NOVGO.NET Chapter 59: The Daughter We Chose
Chapter 59: The Daughter We Chose
The interview should have ended there. Matthew had already answered the biggest questions surrounding Liliana—her true identity, her connection to the Sterling family, and the reason behind his close relationship with her. But he wasn’t finished.
For years, he had remained silent, watching Liliana endure relentless criticism, cruel accusations, and endless judgment simply because she had chosen to protect someone else’s dream—his son’s.
He had promised never to reveal the truth about Chris and Liliana’s marriage, and he intended to keep that promise. It wasn’t his secret to tell. But there were still truths the world deserved to hear.
The interviewer smiled politely.
"Chairman, thank you for clarifying Miss Sterling’s identity."
Matthew inclined his head.
"I have something else to say."
The interviewer looked intrigued.
Matthew folded his hands on his lap before speaking, his voice steady yet carrying a warmth rarely seen in public.
"So many people have judged Liliana without ever knowing who she truly is. I’ve known her for more than twenty years. I watched her grow up into a remarkable young woman, and I watched her carry burdens that no child should ever have to bear."
Across the country, millions listened in complete silence. Matthew St. Claire was known for his composed professionalism, not emotional speeches. That alone made every word carry even greater weight.
He continued.
"People have often asked why I treat Liliana differently."
The interviewer nodded.
"Yes. That’s been one of the biggest questions online."
Matthew looked directly into the camera.
"The answer is simple."
He paused for a moment.
"I don’t see her as someone else’s child."
Another brief silence followed.
"I see her as my own daughter."
The studio fell completely silent.
Inside the St. Claire Mansion, Amanda’s gentle smile never left her face. Beside Chris, Liliana lowered her head as tears quietly gathered in her eyes.
Matthew continued with the same quiet sincerity.
"When Edward and Vanessa passed away, I made them a promise."
His expression softened.
"I promised that their daughter would never have to face this world alone."
He smiled faintly.
"That promise has never changed."
His gaze returned to the camera.
"So if people wonder why I protect her..."
His smile grew warmer.
"...it’s because that’s what a father does."
Even the interviewer appeared visibly moved. She allowed the silence to linger before asking her next question.
"Chairman... if you truly see Miss Sterling as your daughter..."
She smiled.
"What does your family think of her?"
Matthew chuckled softly.
"I can’t answer for every member of my family."
The interviewer laughed.
"But I can certainly answer for Amanda and myself."
Everyone watching leaned forward, anticipating his response.
Matthew spoke without hesitation.
"Liliana has always been welcome in our home."
He paused.
"She has always been part of our family."
Another brief silence followed before he smiled once more.
"And as far as Amanda and I are concerned..."
His eyes reflected unmistakable affection.
"She is the only daughter-in-law we have ever accepted."
The interviewer blinked in surprise.
"...Daughter-in-law?"
Matthew immediately realized his choice of words. A knowing smile crossed his face, but he remained perfectly composed.
"I mean..."
He corrected himself naturally.
"If one day my son chose to marry..."
His eyes sparkled with quiet amusement.
"Liliana is the only woman Amanda and I would gladly welcome into our family."
He never mentioned Chris by name. He never spoke of a marriage. He never betrayed the secret.
Yet everyone understood exactly who he was talking about.
The internet exploded once again.
Social media timelines refreshed so quickly that comments vanished beneath thousands of new ones every second.
CHAIRMAN ST. CLAIRE JUST GAVE HIS BLESSING!
HE BASICALLY SAID HE WANTS CHRIS TO MARRY LILIANA!
AMANDA ALREADY ACCEPTED HER?!
THE ST. CLAIRES HAVE KNOWN HER SINCE CHILDHOOD!
NO WONDER THEIR CHEMISTRY IS INSANE!
Entertainment websites hurriedly updated their headlines.
MATTHEW ST. CLAIRE: "LILIANA IS THE ONLY DAUGHTER-IN-LAW WE WOULD GLADLY ACCEPT."
CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS SPARK NEW SPECULATION ABOUT CHRIS AND LILIANA.
FANS RALLY BEHIND THE PAIR AFTER EMOTIONAL LIVE INTERVIEW.
Back inside the St. Claire Mansion, silence lingered in the living room long after the interview ended. Emily was the first to recover, shaking her head with a laugh.
"...Uncle Matthew."
She grinned.
"That was the closest thing to a confession without actually confessing."
Nathan laughed and nodded.
"You practically announced their future."
Nicole leaned back on the sofa, unable to stop smiling.
"The internet is going to lose its mind."
River turned toward Chris with a mischievous grin.
"So..."
He folded his arms.
"Congratulations?"
Chris buried his face in both hands.
"I have absolutely no idea how I’m supposed to answer questions tomorrow."
The room erupted in laughter.
Only Liliana remained quiet.
When Matthew came out of his study after the interview, Liliana slowly walked over to him and, without saying a word, wrapped her arms around him. Chris looked at his wife and his father.
Matthew returned the embrace as naturally as a father comforting his daughter.
"You’ve always treated me like your own daughter," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
"You never had to tell the whole world."
Matthew smiled gently and rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"I wanted them to know."
He looked at her with quiet affection.
"Not everything." A small smile appeared on his face. "But enough."
"Thank you for defending me. For accepting me and for always taking care of me. You’ve been a great dad ever since my parents died." Liliana’s tears fell from her cheeks.
Matthew slowly wiped them. "No. Thank you for staying with us."
The interviewer caught the interaction between Matthew and Liliana. She was also convinced that the two shared a bond of a father and daughter. Nothing more, nothing less.
Across the country, millions of viewers were now convinced that Chris St. Claire and Liliana Sterling were destined to end up together.
Some were happy about it. Several women shared their sentiments of being heart broken.
None of them realized...
Their dream couple had already been husband and wife for five years.