Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 294

This was the first time.

Bella's legs went weak with fear, but she refused to back down. "Am I wrong? Serena caused her father's death, and you've been helping her keep it a secret. If I hadn't overheard by accident, I'd still be in the dark."

"You-!" Penelope, trembling with rage, raised her hand as if to slap Bella.

Tyler rushed over and caught Penelope's arm, then shot Bella a hard look. "Why are you still standing there? Are you trying to give your mother a heart attack? Will that finally make you happy?"

Bella glanced at Penelope, whose chest heaved with anger-she was truly furious. Worried Penelope might actually hit her, Bella pulled a face, then stormed upstairs.

She slammed her bedroom door shut with a bang.

The noise only stoked Penelope's fury. "I swear, she's getting more and more out of control. She needs to be taught a lesson today."

"Enough, Penelope," Tyler soothed, his voice gentle. "She's your only daughter. If you really hit her and something happens, you'd never forgive yourself. What matters now is the trial-we lost. How are we going to explain that to them?"

body trembled, and

started a month earlier, when she'd unexpectedly received an antique- an old tri-glazed pottery vase. At first, she thought it was a gift from a friend or relative. But when she lifted

pressed play. Her own voice filled

and when the patriarch

The memories she'd worked so

his job at the rehab center to try his luck in business along the coast. His ventures

had suffered a heart attack out

vel

Mr. Grayson to a nearby pharmacy, buying him precious time

business opportunities, and soon he'd established himself in Northspire. By the

Mr.

already

an engagement between

believed Serena should have the right