Ch. 1861..1870

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 1861-"Though I have to say, Jason Solloway doesn't hold a candle to Mr. Ralph." Paul sneered, "I can't believe Jason fussed about you last night. God knows what has gotten into him." Gregory scowled at the mention of the incident.

"Chairman Salvador, Mr. Ralph seems to have feelings for Ms. Carrie. Maybe it's best to call off the wedding with the Solloways and marry her to the Thompsons. Mr. Justin would probably be happy about the arrangement too."

"My son wants to marry that Thompson girl, and now my daughter could end up with Ralph. Are my choices only limited to the Thompson family?" Gregory slammed the armchair. Paul kept to himself.

Gregory looked out the window in frustration.

Putting aside his differences and personal biases, Gregory believed Mila's son was a better man than Jason.

Heck, Ralph was even superior to Ryan.

Gregory understood that Jason did not have feelings for Carrie. The idea of marriage only came from his parents. However, the look on Ralph's face when he saw Carrie fooled no one. Ralph cared about Carrie.

If only Ralph did not belong to the Thompson family…

Amid his thoughts, his phone rang. It was Nigel.

Feeling annoyed, Gregory let the phone ring for a bit before picking up. "Yes, Dad?"

"Do you have a moment?"

Gregory asked, "What's this about?"

"The Solloways want out of the marriage."

With his heart sinking to his stomach, Gregory raised his voice. "What did you say?"

"Ha, Percy Solloway probably felt too ashamed to see you. He got in touch with Matt to to see him, bet me. I didn't want I needed to talk about one thing." Nigel chuckled. "At least the Solloways know their place. They knew they didn't deserve my precious granddaughter and b out. You have poor taste, son."

Gregory grimaced.

Something was not right.

Mila barged into the Solloways' party last night with her son. Ralph's dance with Carrie upset Jason, and he started showering Carrie with attention. Then, the Solloways called off the wedding.

Gregory could not shake off the feeling that everything was going according to the Thompsons' plan.

Night fell at the spa hotel.

"Uh, that's too rough. You're going to kill me."

That night, Jason climbed on top of Zoe and put her in many positions she would never have dreamed of before, making her scream.

Despite Zoe's tirade, she went with the motion.

By the third go, Zoe and Jason had collapsed in bed without the energy to move.

Goddamnit. You nearly tore me apart! What's going on with you?"

Instead of cleaning herself, Zoe shoved him. "What's up with you today? What happened?"

Jason stared at the ceiling with an ashen face. A while later, he said resentfully 'My marriage with Carrie Went south."

"What? Why?" Zoe's eyes popped open.

Everything was falling into place, but during last night's event, Madam Mila C barged in with her son, coercing my father to drop the wedding and give Carrie up to her son."

Jason clutched the bed sheet indignantly, his eyes bloodshot. et underestimated Carrie. She lied to me. Dcan't believe she didn't tell me she has another man."

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 1862-Zoe widened her eyes at Jason.

Jason's face was tainted red with rage because of Carrie.

Zoe had a feeling that Jason's attitude toward Carrie was changing. He used to speak of Carrie in disdain, but now he looked like he was sulking in jealousy.

"No… I can't just let the whole thing go."

Jason's veins along his head bulged. "Carrie was supposed to marry me. She has to be mine! No one can take her away from me."

Zoe spread her legs and straddled Jason, whipping two slaps across his cheeks.

"Zoe, w-what are you doing?" Jason was caught off guard.

"I can't believe you, Jason! Didn't you say that I was the only one for you? Didn't you say you'd always love me?"

With rage in her eyes, Zoe put her hands on his neck and squeezed hard to strangle him. "But all signs are pointing to you falling for that dummy! Tell me!

Are you into Carrie?"

"N-No, Zoe. I am not! I only wanted to marry her to give her a hard time. I was only doing it for you." Jason wrapped his arms around her waist and dropped his jaw wide as the suffocation closed in on him. Yet the feeling gave him a thrill.

"I'm warning you, Jason."

Zoe leaned down, smacked his face, and threatened through gritted teeth, "The Hoffmans have ties to the underworld. We have ways to finish off a man without anyone noticing. If you dare to betray me, I'll show you the gates of hell in more ways than one. You hear me?"

