Maria smiled faintly and waved at Sidney, like greeting an old friend. Sidney, however, coldly averted his gaze and walked off with Diana. Maria finally got a clear look at the girl, who was undeniably beautiful. Herman got into the car and asked, “Miss Conner, where do you live?” Maria gave him the address.”Thank you, Mr. Evans.”Herman chuckled lightly. “You’re Tiana’s friend, no need to be so formal with me.”Maria’s smile became a bit more relaxed. “Tiana is Tiana, and you’re you. It’s not the same.”Herman was momentarily at a loss for words.He glanced at Maria again.Earlier, she’d been quiet, almost reserved.But now, in this more private moment, he realized she was different from most people.She didn’t seem to care about others’ opinions, acting on her own whims with a laid-back, carefree attitude. It was as though she possessed a truly free spirit. Soon, they arrived at the entrance to her complex.Maria got out of the car. “Goodbye, Mr. Evans.” Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the Findnøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Herman nodded slightly, watching as she walked away.Just then, a middle-aged couple rushed toward Maria, grabbing her by both arms.”Mary! I finally found you! I’m your mother!” The woman clung to her like she’d never let go, tears streaming down her face.Maria frowned, pulling against their grip but unable to free herself. She snapped, “Let go of me! I don’t know you!”The woman cried even harder. “You are Mary! You’re my daughter! If you don’t believe us, we can go to the hospital for a DNA test!” The man beside her added, “That’s right, I’m your father.”The absurdity of the situation struck Maria, and she said, “Let go, or I’m calling the police.”But the woman tightened her hold. “Go ahead, call the police! They’ll confirm we’re your real parents!”Without hesitation, Maria pulled out her phone and called the police.The middle-aged man lunged forward, snatching Maria’s phone from her hand and smashing it onto the ground, shattering it instantly.”What do you think you’re doing?” Maria’s expression grew colder.The woman was just as stunned. “Why would you break our daughter’s phone?”The man ignored her, grabbingMaria’s arm. “No need to call the etpolice. We’ll just go to the hospital for a DNA test. We’ll cooperatMaria, her voice icy, said, “You just destroyed my property. This won’t be resolved without the police.”With that, she turned to leave, but the man stepped in front of her, trying to grab her again.Just then, Herman rushed over, shoving the man aside and positioning himself between them and Maria.”Who are you? I’ve already called the police. What exactly are you trying to do?” He waved his phone in front of them.The man’s face darkened as he stared at Maria for a long moment, before turning to drag the woman away.But Herman wasn’t letting them off that easily. “You’re not getting away!”Right then, the sound of police sirens filled the air, and the couple’s faces paled.They hadn’t expected the police to arrive so quickly.With Maria’s statement, the couple was swiftly taken away by the police. Since more details were needed, Maria and Herman were also asked to go to the station in a patrol car. “Are you alright?” Herman asked.Maria shook her head. “I’m fine. Thank you.”Herman nodded. “Don’t mention it. You’re Tiana’s friend. If I didn’t help, she’d have yelled at me for sure.”Maria smiled faintly, but a flicker of coldness passed through her eyes.So, they had found her. But who gave them her address? And how were they so sure she was the daughter they abandoned at theorphanage all those years ago?