Chapter 7
563words
"Ms. Woods, I'll dispatch the security team to the Harrison estate immediately!"
I glanced down at Jessica's crumpled form on the marble floor.
"Take them both into custody."
Jessica thrashed wildly against the hands restraining her.
"I did what you wanted! You tricked us about the assets! You set us up from the beginning!"
My palm cracked across her face with enough force to snap her head sideways.
"Have you forgotten how many years I've endured your existence?"
I nodded to my assistant, who secured them both in the waiting car before I continued.
"Charles had so many women that I couldn't be bothered to deal with any of you."
"But you—you had the audacity to steal Charles away on Eve's birthday, flaunting your precious son."
"Every single time Eve wanted her father's attention, you and your brat made sure to sabotage it."
Jessica's body trembled violently at my words.
I allowed myself a small, cold smile.
"Tell me, Jessica—between your son and Victoria's own flesh and blood, who do you think she truly values more?"
Jessica went utterly still, not even breathing.
Raw terror bloomed across her features.
"You're wondering how I know, aren't you? When I discovered the truth?"
I leaned closer, my smile widening. "I knew the moment Charles drew his last breath."
"I should thank you, really. If you hadn't been so clingy, Charles would never have handed me control of Grant Corporation."
"You gave me the perfect opportunity. Without Charles's untimely death, I might have had to endure this charade for years longer."
"I owe it all to you."
Jessica's eyes fluttered closed, defeat etched into every line of her face.
We pulled up to the Harrison estate minutes later. My security team dragged Jessica and Felix from the car.
The Harrison family butler intercepted us at the entrance, his face a mask of professional concern.
I fixed him with an arctic stare.
"Get Victoria Palmer out here now, or I might forget myself and do something permanent to her precious grandson."
Despite his years of professional composure, the butler faltered momentarily at the deadly promise in my voice.
He dispatched a servant to alert Mr. Harrison before offering a stiff bow.
"Ms. Woods, perhaps you'd prefer to discuss this matter inside, away from prying eyes?"
I didn't even glance his way as I replied.
"No need. I'm not the one with something to hide."
Victoria Palmer appeared moments later, hurrying down the front steps.
The moment Felix spotted her, he launched into theatrical sobs.
"Grandma! She's crazy! She threatened to kill me!"
"Save me, please!"
Beside him, Jessica had crumpled to the ground, her face ashen and still.
Victoria's face contorted with fury at the sight of Felix bound like a common criminal. She raised her hand to strike me.
I caught her wrist mid-swing and delivered three rapid slaps across her face.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
The sharp sounds echoed in the sudden silence, freezing every witness in place.
Victoria recovered with a banshee scream, lunging for my throat.
"You filthy whore! How dare you lay hands on me!"
My security team moved like lightning, restraining her before she could reach me.
I gripped Victoria's chin, forcing her face up to mine.
"You don't really know how your son died, do you, Victoria?"
"You can't possibly believe that allergic reaction story."