Jason shuddered. Still, his mind flew back to the lithe figure in Ralph's arms from the banquet.

He clenched his fists in secret.

Just then, Zoe's phone rang, and it was from an unknown number.

She got up and put on a robe before taking the call peevishly.

"Who is this?"

Silence ensued on the other end of the line.

"Are you going to talk, or are you mute?"

"You seem to be enjoying life, Zoe."

Zoe's heart sank at the sound of Bethany's hoarse voice. "Bethany? Weren't you-"

"Haha. Do you really think my life ended when Justin sent me abroad? Did you think I would never come back?" Bethany smiled menacingly. "I should thank my lucky stars that I'm back."

Zoe clutched her bathrobe with shaky hands.

"I gave you the medical report that ruined the marriage between Ryan and Carrie. Once the jig was up, you managed to get away unscathed while I took the brunt of it all. Did you think I'd roll over and take it?"

Zoe made a face. She knew how met extensive Justin's and Bella's connections and influence were. Bethany could not possibly make her way back to the country without help. However, that was the least of Zoe's concerns.

She asked in a chilling voice, "What do you want?"

Bethany laughed maniacally. "Well, nice guys

finish last. I had been too kind before .. I should've gotten thugs to gang-rape Carrie. I should've gotten e her killed and chopped into a million pieces. Ryan, Justin, and the Thompson bitch should suffer in regret for the rest of their lives."

Zoe felt her stomach churning, as Bethany had clearly lost it. Zoe said, You are heading in the light direction, but why bother coming back if you're here for murder? Is prison your goal?"

"You're right. I was only talking out of spite just now. I have my plans.

Bethany ceased laughing and said curtly , " I'm back for revenge . I want Carrie to suffer as much as I did. We should work together again, partner.

But this will be the last time."

Zoe furrowed her brows.

The Soloways' decision to back out of the marriage caused her plan to fall through.

Yet now, Bethany did not seem right in the mind.

If the plan were executed right, Zoe would find the solution to all her problems.

However, if Bethany did not rein in, the plan could blow up in Zoe's face.

Amid Zoe's hesitation, a call from her mother came in.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 1863-Zoe steadied her breathing. "I have another call to take. I'll contact you once I get a plan sorted out."

After hanging up on Bethany, Zoe took the call from her mother. Her sweet voice was unlike how she had spoken to Bethany. "Hi, Mom." Claire sighed and stammered, "Zoe, you're coming with me to visit Liam at the hospital tomorrow.

Your grandfather will be there too." "Uncle Liam is in the hospital?"

"Ryan wounded Liam and broke his arm. Liam's arm is never going to recover.

He has been out of it in the past few days. Things aren't looking good for him. I didn't want to scare you, so I didn't tell you about him."

"What? Ryan…" Zoe was stunned.

She was not concerned about Liam's well-being. Her focus was entirely on herself.

Ryan was out for blood this time.

Knowing Ryan, Zoe knew that Liam was only the start of his vengeance. Ryan would not stop at merely putting Liam in the hospital.

It was plain to see that the price to pay was huge for hurting Carrie.

"Ryan has changed, Zoe. He's ruthless now." Worried for her daughter, Claire persuaded her. "I know you've been through a lot. Ryan has been awful to you, but he's in charge of the family business. You're not doing yourself any favors by opposing him. Listen to me. Don't make things difficult for Carrie. Once this blows over, I'll immigrate with you to Inalia. We don't have to come back to Savrow anymore. Okay?"

Bella and Justin popped open a bottle of expensive red wine upon learning that the Solloways had broken off the engagement with Carrie.

Sitting behind the bar counter, Bella, dressed in Justin's white shirt, dangled her feet and clinked glasses with Justin.

"That's one battle won, Mr. Salvador. We can sleep easy tonight." Bella's cheeks were rosy, and her eyes were deep with unspoken intensity.

Justin propped one arm on the counter while pulling her into his embrace. His eyes were brewing with desire. In the end, he gave in to his wish and kissed her lips.

After moments of locking lips, Bella melted in his arms and tipped her glass, staining the red liquid on the man's shirt. The wine dripped down along her long legs and onto the floor.

"Are you sure you are going to sleep easy tonight?" Justin grazed his thumb along her stained lips, his voice raspy.

Red in the face, Bella teased him. "You have been slammed with work lately.

