Emily Lyle on the spot.

She had never left South City, let alone gone abroad, but she had to fabricate something in response.

Otherwise, the identity of an illegitimate daughter might be exposed!

Emily Lyle smiled easily, "I lived in San Francisco, United States."

"Oh?" Ada Lee nodded knowingly and continued, "Emily, you stayed abroad for so long, but your native language is still very good."

"Cousin, you’re joking. Native language should always be the priority."

Emily was evidently uncomfortable, occasionally tucking stray hair behind her ear to conceal her awkwardness.

Seeing this, Ada Lee didn’t ask further, saying directly, "It’s a pity Elliana didn’t come today, otherwise you two would surely have fun."

Mentioning Elliana made Emily Lyle tense up. Considering Elliana’s behavior yesterday, meeting today would certainly cause conflict.

Initially, she didn’t want to attend this birthday party, but Shawn Lyle invited her, and she thought Elliana might not show up due to yesterday’s incident. So, attending with caution wouldn’t lead to a confrontation.

She sighed slightly, "Yes, it’s a pity not to see my sister today."

"You are more gentle and sensible than Elliana, that’s why Uncle sent you to be raised abroad."

Ada Lee affectionately took Emily Lyle’s hand and continued, "You have no idea, Uncle and Elliana have conflicts, now that you’ve returned, you should mediate between them, after all, you are siblings with emotional ties, far more persuasive than me as a cousin."

They sat on the sofa, soon someone brought them drinks.

"Cousin, don’t worry, I will." Emily Lyle smiled slightly, already formulating a plan in her mind.

From her cousin’s words, she gathered important information: Elliana and her father don’t get along, so as long as she excels more than Elliana, she would earn more of her father’s affection.

Furthermore, her dad wanted her to work at Lyle Corporation, and Elliana was just an actress, probably pursuing an acting career without entering the company.

With this understanding, she realized why her father wanted to acknowledge her.

"Cousin, do you know why my sister left today?"

"Left?" Ada Lee looked puzzled, paused, then quickly understood and laughed, "Elliana never stays at home, seems she’s living with her fiancé."

This surprised Emily Lyle, realizing Elliana didn’t live here. She also knew a bit about Elliana’s fiancé; who doesn’t know The Bennetts’ heir, Norman Bennett?

This man attracted more admiration than popular male celebrities.

"Fiancé? Isn’t it inappropriate since they’re not married?"

In response, Ada Lee merely smiled, knowing what to say and what not to say, holding herself appropriately.

Because of this, Emily Lyle was left to indulge in her imagination even more.

"Alright, let’s not talk about this. When did you return?"

"Just yesterday."

"Oh, since you’ve just returned, you must visit your aunt’s grave and pay your respects, though it’s been more than a decade since you’ve met, the bond from carrying a child for ten months is unbreakable, bowing before your aunt will allow her peace."

Ada Lee’s words inevitably sent a shiver down Emily Lyle’s spine; as an illegitimate daughter bowing before the grave of the legal wife, it would likely disturb rather than pacify her soul.

But in front of Ada Lee, she could only nod and put on a sad expression.

"Ah———!"

Noisy commotion erupted from the backyard, drawing their eyes, although the wall obscured their view.

Just as they considered investigating the matter, a maid ran in frantically.

Ada Lee quickly asked, "What’s happening in the back? What’s going on?"

The maid quickly explained, "Someone’s causing a ruckus at the banquet, it’s chaotic back there; miss, you mustn’t go out."