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."

gripping Gretta's arm. "Gretta

raced. This

against their hold. "Let me go!

watched, arms crossed, satisfaction gleaming

her away,"

The officers didn't hesitate.

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

waved lazily.

suddenly

a moment to enjoy the

Another enemy down.

and today marked the final chapter in the long, grueling battle against Robert and

The grand room was filled with whispers as people waited for the trial to begin. She felt the weight of the moment but

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 lingering on Claire, as if silently reassuring her that he was there. Beside him, Talia gave

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

Just this once.

stretched on

damning evidence the corruption, the embezzlement, the manipulation, and worst of all, the orchestrated deaths of the Peterson family. Video footage, financial records, and witness testimonies painted an airtight case. Claire watched as Robert

to fight back,

deliberations, the judge announced

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

exhaled slowly. It's

as Robert clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. By the time he got out-if he even made it-he would be well into

even

She doubted it.

his arrogant nature, the pressure of being locked up

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

her gaze toward them,

officers moved in to take them away, both Robert

bitch!" Robert spat, struggling against the officers. "You

stole

Claire only smiled.

scream and curse all they

touch her

away, their voices faded

a weight she hadn't realized she was carrying finally lifting off her

over," Matthew murmured beside

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

"Thank you,"

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

QUMS

of this ordeal, but Claire

been watching closely.

told him

he had been disappointed—frustrated that she hadn't involved him

should have told me," Adrian had said the night

anything bad to happen to you. This wasn't your battle

sighed then, running a hand through his hair. He wasn't happy about it,

in the courtroom, he was simply happy to see

and he met her gaze, squeezing her waist