You're not getting any younger. Are you sure you can handle a long night?"

"I think even at eighty, I can still handle more than the average Joe." Justin curled his lips and nuzzled up against her face.

Jokes aside, Bella put on a serious countenance, "On a more serious note, Aunt Mita told Wyatt about Ralph's feelings for Carrie. Ash called today and told me that Wyatt was too excited to sleep last night. He informed Quentin first thing in the morning to get some gifts.

He wanted to fly back to see Nigel and discuss Ralph's and Carrie's wedding."

Justin was shocked.

He knew once word got to Wyatt, the latter would take the whole thing seriously, even if it was just for show.

Justin had learned a long time ago that Wyatt would do anything to get his sons married.

Heck, Wyatt took four wives for himself. He was capable of anything.

"Well, I don't mind having Carrie as part of the family. I just don't know how you feel about your sister becoming your sister-in-law too," Bella said cheekily as she narrowed her eyes.

Carrie's happiness matters more than anything, but … " Justin hid his emotions behind his eyes: "I hope Ryan gets another chance. They had gone through a lot together."

'I know. That's why I told Ash to stop Wyatt." Bella knew Justin like the back of her hand. Justin smiled in relief. He was about to seal her lips when someone knocked on the door Ms. Bella, can I have a word with you and Mr. Salvador? I have news from Meridan." Bella did not expect Steven to report about work to her at all.

Justin draped his jacket over her before heading over to open the door for Steven.

"Ms. Bella, Mr. Salvador, I hope I'm not intruding on anything." Steven noticed the couple's flushed faces. He had been there, so he knew what had happened in the room.

"Not at all. We should get back to the important matters." Justin kneeled on one knee before Bella, buttoning up the jacket to save Bella's modesty.

"As you expected, Bethany went to the hospital for a medical examination, Ms. Bella. We got a sample of her blood and ran DNA tests there and here just to be sure."

Steven took a deep breath and handed the medical report to them with a fervent look. "Bethany and Gregory are not related in any way."

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 1864-"What?"

"Really?"

Justin and Bella exclaimed in unison. From their reaction alone, they were made for each other.

Steven took a gulp, his throat still dry from running all the way there. "It's true. I had the paternity test done by Dr. Larson in Meridan just to be sure. The test in Savrow was performed in one of the Thompsons' hospitals, and I kept an eye throughout the process."

Justin's lashes cast a grimacing shadow below his eyes as his gaze scoured the test results.

Gregory and Bethany were unrelated.

Bella was the only one calm amid the bustle.

The result of the paternity test only confirmed her long-time suspicion.

Bethany's character, looks, and personality planted a seed of doubt in Bella a long time ago. Now, the truth was out.

"Did Arnold say anything when you asked him to do the test, Steve?"

"He did."

Steven was caught between emotions just thinking about the incident. "He asked if Wyatt's three wives had another child, and Wyatt wanted to do a paternity test in secret to be sure. Dr. Larson promised to bring the secret to his grave."

Bella had a face-palm moment. Arnold's intention was not to bring the secret to his grave. He simply wanted in on the gossip.

"Apart from Arnold, don't let anyone else know about this, Steve."

Steven scratched his head in distress. "Um… Dr. Larson told Mr. Asher right away. He knows about it too."

Bella's lips twitched. "Fine. Arnold and Ash are a couple, but that's where the information should stop. Got it?"

Steven nodded his head.

Bella suddenly felt a chilly presence.

She looked up and saw Justin's stoic expression and rage in his eyes.

"Justin? Are you alright?" Bella softened her voice.

Justin threw the scrunched medical report on the table, his eyes emotionless.

"I'm fine. I just find it absurd. just thought of my mother, Bella. Shannon showed up at the family residence more than two decades ago, looking very pregnant.

That memory just flickered past my mind."

Feeling for Justin, Bella reached out and held his cold hand. "I know how you feel."

"Gregory did a paternity test a day after Shannon gave birth to Bethany. The test result showed that they were father and daughter. It was clear that all departments were in on it with Shannon. It is a lot easier to forge the result of a paternity test twenty years ago."

Steven felt disturbed too. Shannon was the same hateful woman now and then.

"Yeah. She was dead set on finding riches the easy way. Nothing could stop her.

