Maja rubbed her temples, her own disbelief mirrored in her actions. “I’m not kidding. This morning, Juliet called me into the study
to discuss something, but we’d barely started talking when her teacup almost slipped from her grasp. I helped her catch it, and
when I touched her hand. It felt like she was wearing gloves made to look like aged skin, but her face was real. It must cost a lot
to make someone’s face look exactly like Juliet’s, so much so that the rest of the body can’t keep up. That’s why for the hands,
they resorted to using gloves made to look like weathered skin. Ian, do you get what I’m saying? These two people, they might
be in their fifties.” “People in their fifties don’t have the same skin as someone in their seventies.” Maja’s heart raced as she
spoke, remembering the immense self-control she had to summon in the study. “They must have undergone some professional
training, specifically to replace the old couple. And what makes me even more sure of my theory is how they treated me.” She
mom, right? Did you already know?” Beck’s pupils tightened sharply, and he forced a resigned smile. “I had no clue.” Maja
figured that meant Ian hadn’t told him yet. She recapped the situation with Cynthia and Arlene, then continued with her own
discoveries. “Beck, can you tell me what you remember about our grandparents?” “They were strict. Everyone in the Sanders
family had to fall in line, and if anyone made a mistake, there was no coddling. Everyone faced the consequences.” “Do you think
then, such shrewd and stern elders would really be oblivious to Cynthia marrying into the Sanders family? When I was talking to
Juliet this morning, I got the impression they knew but chose to overlook it. They broke their own rules. But when they faced me,
they demanded that I change my blood and even get rid of my own child.” “Beck, the guy from the Sanders family who got
involved with drugs faced a terrible fate, and he deserved it. Before Dad fell into a coma, he disowned Dylan from the Sanders
family, and that was Dylan’s own doing. But Dad liked Cynthia, and that wasn’t his fault. So, I guess, the old couple did indeed
have faith and were decisive, yet they turned a blind eye to Dad’s choice. They weren’t heartless. So these two imitators, with
their ruthless demeanor towards me, they’re fakes. Our real grandparents have disappeared.” Maja lifted her hand, examining
her fingertips, her expression serene. “I remember too well the sensation of touching skin that wasn’t human.” Ian, standing
behind her, slowly moved his fingers, pressing gently on her shoulder. “Maja, you are so clever.” His
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affirmation implied his belief in her. Maja was surprised. After all, the notion that the Sanders family’s elders had been replaced
was astounding. “You believe me?” Ian rested his chin on her shoulder, his lips curving into a smile. “Because I’ve had the same
suspicion. If the elders knew Cynthia was the one marrying in, and they could turn a blind eye to Augus, how could they be so
heartless as to ask you to abort your child? The fact that there’s still information about the elders online, portraying them as
influential figures who wouldn’t tolerate major transgressions from their children, only proves they had principles. So I believe
you. Relax, and it’s all good now. Don’t worry.” Only then did Maja breathe a sigh of relief and turn to face Beck, who sat opposite
her. Beck’s face was a swirl of complex emotions. After a long while, he managed to say, “We need to inform Dylan about this.
The grandparents have a lot of clout in the Sanders family. He should know what to do.” Even if Dylan had fallen from grace, he
had been the heir to the Sanders family for years, commanding respect and undoubtedly had some skills. If not for Judith, his life
would have continued to shine brightly. Beck immediately called him, and after a few seconds of contemplation, the voice on the
line said, “I’ll seek help from the royal connections. You and Maja stay at Ian’s place for now.”