Chapter 409



Without missing a beat, Kallie’s hand shot out, gripping Joanna’s wrist with a firm hold that kept Joanna rooted in place. The warmth drained from her expression, replaced by an icy resolve. “There’s no need to go looking for Ethan. I’m the one who arranged this meeting, using his name. I figured you’d feel guilty to meet me otherwise.”

Joanna’s face contorted with anger, her voice laced with venom. “So, you finally admit it! You’ve been after my husband all along! Utterly shameless!”

Kallie didn’t get mad over Joanna’s baseless accusation. “I originally planned to explain that there was nothing between Ethan and me,” Kallie said, her voice cool and steady, “But now, I see there’s no point explaining to you. Why should I care what you think? You’d better cooperate, or who knows what might happen.” As Kallie finished speaking, several bodyguards materialized around them, their presence unmistakable.

Joanna’s face drained of color, but she attempted to mask her fear with bravado, threatening, “You wouldn’t dare! You know who I am—if you harm me, you won’t last a day in Burmoos!”

Kallie kept her cool, her grip firm as she pulled Joanna further inside.

“I’ve met your mother before. She’s a woman of integrity who values family. If I were to share the truth about what happened, I’m certain she’d be on my side. In fact, she might even consider having you jailed, given the gravity of your actions.”

Joanna’s confidence began to crack, a flicker of panic crossing her face. She knew Kallie was right. Her mother wouldn’t turn a blind eye to wrongdoing.

Desperate to regain control, Joanna forced herself to sound composed. “Then sue me if you think you can! I’d like to see you prove it. Let’s see if you actually have any evidence.”

“Evidence? Is that what you want?” Kallie’s gaze sharpened, realizing Joanna’s arrogance wouldn’t falter without undeniable proof.

With a simple gesture, Kallie signaled a bodyguard, who swiftly brought in a man, tightly bound with rope. The restaurant staff continued their work, unperturbed by the scene unfolding before them.

The best stories are at gⱯlnσν𝒆𝓁s․𝒄𝗈𝗆 Joanna’s eyes widened as it dawned on her. This was Kallie’s domain. The mask was ripped off the man’s head, and as soon as Joanna recognized him, her face drained of color.

Panic set in as the man, now exposed, began to plead frantically. “Ma’am, you have to clear this up! You’re the one who made me do it! I’d never have dared to plan this on my own! You paid me a hefty sum! I still have the money. You can’t deny it!”

Joanna’s knees nearly buckled as the reality of the situation sank in, her confidence crumbling. Without hesitation, Kallie signaled her men to escort Joanna into a nearby room. Once there, they forced Joanna to her knees on the cold, hard floor.

Despite her vulnerable position, Joanna’s fury flared. “Kallie, I did it because I despise you! It’s your fault for coming back. What, did you think you could just waltz in and steal my life? You’re nothing but a whore! Don’t think I’m blind. I know you’re after Ethan!”

Joanna’s voice dripped with venom as she spat out, “Even if you have evidence, what’s the point? No matter what you intend to do to me, you’ll be breaking the law just like me. We can both rot in jail together.”

Joanna’s stubborn defiance only made Kallie’s gaze grow colder. But instead of anger, a subtle, unsettling smile curved Kallie’s lips. “You’ve misunderstood, Joanna. I have no desire to break the law,” she said, her voice cool and measured. “I’m here to show you what it feels like to be treated the way you treated me.”

“You can’t do that. Are you even human?” Joanna’s voice trembled with panic as she realized the gravity of the situation.

Kallie found Joanna’s words almost laughable. The irony was too much. Joanna knew just how vile her actions had been, yet here she was, pleading for mercy.

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