I just can't believe Gregory never suspected Shannon and Bethany, even after spending day in and day out with a child who doesn't look a thing like him."

Bella glowered in disbelief. "When I was younger, I heard Wyatt and Ash talking about Gregory, who was wise and competent when handling business. Shannon is a social climber with nothing to show for. Surely, your father would've suspected something."

"Gregory and Grandpa were busy fighting about the business when Shannon insisted on getting a place in the family Grandpa's disapproval only fueled Gregory to do the opposite. That's not the only thing. He and my mother were drifting apart, and Shannon took advantage of that. Gregory is a proud man, and Shannon pretended to be okay with everything. He believed a woman of humble beginning wouldn't do anything to a man of power like him."

Justin kept his head down, his voice laced with mockery. "But Gregory could possibly love Shannon too much. He didn't even know that woman had killed my mother. Why would he look into Bethany's birth?"

The air was thick with tension in the cellar.

"Ha. To be honest…" Bella smirked. "I hope Shannon is Gregory's one true love.

That way, his world would crumble the moment he learned the truth about everything."

"I had always hoped that Gregory's feelings for my mother were real, even if they were just briefly pm couldn't bear the thought of my

mother loving a heartless man net Justin smiled liberatingly. "But now, I wish Gregory never loved her. The man did not deserve to love her."

Bella rose to her feet, getting on her tiptoes to peck the corner of his lips.

Your love is enough for her."

As the warmth of his hands chained around her waist deepened, Justin responded to her kiss.

Regardless of the time and place, Justin would always respond to Bella.

Steven asked, "How are you planning to use this trump card?"

The ringing of Justin's phone cut off Steven's words.

"lan."

"This is bad, Mr. Salvador. We lost sight of Bethany."

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 1865-"You can't even get this right. There goes your bonus." Justin raised his brow.

Bella pulled herself together. "Easy there, lan. What's this about?"

"After Bethany left the hospital the other day, I continued to have eyes on her.

Our people watched her get into a white Bentley, and she was in there for a long time."

Bella's heart sank, and she felt unsettled.

Justin asked in an icy voice, "Where did the car take her to?"

"The Bentley didn't go anywhere. It stayed parked for a while and dropped her back to her rented place. Bethany did not go out for the next three days, not

even to dump her trash. Our people sensed something wasn't right and broke into the place, only to find that she was missing. She didn't even pack a bag."

Bella asked, "What about her passport?"

"She didn't take any of her personal documents. Somehow, she disappeared out of thin air."

lan's whimpers were clear in his tone. "I have eyes on the airport. She doesn't have money or her passport. Where could she go? She can't possibly smuggle somewhere."

"You must have taken down the white Bentley's license plate, lan. Send the license plate to me later. I'll get Asher to look into the owner in Meridan." Bella held Justin's hand tight. "I doubt things are as simple as they look. Someone is helping Bethany escape. I think we should keep a close eye here, in Savrow, for the next few days at least. I suspect Bethany will come back here."

Justin locked fingers with hers. "She's asking for it by coming back."

"Not necessarily." Despite her feelings, Bella kept a clear head and said, "She took nothing with her. It only goes to show that the one who helped her has the power to send her back to Savrow without a passport. Think about it. Who could pull that off in Meridan and would be willing to help Bethany?"

Justin furrowed his brows as emotions brewed in his eyes.

He snapped his head to Bella, only for Bella to get the first word in. "Could it be your brother, Grant?"

Justin's interlocking fingers with Bella's tightened.

The same person occurred to him.

"Maybe Christopher has something to do with it, Ms. Bella. He could manage that too." Steven added another suspect to the list.

Bella shook her head. "Christopher is cunning enough to figure out that we have Bethany on 24-hour surveillance. We know what he's capable of. Even if he tries to butt in, he will do so covertly.

"I believe the individual helping Bethany counts on the fact that we don't know much about them. Even if we do our part in investigating, we can't figure much out. That's the reason we can clear Christopher of suspicion. This leads us to Grant. I have no idea what he is after, but I can't think of anyone else who can pull this off.

"If I were Grant, I wouldn't help Bethany. First of all, Bethany isn't close to Grant, so why would he want to meddle in her business? Secondly, with Shannon out of the picture, Grant will have one less family member to fight for the inheritance."

