Chapter 22
When Rachel got back to the Leroix house, she went straight to her grandfather’s courtyard.
Donald Leroix was the only person in the family who truly loved Rachel, so she decided to be honest with him about marrying Nicolas.
After a long silence, the old man finally sighed. “Well, at least that boy can protect you.”
Later that evening, Rachel followed Donald to the main house to see the family.
Everyone was busy with their own things, the atmosphere perfectly harmonious-as if they were the real family and she was just an outsider.
Her father, David Leroix, blamed her for damaging the company’s reputation with her prison stint, so he’d been pursuing a smart home ecosystem partnership with Nicolas.
That’s why they were attending tonight’s gala-to make a good impression on Nicolas Rothschild.
The next evening, Arthur was dressed in a sharp black suit, carefully adjusting his cufflinks, while Sophie wore a champagne-colored gown, touching up her makeup. Both looked perfectly prepared for the gala, clearly confident about
tonight.
Rachel came down the stairs wearing a simple cream-colored dress, her hair casually swept up, looking fresh and natural.
She hadn’t planned to attend, but Donald insisted she go and “see how things are done.”
Sophie glanced at her and frowned, instantly annoyed.
How dare she look so effortlessly elegant? What a manipulative little fox!
At the gala, Arthur and Sophie were quickly surrounded by business acquaintances, making small talk and networking.
Rachel stood off to the side with a glass of champagne, scanning the crowd, clearly out of place.
She didn’t enjoy these events, but since she was here, she’d have to grit her teeth and deal with it.
Just as she was looking for a corner to hide in, a familiar voice came from behind her.
“Rachel Leroix? You’re out of prison?”
The voice was all too familiar. Rachel didn’t even need to turn around to know who it was.
Sienna Devereux, daughter of the Devereux Tech empire.
Technically, she was Jaxon’s cousin.
Back when Rachel was still the Leroix princess, she’d been bold and outspoken, and she and Sienna had never gotten along.
When Rachel was chasing after Jaxon, Sienna had always looked down on her, thinking she wasn’t good enough for him, constantly talking shit about Rachel to Jaxon.
Now, Rachel was no longer the arrogant princess she’d once been, but Sienna was still the same entitled Devereux heiress.
Sienna walked over, wearing a stunning red gown and sky-high heels, chin slightly raised, her eyes full of disdain. “Didn’t think you’d have the nerve to show your face at an event like this. What, three years behind bars got you feeling desperate?”
When Rachel didn’t respond, Sienna pressed on. “I heard the Leroix family took quite a hit because of your little situation. What, hoping tonight’s gala will save your asses? How pathetic.”
Her voice wasn’t exactly quiet, drawing the attention of nearby gossip-seekers.
Rachel finally looked up, her gaze ice-cold as she met Sienna’s eyes, a slight smile playing at her lips. “Miss Devereux, I don’t know how to thank you for staying so invested in Leroix family business.”
Sienna blinked, not expecting Rachel to fight back. Her expression shifted, but her tone stayed challenging. “You actually have the balls to talk back to me?” The contempt in her eyes deepened.
Rachel’s voice was steady, but every word was sharp as a blade. “Three years ago, all you did was talk behind my back. Today you’re just putting on a show. Miss Devereux, looks like you’ve picked up some new tricks over the years.”
Her words drew even more attention, and Sienna’s face went blank for a moment, clearly thrown off.
Rachel continued with a cold laugh. “But someone who’s always relied on family name and daddy’s money-how could you possibly understand what growth and resilience mean? You think you’re hot shit, but really you’re just another spoiled brat your family created.”
Sienna was completely blindsided, never expecting to get destroyed by Rachel after all these years.
Staying would only give everyone more to laugh about, so she turned and stormed off, shooting Rachel one last death glare.
That bitch was so infuriating! She couldn’t beat her three years ago, Rachel went to prison for three years, and she still
couldn’t beat her!
After Sienna left, things quieted down around Rachel, and the rubberneckers dispersed.
But she’d barely taken a few steps when someone called out behind her.
It was Anita Morgan!
“Rachel Leroix, please, I’m begging you, leave me alone! I was wrong to mess with you in prison-please have mercy and forgive me!”
Rachel stopped dead, her brow furrowing.
She turned around to see Anita rushing toward her, stumbling in her desperation.
Her face was full of panic-completely different from the arrogant bitch she’d been before.
“Anita?” Rachel was genuinely surprised. “What the hell are you doing here?”
Anita finally reached her, her voice shaking. “Rachel, I… I know I fucked up. I shouldn’t have given you shit in prison. Please… please just leave me alone!”
Rachel looked at her, confusion flickering in her eyes. “Leave you alone? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Anita’s face went even paler. She bit her lip and whispered, “I know you’re the Leroix princess. One word from you could destroy my life. But I never meant to hurt you in prison-if I hadn’t joined them against you, they would’ve come after me too. I had no choice! Please, just let it go…”
A crowd of gossip-hungry onlookers gathered again. People always loved drama.
Some weren’t sure what was happening, but others were piecing together the story from Anita’s words.
“Sounds like the Leroix princess is getting revenge on her former cellmate.”
“This is wild! Her old prison buddy came here to beg for mercy?”
The murmur of voices rose around them, everyone pointing and staring at Rachel.
Rachel paused for a moment, then realized what was happening.
She shook her head gently, her voice calm as she explained, “You’re mistaken. I never had my family go after you, and I’m not planning to.”
Anita clearly didn’t believe her. Something terrifying seemed to cross her mind, her expression twisting with fear. “Bullshit! Wasn’t it you who had someone break my hand? Please, I know I was wrong-stop torturing me!”
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Even Rachel wasn’t stupid enough to miss what was happening now. She’d been played-this was obviously a setup someone had orchestrated for her!
