?Chapter 54:


    The chaos in the banquet hall hadn’t died down in the slightest. Ste stood still, observing as Haley and Jazlyn tore into each other, exposing nearly every dirty secret they’d kept hidden.


    Jazlyn wasn’t about to back down quietly. The moment Haley began throwing usations, she fired back without hesitation.


    “Haley, you’ve got some nerve,” she snapped. “You knew my son was married and still chased after him like a lost puppy. Everyone at Walsh Group has seen you throw yourself at him. And let’s not forget—you hired thugs to kidnap Ste!”


    Haley’s face turned ghostly pale. “Don’t you dare pin that on me! You’re the one who told me to do it. I was following your orders!”


    Ste listened quietly from the crowd, her eyes narrowing at Haley.


    At first, she’d thought Haley was just another spoiled brat—pampered overseas, loud, and entitled. But after everything that had happened, Ste realized something far more unsettling. People raised in Achury acted as though thews of Choria didn’t apply to them. They did whatever they wanted and expected to get away with it.


    Haley had no conscience. She’d done all of it without a second thought—and would undoubtedly do it again if given the chance.


    Even if Ste eventually divorced Marc, Haley was someone she would always need to keep an eye on.


    She nced at Marc, who had remained silent through it all. His expression was dark, as if the ground had just shifted beneath him. Good, Ste thought.


    He probably never imagined that while he was busy thinking he had everything under control, the two women closest to him were running their own shady schemes behind his back.


    What a sharp p to the ego.


    Realizing she was losing ground with Jazlyn, Haley quickly switched tactics. With tears welling in her eyes, she turned toward Ste and rushed over, pushing past Marc and his mother.


    The tales you love are at g?lnσν???s?c?m


    “Ms. Russell, I’m so sorry,” she said breathlessly. “This is all on me. I was tricked by Marc’s mom. I swear, I never meant to hurt you. Whateverpensation you want—money, anything—just say the word. My family will pay. Please, forgive me.”


    The implication was clear—she was admitting that Ste had been vited. Ste let out a soft scoff. “Oh? And how much exactly were you nning to offer me?”


    Haley’s face lit up, thinking Ste was willing to settle. “Whatever amount you want! Just name it. My family can afford it.”


    Typical of the Achury elite. To them, money fixed everything.


    Marc’s brow furrowed. Why would Ste even entertain this? Had he ever denied her money? Why go to Haley of all people?


    Haley was still watching Ste with hopeful eyes, desperate for a number—any number.


    But Ste? She was enjoying every second of it. The more hope Haley showed, the sweeter the fall.


    “Haley,” Ste said coolly, “not everything in life can be solved by throwing money at it. I don’t want your money. I’m taking the evidence to the police. Let them handle it.”


    Her voice was calm, but her smile was ice-cold.


    Haley’s face fell in an instant. She opened her mouth to say something else, but Ste cut her off with another sarcastic smile. “Oh—and by the way. All that effort you put in? It was a waste. Your guys failed. There are no pictures. I just walked away with a few scratches.”


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