Justin closed his eyes and took measured breaths to get his act together. "But Bella, I see your point. If Grant is behind this, there's nothing much we can do.

The only thing we can do is find Bethany and grill her. We can only go from there."

Bella pursed her lips as the feeling of suffocation washed over her.

Like Justin, Bella did not want to put Grant on the same level as Christopher.

Besides, Grant was once Justin's trusted brother and lifesaver.

Justin's life was tainted with enough pain and disappointment.

She hoped that Grant did not let down their trust in him.

The next day, Claire took Zoe to the hospital, bearing gifts.

Tensions ran high in the ward.

Pale in the face, Liam sank his back against the headboard and stared at Claire's and Zoe's faces. His stare carried a spine-tingling malice.

Zoe stared at his hollow right sleeve, cold sweat drenching her expensive dress.

"I can't believe your son, Claire! He is a heartless animal! He's ungrateful!"

Liam's wife, Selena, pulled on Claire's clothes in tears, ready to start a fight. "Liam is Ryan's uncle! Even if they have their differences, he shouldn't have done what he did. He's better off killing Liam Scared stiff, Zoe was caught in her feelings and tried to stop Selena from picking on her mother.

Claire, raised in privilege, had never been in such a situation. Her hair was in a mess as she cried in a fluster. "I-I… Ryan…"

I don't care! Ryan has to answer to = this! He can't carry on being a CEO like nothing ever happened." Selena put on a show, wailing and throwing a fit like she was the best wife to Liam.

"That's enough. Just shut up!" Logan, who had kept his silence thus far, yelled in rage.

Selena quieted down and stood in a corner, wiping away her tears.

"Dad, I had no idea what Ryan did."

Claire apologized to Liam and Selena in tears. "I'm so sorry, Liam, Selena. I really am. Liam's medical fees-”

"What can an apology do?" Liam grabbed his empty sleeve, his om expression grimacing. ""Nothing you say or do can change a thing, unless Ryan cuts off his arm to show his remorse!"

"Ryan wounded Liam and took away his shares. Dad, why aren't you doing anything about it? Isn't Liam your son?" Selena questioned Logan.

To everybody's surprise, Logan hissed through clenched teeth.

"Liam deserves it. I told him not to touch Carrie, but he was set in his ways and upset Ryan. Liam brought this upon himself , and now you expect me to handle it? Sure, I can Kill Ryan to atone for his sins, but will Liam grow another arm?"

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 1866-Liam's lips quivered, and his face went white in rage.

"What are you saying, Dad? Isn't Liam your son? Ryan is the reason Liam is hospitalized! How is Liam supposed to live the rest of his life? It's bad enough that you won't console or seek justice for him. Why are you putting the blame on him? Are you trying to push your son to take drastic measures?" Selena's eyes widened in disbelief. She stamped her foot frantically.

"Seek justice? How am I supposed to do that? Ryan is now the second-biggest shareholder and the CEO of the Hoffman Group. The board of directors is on his side. Hurting Ryan will only damage the business. As the head of the household and Chairman of the Hoffman Group, shouldn't I look at the bigger picture?"

Liam clutched the bedsheets as rage washed over him.

To Liam, Logan was not looking at the bigger picture. It was clear that Logan intended to sacrifice him.

Logan furrowed his brows in silence for a moment before uttering resolutely, "I have bought you a flight ticket, Liam. You can rest well for a few days. Then, you and your wife can migrate and enjoy a quiet life overseas."

"Migrate?" Liam was dumbstruck. "What's the meaning of this?"

"Things can't go back the way they were after your fight with Ryan. You lost your shares and position in the company. What's the point of staying in Savrow to be the city's laughingstock?"

Logan got up and walked out before Liam could pursue the matter. "You have nothing to fight Ryan with. If you carry on picking a fight with him, he'll be after your life the next time."

Claire and Zoe took the opportunity to leave with Logan.

The clamorous room went quiet.

With Liam losing power, Selena put her finger up his defeated face and taunted.

"Hahaha. Even your father has given up on you. You are worth nothing to him.

Your family is a bunch of heartless brutes!

"Hahaha. Then again, that's not entirely true. Your brother, Finn, was the only nice and caring guy in the family.

He had your back through and through, but because of you, he passed before his time."

"Shut the fuck up!" As her words struck a nerve in him, Liam's veins bulged.

