Return of the Crowned Heiress

Chapter 251

The following morning, Carmen was shoved out of her home with a grocery list in hand, courtesy of her stepmother's shrill commands.

"We can't even leave the house because of you!" the woman yelled from the doorway. "Everywhere we go, people point and whisper, all thanks to your shameless ways!" Carmen froze on the front steps, already bracing for the worst.

Her stepmother wasn't done. "If you had an ounce of self-respect, you'd disappear! Better yet, just die and spare this family the disgrace!"

"I didn't do it!" Carmen shouted back, her voice raw. "Those pictures and videos are fake! None of them is real!"

But the words fell flat, drowned out by years of the same accusations. Carmen could recite the next part by heart. No one believed her. Lies told often enough became the truth.

She trudged out onto the street, her stepmother's yells still echoing in her ears. But when she looked up, Carmen froze.

The walls in the hallway, which had been covered with those damning photos just the night before, were bare. Every last one of those photos had been torn down. Only faint adhesive stains remained.

For a moment, Carmen wondered if it had all been some fever dream. She stood there, stunned, until she heard the sound of a door opening across the hall.

Out stepped Felicia, carrying a small duffel bag. She caught sight of Carmen and gave her an easy, natural smile.

Felicia greeted her as though they were casual neighbors, and nothing about the situation

or ridicule. It was just

her head away

breath and waited for the elevator

ground floor, it was packed with tenants heading out for errands or work. Carmen remained stoic, staring at the floor. Then, as they neared the lobby, a

elevator shifted immediately. A ripple of laughter rose from a few bystanders while some older women clucked their tongues in disgust, their glares heavy with

passengers practically sprinted out of the elevator, eager to avoid further

with the heel of her shoe. She twisted it slightly before walking off,

cursed after her, but Felicia paid no mind.

the only one with plans that

to fulfill her promise to fund her new business venture. The transaction was complete, and she smiled. Two million dollars were

arsenal of medicinal concoctions,

all, if her physical

them. Poison could even the odds. If she ever found herself in danger, it

Carmen's trip to the grocery store was just as miserable

expressions twisting in disdain when they saw her. One butcher barely concealed his grimace as he handed her change,