New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 509 The Aftermath "I know your plan, Gretta," Claire said smoothly, her voice laced with quiet menace.

Gretta's lips parted slightly, but she quickly masked her surprise, setting her glass down with controlled ease. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Claire chuckled softly, stepping closer. "Oh, don't insult my intelligence. I know exactly what you've been up to. You're trying to free Lisa. You want her to do your dirty work while you keep your hands clean."

Gretta's heartbeat quickened, but she forced herself to maintain her composed demeanor. "That's ridiculous," she scoffed. "Lisa is mentally unstable. Everyone knows that."

Claire's smile widened as she shook her head. "Oh, Gretta. Your lies reek from miles away."

The older woman stiffened, her nails digging into her palm.

"You were the one who told Lisa to act crazy," Claire continued. "All so she wouldn't end up in prison for what she did. But Lisa was never insane, was she?"

Gretta said nothing.

Claire took another slow step forward, her piercing gaze never leaving Gretta's face. “You manipulated everyone. You made Lisa put on an act, all so she could escape real punishment. You used her, and now you want to set her loose again. But I won't let that happen."

Gretta clenched her jaw, her breath unsteady. Claire's words struck like daggers, each one cutting deep because they were true.

But she wouldn't let Claire see her crumble.

"You have no proof," Gretta finally said, lifting her chin defiantly. "It's all speculation."

Claire smirked. "Oh, you're so predictable."

She folded her arms, her expression turning ice-cold. "I know you're lying, Gretta. And do you want to know how I know?"

Gretta remained silent.

Claire leaned in slightly, her voice lowering into something far more dangerous.

"Because I've done my homework."

At that moment, Gretta felt the floor beneath her metaphorically crack.

Claire continued, her voice filled with mockery. "You claim you did all of this for justice, but we both know that's a lie." She tilted her head. "Admit it. This isn't about justice. It's about revenge. You think I ruined your life. You think I destroyed your family."

Gretta's hands curled into fists. "You did ruin my family," she spat.

Claire let out a laugh—an amused, delighted sound that sent chills down Gretta's spine.

"Oh, Gretta," Claire mused darkly, her expression turning deadly. "The only person who destroyed a family is you."

Gretta gritted her teeth. "You-"

Claire snapped her fingers.

Almost instantly, several police officers emerged from their hiding spots within the penthouse. They moved swiftly, guns drawn, their expressions unreadable but firm.

Gretta's eyes widened in pure shock.

Her head snapped back to Claire. "What is this?" she demanded, her voice rising in panic.

Claire simply smirked. "A little gift from me," she said mockingly. "For being such a manipulative and cheeky aunt."

Gretta's arm.

raced.

their hold. "Let me go!

merely watched, arms crossed, satisfaction gleaming in her

her away,"

The officers didn't hesitate.

Gretta bellowed as they dragged her toward the door. "YOU'LL REGRET THIS! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'VE

simply waved lazily. "Goodbye,

suddenly much quieter without Gretta's wails echoing off the

a moment to enjoy the

Another enemy down.

marked the final chapter in the long, grueling

The grand room was filled with whispers as people waited for the trial to begin. She

Alexander and Christian occupied the row behind them, both men watching the proceedings with unreadable expressions. Across the room, Adrian Saint Laurent sat with his family, his gaze

appreciated their presence. She hadn't expected Alexander to attend, but for once,

Just this once.

trial stretched on

of all, the orchestrated deaths of the Peterson family. Video footage, financial records, and witness testimonies painted an airtight case. Claire watched

fight back,

after long deliberations, the judge

years in prison. Gretta Robertson-25 years. The courtroom

slowly.

time he got out-if he even made it-he would be well into his eighties. The thought made

he even survive

She doubted it.

the pressure of being locked up would likely

hand, would be in prison for at least 25 years. Even if she behaved well, parole wouldn't be an

turned her gaze toward them, her

expected, the moment the officers moved in to take them away,

officers. "You think you've won?! You'll pay for

"Everything you have, you stole from us! You're

Claire only smiled.

and curse all they

touch her

away, their voices faded into the

weight she hadn't realized she was

Matthew murmured

turned to look at them, the corners of her lips curling into

smile. "Thank you," she said

her as he wrapped an arm around her waist. Instinctively, she leaned into him, feeling the

QUMS

quiet throughout most of this ordeal, but Claire knew he

been watching closely.

had told him

that

had said the night she confessed everything. "I could have helped

shaken her head. "I didn't want anything bad to happen to you. This

then, running a hand through his hair. He wasn't happy about it, but eventually, he let

now, standing beside her in the courtroom, he was simply happy to see

met her gaze, squeezing her waist