Selena, his wife, knew too many of his secrets.

With a scoff, Selena pulled out a vel?

document from her expensive leather bag and threw it on the bed "Sign the divorce papers as soon as possible. You will meet my requirements listed, or the secret you kept hidden for more than a decade will see the light of day."

Selena, with disgust visible in her eyes, walked away without looking back.

Lying in the empty ward, Liam fell into a hysterical frenzy after facing abandonment and divorce. He screamed out loud and smashed everything in sight.

He then dialed Zoe's number.

Zoe terminated Liam's incoming call, only to receive a threatening message.

Unable to hide from this confrontation, Zoe gave an excuse to get out of the car and promptly 1 - returned to the hospital.

"Uncle Liam, what do you need?" Zoe asked with a stiff smile.

Your composure is remarkable, Zoe.

Even in my state, you have the nerve to smile "

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 1867-Liam stared at Zoe with a fake smile, his eyes laced with malice. "Your idea cost me my arm. Why should I be miserable while you back out of everything unharmed? It's unfair, don't you think?" "Uncle Liam, what more can you do about this?" Zoe cleared herself of any involvement. "You distributed Carrie's medical report at the board meeting, and you had Carrie locked up. I did not participate in any of this. It's all talk. You don't have proof that the medical report came from me. I'm sorry to disappoint, but you have nothing on me."

"Really?"

Liam burst out laughing, his guffaws making Zoe's hair stand. "Do you think no one knows what you did, Zoe? I hope you didn't forget that you gathered bullies

to pick on Carrie back in school." Zoe went pale, her heart beating fast. "WWhat are you talking about? Who picked on her?"

"Haha… I'm not foolish enough to take your word for it. I needed some leverage too." Liam said with a wicked smile, "I have witnesses and video evidence to prove your bullying. You contributed largely to Carrie's present mental state."

Zoe's heart thumped out of her heart as beads of sweat rolled off her forehead.

Carrie's bullies were a group of six. Including Jason, there were two women and four men involved.

One of them must have kept a video of Zoe hurting Carrie and had to hand the evidence over when Liam threatened them. Now, Liam was using the video against Zoe.

"What if I hand the evidence to Ryan?

Rana. Do you want to quest ત brother would do to you when that happens, Zoe?"

Liam's eyes spoke of menace. "Wilk he cut off your right arm or your left one?

Tsk. That would be a shame. My dear niece won't be able to play the piano ever again." en.swno "That's enough! What do you want?" Zoe yelled in fury.

"I want you to avenge me." Liam's eyes were bloodshot with lunacy. "I want Ryan to wish he was dead."

Out of the hospital, Zoe anxiously bit her fingers with a pale face. Her nails were almost completely chewed off.

She could not shake off the thoughts of Liam's hollow sleeve She was afraid Ryan would kill her

upon learning of her past bullying of Carrie.

Struck by a thought, Zoe pulled out her phone and called another lunatic-Bethany.

"Hello? Where are you? We should meet."

Zoe raised her brow grimacingly. The right tool would only make things easy for her.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 1868-Bethany successfully made it back to Savrow with the help of Ms. Gold. Like a criminal on the run, Bethany took shelter in a small house on the outskirts of the city. She stayed close in the neighborhood to buy daily essentials, never wandering off too far.

She could not opt for hotels and motels in case Justin's people would catch her the moment she showed up in the city.

Living in hiding only fueled Bethany's resentment. She was eager to get revenge and change her current circumstances.

That night, Bethany invited Zoe to meet at a quiet cafe in the suburbs.

Getting her order of coffee, Zoe took one whiff and pushed the cup away in disgust.

"What is this? Pee? Is this drinkable?"

Bethany drank without any qualms. "It's Luwak coffee."

"Yeah, right. I can tell if it's Luwak. This is just shit." Zoe took digs. "Ha. You're different, for sure, Ms. Salvador. You can even consume something so vile. You sure adapt well."

"It's interesting to experience the life of a commoner." Bethany took another sip with a blank face.

When Zoe's phone rang, she got up and took the call outside.

Hiding malice in her eyes, Bethany broke the skin of her finger with a bite and dropped her blood, which was tainted with HIV, into Zoe's coffee.

She stirred the coffee with a spoon and laughed to herself menacingly.

