?Chapter 169:


    Ste looked at Haley’s screwed-up face and figured she must have woken up in a bad mood. Without a word, Ste raised her hand and pped Haley—twice, fast and clean—across her wless face. The smacks rang out in the narrow alley like gunshots.


    Haley staggered, hair falling messily around her face. She clutched her cheek, eyes zing. “Ste, how dare you hit me!”


    “What, should I book an appointment first?” Ste said coldly. “You really are dumb, Haley. If you’re going to bait me, at least hide your recorder better. Did you really think that little rant would trick me into spilling something useful?”


    Haley hadn’t thought Ste would catch on so fast. Her n was simple: rile Ste up, catch something damning on tape, and expose her real identity. But instead of falling for it, Ste turned the tables—and Haley was the one who got pped.


    Still, Haley refused to back down. “Who said anything about recording? You’re just guilty and scared!”


    Ste scoffed. “You’ve gotten a little smarter, but you’re still not bright.” She never saw Haley as a real threat because Haley wasn’t actually smart.


    Maybe it was the way her family in Achury had always shielded her, or maybe she just wasn’t that sharp. Either way, Ste thought it was almostughable to treat her like a serious rival.


    “Next time you try to trap someone,” Ste added, her voice calm, “maybe get your head checked. Sounds like a few screws are missing.”


    Haley was shaking now, burning with rage as Ste kept insulting her. “Ste, you bitch, who do you think you are talking to me like that?”


    She lunged, but Rita, who stood nearby, stepped in and shoved her back hard.


    “What do you think you’re doing to Ms. Russell?”


    Rita wasn’t some weakling—she had strength in her.


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    Haley stumbled, yelling in frustration, “Where is everybody? Get out here right now!”


    No sooner had she spoken than two burly men in ck suits stepped from the shadows. Atst, a flicker of satisfaction crossed Haley’s face.


    She would see how lucky Ste was today.


    “Beat her up! Mess up her face!” she ordered, lips curled into a sneer. If Ste couldn’t rely on her looks anymore, maybe she’d finally shut up.


    The two bodyguards moved closer. Ste’s brow creased. Her eyes darted to a nearby corner. This wasn’t looking good.


    Clenching her jaw, Ste turned to Rita, who was just in front, trying to protect her. “Rita, get out of here.”


    Rita looked shaken when she saw the bodyguards, but she stood her ground.


    She kept Ste behind her, shielding her, and said to Haley, “Honestly, this whole mess started because of you. And now you’re dragging more people in and making it even worse!”


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