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."

lead officer stepped forward, gripping Gretta's arm. "Gretta Robertson, you

mind raced.

thrashing against their hold. "Let me go!

arms crossed, satisfaction

her away," Claire ordered

The officers didn't hesitate.

"YOU'LL REGRET

simply waved lazily.

them, the air suddenly much quieter without Gretta's wails echoing off

moment to enjoy the

Another enemy down.

the investigation concluded, and today marked the final chapter

filled with whispers as people waited for the trial to begin. She felt the weight of the moment but took comfort in the

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

to attend, but for once, she

Just this once.

stretched on

of all, the orchestrated deaths of the Peterson family. Video footage, financial records, and witness testimonies painted an airtight case. Claire watched as Robert and Gretta squirmed in their seats,

defense tried to fight back, but

deliberations, the judge announced the

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

slowly.

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

he even survive

She doubted it.

his arrogant nature, the pressure of being locked up would likely break

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

them, her expression

to take them away, both

officers.

you stole from us! You're going to

Claire only smiled.

could scream and curse all

touch

dragged them away, their voices faded into

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

Matthew murmured beside

to look at them, the corners of her lips curling

"Thank you," she said

waist. Instinctively, she leaned into him, feeling the steady rhythm of his breathing. It was

QUMS

quiet throughout most of this ordeal, but

been watching closely.

had told

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

the night she confessed everything. "I could have helped you,

head. "I didn't want anything bad to

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

at him, and he met her gaze,