Chapter 11
Meanwhile, in Lindale.
Renee was stuck back at her family’s place, blowing up Joel’s phone with desperate texts–begging for forgiveness. Not a single reply.
Refusing to quit, she tracked down his favorite bar and showed up in a skimpy outfit, throwing herself at him the second she spotted him. “Joel, I missed you.”
He barely glanced at her before shoving her off. “GET OFF.”
The push was so hard she hit the floor, totally losing her balance. The place was packed with people from their social circle–girls she used to look down on were snickering behind their hands, loving every second of her humiliation.
Face burning, Renee scrambled to her feet and stomped out, fuming.
***
The next morning, Joel was pacing his office, gripping the investigative report his assistant had handed over. His jaw clenched, veins popping at his temples. Fury twisted his face.
Renee wasn’t Vesper. She was a vicious, manipulative liar.
After getting Lyra’s bone marrow, she didn’t feel even a shred of gratitude–just kept hurting and framing her over and over. Joel couldn’t even wrap his head around how much Lyra must’ve gone through. If it were him, he’d have snapped ages ago.
A murderous vibe hung around him as he forced himself to cool down. After a long moment, he picked up his phone and opened the chat app, expression stone–cold.
[I’m at the villa. Come over now.]
Renee replied almost instantly, practically vibrating with excitement.
[You’ve forgiven me?]
[I’ll get ready. I’m on my way.]
Joel didn’t even bother checking the messages again. Instead, he ordered the servants to fill the pool to the brim and dump in crates of ice.
Half an hour later, Renee showed up at the villa, practically bouncing with joy. She’d gone all out–pure white dress, makeup giving her that fake innocent look she knew Joel used to fall for.
She was about to saunter up to him when Joel swirled his wine glass, barely glancing her way. Two bodyguards stepped forward, one on each side, clamping down on her shoulders.
“Miss Slutz, Mr. Fenwick wants us to take you to the pool.”
The grip was brutal, making her wince. Renee glared, snapping, “Let go of me! What do you think you’re doing? I’m your boss’s future wife!”
The bodyguards didn’t even flinch, hauling Renee to the pool and dunking her head underwater. Icy water slammed into her nose, smearing her carefully done makeup and sending a shock through her whole body. She choked down mouthfuls of water, but instead of freaking out, her mind snapped into focus.
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Chapter 11
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