Chapter 523: Chapter 523: Peterson Family-2
For a very long period of time, she was even officially referred to as the nation’s sweetheart.
Even now, despite several controversies, many people still stubbornly continue calling her that title.
However, recently, a massive scandal had suddenly erupted around her.
As Lana scrolled through the articles displayed on her phone screen.
According to the news reports, Thessy had been exposed for lip-syncing in many of her performances.
Not only that, several of the songs she previously claimed to have written herself were apparently commissioned from anonymous writers behind the scenes.
The internet had exploded because of this revelation.
Countless fans felt betrayed.
The comments below the articles were filled with anger, disappointment, and endless arguments.
The moment Lana saw this information, she immediately understood who was most likely behind the exposure.
’Lucian...’
Only he possessed both the ability and influence to quietly expose someone of Thessy’s status so efficiently.
Thinking about this, Lana could not help smiling faintly.
For some reason, she suddenly felt strangely thrilled.
’Having such a capable boyfriend honestly feels pretty nice.’
With that thought lingering in her mind, she continued researching the Peterson family further.
However, the more she read, the quieter she became.
Most of the articles, interviews, and public appearances clearly showed how deeply the Peterson family doted on Thessy.
Whether it was her birthdays, achievements, or scandals, the entire family constantly stood around her protectively like she was the center of their world.
The warmth they showed toward Thessy was impossible to fake.
And because of that... Lana’s interest gradually disappeared.
A strange coldness quietly settled inside her chest. It was almost as though she instinctively understood something.
Even if the Peterson family one day discovered her true existence, the emotions they would show toward her would probably never compare to what they felt for Thessy.
At most... they might only treat her politely.
Thinking about this, Lana quietly turned off her phone before placing it beside the bed.
However, contrary to what one might expect, her expression still remained cheerful.
She had already learned long ago not to expect too much from things she never truly possessed.
Soon afterward, exhaustion overtook her completely, and she quickly fell asleep.
The next morning, soft sunlight filtered through the curtains and illuminated the bedroom warmly.
Lana slowly rubbed her eyes groggily before sitting up lazily.
Her silver hair appeared slightly messy from sleep, while traces of lingering exhaustion still remained on her face.
After washing up, she slowly walked downstairs for breakfast.
And as expected... Conrad was already sitting there.
Nowadays, Conrad had developed a rather strange habit.
Even though he technically did not live in the mansion, he somehow always managed to arrive exactly on time every morning for breakfast.
Afterward, he would personally drop Lana at the university and later bring her back home as well.
It almost seemed as though his entire daily schedule revolved around her now.
Seeing him sitting there calmly flipping through business documents, Lana greeted him casually.
"Good morning."
Conrad immediately looked up. "Morning."
However, compared to usual, his expression looked somewhat unnatural today.
It was subtle, but Lana still noticed it immediately.
Still, she did not think too much about it.
After breakfast finally ended, Conrad suddenly cleared his throat softly before speaking.
"I want to talk to you about something."
Lana blinked slightly before leaning back against her chair.
"Yes? Go ahead."
However, instead of speaking immediately, Conrad awkwardly glanced toward Axel, who remained seated nearby without showing any intention of leaving.
Axel naturally noticed Conrad’s gaze.
A faint amused smile slowly appeared on his lips.
"I’ll leave first," he said calmly before standing up.
Once Axel finally left the dining hall, Lana turned toward Conrad curiously.
Meanwhile, Conrad himself felt slightly conflicted internally.
Earlier that morning, when he first arrived at the mansion, he had accidentally noticed something unusual.
Axel was wearing a jade necklace.
At first glance, Conrad simply thought it looked elegant and refined.
However, when he casually asked about it, Axel calmly replied, "It’s an artifact."
The moment Conrad heard that, his interest instantly rose.
Then Axel casually added another sentence.
"It’s a gift from Lana."
At that moment, Conrad honestly felt slightly envious.
Especially after hearing Axel proudly explain that the jade artifact was personally carved and crafted by Lana herself.
Not only that... it could even protect someone from ghosts.
The moment Axel revealed that feature, Conrad’s jealousy nearly reached its peak.
Even he wanted one.
Originally, he had confidently planned to ask Lana directly the moment she came downstairs.
But now that he was actually facing her, he suddenly felt strangely hesitant.
’Would directly asking for one make me seem too greedy?’
After struggling internally for a while, Conrad finally forced himself to speak.
"I want to buy one of your jade necklaces."
The moment those words came out, Lana became slightly stunned.
Then she naturally replied, "Sure. You can just order one from the official website."
After all, she genuinely did not understand why Conrad specifically wanted to get it directly from her instead of simply purchasing it online.
However, Conrad immediately shook his head firmly.
"I want one now."
Hearing the unusual insistence in his tone, Lana paused briefly.
’Does he urgently need protection?’
Thinking about this possibility, she immediately nodded.
"Alright. Wait for a moment."
With that, she quickly returned upstairs toward her room.
However, the moment she took out one of the prepared jade amulets, she suddenly paused.
A thoughtful expression slowly appeared on her face.
If Conrad merely wanted an artifact, he could easily buy dozens of them online without any issue.
Yet instead of doing that... he specifically asked her personally.
The moment this thought surfaced inside her mind, Lana suddenly found the situation slightly amusing.
A faint smile unknowingly appeared on her lips.
After thinking briefly, she changed her mind completely.
Instead of giving him a pre-made artifact, she sat down and personally crafted a brand-new jade amulet specifically for him.
Nowadays, after becoming increasingly proficient at talisman crafting, creating an artifact only requires around half an hour.
