Return of The Alpha Heiress-Chapter 57: Clarissa – The Second Child

I didn’t know how to respond to Larry’s words.

I couldn’t tell whether he was a coward... or someone who had already thought everything through far too carefully.

When I didn’t reply, he continued in a casual tone, "Once you turn eighteen, the land, the buildings, and the shares will officially be yours."

"You really..."

I was left speechless. I didn’t know whether to refuse or question his seriousness again. I had already asked several times, and every answer from him had been unwavering.

In the end, I chose to ask something else that had been bothering me instead. "But why only me and Edwin? What about Darren and Shannon?"

"As the heir, Darren already has more than you think. He’ll never lack anything for the rest of his life," Larry replied calmly. "As for Shannon... I think you already know she isn’t our biological sibling."

My eyes widened. I couldn’t believe Larry brought it up so casually. Either this topic had become normal to him, or Larry himself was simply too composed by nature.

My gaze shifted to the driver in front of us, who had been listening to our conversation this entire time.

Only then did I realize we weren’t alone.

The driver had heard Larry’s plan to defy the Alpha. He had also heard about Shannon’s true identity.

Wasn’t this dangerous?

When I looked back at Larry, he followed my gaze toward the driver. But his expression remained relaxed. Far too relaxed.

Noticing my panic, Larry immediately said, "He’s one of the people Grandma left to me."

I let out a breath of relief.

So he wasn’t just an ordinary driver. Not someone who could get us both torn apart by the Alpha if this leaked.

’Grandma really was something else. She even planted people in this house. Who knows how many others there are besides the driver? But... how could someone that sharp have a daughter like Luna Eileen? They’re nothing alike. Is it because Grandma wasn’t an omega?’

Shaking off my thoughts, I turned back to Larry with a barrage of questions.

"So you already knew about Shannon? Does Edwin know? What about Grandma and the rest of the family?"

Larry answered each one calmly.

"Edwin and the others don’t know. I only found out myself when I was ten, after I returned from Grandma."

I fell silent, listening carefully.

Then, he told me a long story about his childhood.

While living with Grandma, he had received constant attention. He had always been prioritized.

But once he returned home, no one cared about him anymore.

Whenever Alpha came back from handling affairs in other packs, he would bring the best gifts for Shannon. Sometimes, only for Shannon, claiming he was too busy. Darren treated it as normal. Larry never did.

During holidays, if Alpha had business in the capital, he would only take Shannon or Darren. Darren, he said, needed to get used to such routines as the heir. As for Shannon, he claimed that during holidays, boys should be training, not sightseeing.

Meanwhile, Luna Eileen’s attention was entirely focused on the youngest, Edwin. Ever since childhood, Edwin had been mischievous, constantly causing trouble. Luna had to run around endlessly cleaning up after him.

Whenever Larry came home from school or training, Luna would only ask one question.

"Where’s Edwin?"

Once, Larry came home after getting lost in the forest. No one looked for him. He managed to find his way out on his own the next day.

Luna assumed Grandma had taken Larry with her. Without even confirming it with her mother, she simply forgot about her second son’s existence.

That was the first time Larry ever cried and begged in his life.

He thought it was because he didn’t resemble the Alpha as much as Shannon, and didn’t resemble the Luna as much as Edwin, that he was ignored.

His crying finally awakened Luna.

A woman with plenty of love for her children, but a painfully small mind, Luna suggested to Alpha that Shannon be sent away to be raised by someone else.

Alpha refused.

A massive argument followed.

That was when Larry learned that Shannon wasn’t his sister at all. And that his real sister had violet eyes, just like their mother.

From that day on, Larry learned not to expect anything from either of his parents.

He wasn’t Darren, the heir. He wasn’t Shannon, the only daughter. And he wasn’t Edwin, the precious youngest child.

He was just the second child.

Easy to forget.

Grandma, who knew about everything, gave Larry even more attention and love after that. And Larry chose to become Grandma’s child instead.

...

I finally turned to Larry after his long story. It was the first time I had ever heard him talk this much.

Looking at his face now, he seemed... pitiful.

This was what happened when children were born only a year apart.

"Clarissa," he called softly. "I know it hasn’t been easy for you to live in our family. As long as the Alpha is still around, and Mother remains unreliable, the best path for you is to live independently from them."

I was slightly surprised. Larry understood my thoughts perfectly.

"At first, I wanted to ask our siblings to help you get out," he continued. "But after observing them, I realized none of them could be relied on. Darren is too focused on his work to see things clearly. And Edwin... he’s just a spoiled child, easily influenced."

"...That’s why I hope you can fight your way out on your own."

Guilt was clearly visible in his eyes. "I’m sorry I can’t help you more."

I had no words. Not now.

Today, I had seen so many expressions on Larry’s face. He felt like a completely different person.

Silence returned to the car. It seemed Larry was giving me time to think.

...

Not long after, we arrived at the party.

The spring party was an annual event held to welcome the new season. This time, it also served as a farewell party for those heading to the Lycan King selection.

As we entered the ballroom, the atmosphere felt entirely different from Adrian’s birthday party.

Flowers bloomed across the ceiling and walls. Upbeat music filled the air. The guests were all young men and women.

Spring parties were meant for elite youths. A place to find partners, friends, or future business connections as they stepped into the professional world.

This party had nothing to do with me.

If not for Richard, I wouldn’t have come.

"Let’s get some drinks first," Larry said, guiding me toward a long table filled with beverages and desserts.

Just as we were about to move, several of Larry’s former academy classmates approached him, pulling him away to drink together.

"Go," I said. I had no intention of staying in the main hall anyway. I wanted to look for Richard.

With a reluctant expression, Larry let himself be dragged away by his friends.

...