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."

stepped forward, gripping Gretta's

mind raced. This wasn't

hold. "Let me go! You can't do this

merely watched, arms crossed, satisfaction gleaming

away," Claire ordered

The officers didn't hesitate.

her toward the door. "YOU'LL REGRET THIS! YOU HAVE

simply waved lazily. "Goodbye,

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

a moment

Another enemy down.

the investigation concluded, and today marked the final

with whispers as people waited

room, Adrian Saint Laurent sat with his family, his gaze lingering on Claire, as if

hadn't expected Alexander to attend, but for once, she let it

Just this once.

stretched on

laid out every piece of damning evidence the corruption, the embezzlement, the manipulation, and worst of all, the orchestrated deaths of the Peterson family. Video footage, financial

tried to fight back, but

long deliberations, the

years in prison. Gretta Robertson-25 years.

exhaled slowly. It's

turning white. By the time he got out-if he even

even survive

She doubted it.

arrogant nature, the pressure of being locked up would

on the other hand, would be in prison for at least 25 years. Even if she behaved well, parole

gaze toward them,

moment the officers moved in to take them away,

against the officers. "You think you've

you have, you stole from us! You're going to regret this,

Claire only smiled.

and curse all they

couldn't touch her

them away, their voices faded into

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

Matthew

corners of her lips curling into a small

smile. "Thank you," she

her waist. Instinctively, she leaned into

QUMS

quiet throughout most of this ordeal, but

been watching closely.

had told him

he had been disappointed—frustrated that she

night she confessed everything.

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

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

he

gaze, squeezing her waist