“Years ago, the genius girl W won the gold medal at the XGAME world competition. This was the first time an H Rovirsa athlete had won the XGAME championship.”
“That gold medal caused a sensation worldwide!”
“But since then, the genius girl W disappeared! She left detailed skiing techniques, and now many national training teams train their athletes according to her techniques.”
“Oh my god! Even EMPEROR trains according to her materials.”
The judges expressed their admiration for Sylvia, excited like fans meeting a superstar.
These judges were the most professional and skilled in the world, but in front of Sylvia, they felt like novices, insignificant.
In contrast to their excitement, Sylvia’s expression was cold and indifferent. She rubbed her forehead, feeling a headache. She knew this would happen…
After a while, she spoke, “I have retired for many years. This time, I only came out for the Gentry family, so… thank you for your kindness.”
“W, can you sign an autograph for me?”
“W, can I take a photo with you? For a keepsake?”
The judges were still excited and enthusiastic, not feeling awkward despite Sylvia’s coldness.
In the end, seeing their unwavering enthusiasm, Sylvia reluctantly agreed to take a few photos with them.
Everyone in the Gentry family was shocked to see her surrounded by the judges.
“Is she… that world champion?”
“I remember hearing about her years ago… the first person in the world to abandon sled racing.”
“I didn’t expect her to be such a big shot.”
Tony rubbed his hands, unsure how to express his gratitude and guilt towards Sylvia.
After a long silence, he finally said, “Miss Andrews, I misunderstood you before. I’m sorry.”
Sylvia glanced at him indifferently, “Your Gentry family gave me many precious medicines and supplements. They are valuable and expensive. Since I accepted your gifts, it’s only right to do something for you.”
After all, skiing was just a small effort for her.
“It’s the least we could offer,” Tony sighed deeply. Although they won the competition and secured the payment, he didn’t feel as relieved as he had imagined. “Miss Andrews, if you ever need anything in the future, the Gentry family will do our best.”
“Tony, you’re too polite,” Sylvia replied calmly. “It’s getting late. We should head back.”
“Why don’t we have lunch first… let us give you a ride,” Tony quickly suggested. “The food at home is always better than on the road.”
Sylvia didn’t insist further and agreed to return to the Gentry family for lunch after discussing it with Franklin.
The Gentry family’s chef was indeed quite skilled.
Since it was a farewell meal, Adeline also joined them. She sat beside Fatima, occasionally coughing.
Brittany lovingly served her a bowl of chicken soup. “It’s freezing outside. You didn’t have to come to the dining hall.”
“Sometimes it’s boring to be alone. I wanted some company,” Adeline said, sipping the chicken soup and feeling much warmer.
“Mom, Miss Andrews treated Adeline, but she couldn’t help,” Fatima said gloomily. “We’re twins, but why am I healthy while Adeline is always sick? It’s so unfair.”
Brittany’s face stiffened slightly, and she glared at Fatima. “Nothing in this world is perfect.”
Fatima felt even more frustrated after being scolded. “But look at Vaild and Mark. They’re twins too, and both are perfectly healthy!”
“You don’t understand! Your situation is different,” Brittany said angrily, wishing she could cover Fatima’s mouth to stop her from talking. “If it weren’t for saving you back then, Adeline wouldn’t be like this.”
“What do you mean by saving me?” Fatima asked in shock, her eyes wide open. “Mom, explain clearly.”
Adeline glanced at Brittany but said nothing. She continued drinking her chicken soup as if she wasn’t surprised at all.
Brittany threw down her cutlery in frustration. “Can’t we eat in peace? Why so many questions?”
“Mom…” Fatima was so angry that her beautiful eyes almost sparked with fire. “If you don’t explain clearly, you won’t be able to eat either. If necessary, I’ll ask Dad.”
With that, she impulsively walked towards the main table.
As she walked, she loudly asked, “Dad, what secret are you hiding about Adeline and me when we were born? Why did Mom say Adeline got sick saving me?”
Fatima was impulsive by nature and was provoked by Brittany’s vague words. She didn’t care about anything else.
Uncle Tony heard his daughter’s loud questioning and angrily glared at his wife. “Fatima, can we discuss this after dinner? Please go back and eat properly.”
Fatima was furious and didn’t want to bear the burden of supposedly being saved by Adeline.
She bit her lip and stomped her foot angrily. “Uncle Tony, if my parents won’t tell me, you should at least tell me.”
Tony couldn’t handle his niece’s temper. She was spoiled and impulsive.
Discussing such family matters in front of everyone, especially Sylvia and Franklin, was highly inappropriate.
He could only try to smooth things over. “Fatima, listen to your father and go eat properly.”
“Are you all hiding something from Adeline and me? If I don’t get to the bottom of this today, no one will eat!” Fatima angrily pulled a chair and sat next to Tony at the main table.
Sylvia could guess what was going on. It was clear that Adeline had been subjected to a spell that transferred part of her life force to Fatima.
This was quite interesting.
Reginald didn’t expect such an old secret to be exposed by Fatima’s relentless questioning today.
“Fatima, come with me. Adeline too,” Reginald stood up from his seat and beckoned the two girls. “Let’s go outside so we don’t disturb everyone else while I explain.”
“Reginald!” Brittany stood up in panic, trying to stop him. “Don’t be impulsive. Fatima is young and doesn’t understand…”
“It’s time they knew the truth,” Reginald said as he walked towards the door.
Fatima immediately grabbed Adeline’s hand upon hearing that someone would tell her the truth.
“I just don’t want Adeline to suffer anymore. She’s been sick for so many years; I can’t bear to see her like this.”
With that, she led Adeline to follow Reginald.
Reginald walked a bit further before turning back. “Miss Andrews, could you join us too?”
Sylvia put down her cutlery. “Alright. I also want to know if Miss Adeline’s illness can be cured.”
Franklin held her hand. “What does this have to do with you?”
Sylvia squeezed his warm hand gently, her eyes sparkling slightly. “I might need to lend a hand to resolve this. Wait for my news.”
In the lounge of the dining hall.
Brittany’s eyes were red as she cried softly. “Fatima, Adeline, it’s my fault for not telling you sooner. When you were born, there were complications during childbirth. Fatima almost died. How could I watch my child leave without seeing the world? So…”
“So you tried everything to save Fatima but found no cure through medicine. Finally, you sought Reginald’s help?” Sylvia continued for her. “Reginald was young then but had some unconventional methods. He could predict fate and was quite skilled.”
Brittany looked at Sylvia in shock. “How do you know?”
Sylvia remained calm. “I guessed.”
Brittany couldn’t help but twitch her mouth. How could someone guess so accurately?
Fatima didn’t quite understand; neither did Adeline.
The sisters exchanged glances before Adeline asked softly, “What method did Reginald use to save Fatima? Why did Mom say I saved Fatima… I don’t understand.”
Reginald’s face showed guilt and pain. “Adeline, I’ve wronged you all these years. When I was young and arrogant, I thought I could save everyone with my skills. I used an untested spell on you.”
“A spell?” Although Adeline was often sickly, she never missed out on education and believed in some fortune-telling arts. But… a spell? It sounded eerie.
“Yes, an Exchange Life spell. I transferred half of your life force to Fatima. I wasn’t skilled then; I thought it would only affect your luck slightly.” Reginald grew more sorrowful as he spoke. “But it ended up harming your body severely; you’ve been sick ever since with no hope of recovery. Watching you struggle with illness fills me with guilt and pain…”
“Exchange Life… So… Fatima was supposed to die; I saved her by giving half my life force, leaving me with lingering illness?” Adeline’s eyes reddened as she struggled to accept this revelation.