By then, Zoe had returned.

"I know I'm asking for a lot to have you drink this, Zoe." Bethany made a sad face and pleaded. "Just take one sip for me."

Zoe was pleased with the humble attitude of the former glorified heiress.

Since she was thirsty, she took a big gulp without questioning.

Bethany had to stop herself from smiling broadly. Still, she could not hold back the laughter in her mind.

"Let's just cut to the chase. Like you suggested before, I agree to a partnership."

Zoe gracefully put down her cup and got to the point.

"But have you come up with any plans? After the last time, they would tighten the security around the dummy. Do you have a chance to get to her?"

"I heard that Ralph Thompson is pursuing Carrie."

Zoe sneered, "Since Bella, that bitch, is on board, your grandfather will agree to the marriage. Even your dad can't stop the wedding. Surely, they will go on dates if Ralph is into her. They will be out alone. I bet there will be opportunities to get to her then."

"Aren't you being too optimistic? The Thompsons are more than they appear.

Bella's brothers are tough fighters." Wiser than before, Bethany had more tricks up her sleeve. "Ralph is a police officer. You're delusional to think you can kidnap someone under a police captain's nose."

"Just leave it to me. I have help." Zoe raised her brow, acting all high and mighty.

Bethany frowned. "Help? From who?"

Zoe curled her finger and gestured for Bethany to come closer before uttering, "From a mister."

Concerned about Ryan, Justin made time to visit him.

In the CEO's office of the Hoffman Group, Ryan put aside his paperwork and swallowed the pills from Dean.

"Why are you taking so many pills, Ryan? Has your stomach issue gotten worse?" Justin's brows were tied in a knot.

"I'm fine. I'll be better after taking my medications and resting."

Ryan was too drained to have a long conversation with his best buddy.

Justin looked worried. "Rest? Did you have any? Dean told me that you hadn't had much sleep in the last few days. You have been keeping busy at work. Are you trying to tire yourself to death?"

Ryan gave Dean the side eye.

Dean backed away with his head hung low, knowing he said too much to Justin.

"Yes, Mr. Salvador." Ryan smiled for once.

"Don't put yourself through this, Ryan. Your health matters more than anything.

You have nothing without good health."

"I'm not torturing myself. I just can't

sleep." Ryan clutched his pen shakily, his eyes losing light. "Get me om something, Justin I have insomnia. I should be able to sleep with a bit of help get what you mean. I want to have a good night's rest too."

Justin balled his fists, his heart going out to Ryan.

He could not give him medicine, but reliance was a hard habit to kick.

Then came a knock on the door, and Yasmin entered the office in a hurry.

Selena asked for a divorce from Liam yesterday, Mr. Hoffman Im sought Selena's divorce attorney, and with a bit of talking, I got the draft of their divorce papers. Take a look.'

Yasmin handed Ryan a printed copy of the divorce papers. Justin got up and looked at the document with Ryan.

"Ha. Selena sure is asking for a lot. She wants to leave Liam with nothing at all."

Ryan curled his lips.

Justin scanned the papers carefully and said, "She is asking for a lot.

Liam is the type to cling to his wealth He can't possibly agree to her terms.

That's unless Selena has something oh him. She has enough leverage on him to demand a lot for the divorce.

"Leverage?" Ryan fell into contemplation, and his eyes soon popped wide open.

He grabbed Justin's arm. "Maybe she knows that my father's death is linked to Liam."

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 1869-Justin gently patted Ryan's bulging arm to calm him down.

"I know you have been looking into your father's death for years. The biggest suspect on your list has always been Liam, but there hasn't been any proof.

Now that Selena is asking for a divorce tied to many conditions, she must have a fatal hold over Liam. Even if Liam has nothing to do with your father's death, what she has must be enough to make him spend the rest of his life in prison."

"It has to be Liam. I can't think of anyone else other than him." Ryan mused over his father's death, and the pain ripped his heart apart, his eyes turning red.

"He and my father traveled to South City for business. The aircraft had a gearbox malfunction over the ocean and propelled into the waters, plunging

deep into the sea. Though my father wore a life jacket, the sinking happened too quickly, and the closed cabin sealed his escape. In the end, he and three other company executives, as well as the captain, lost their lives. Liam was the only one who survived the disaster."

Justin pressed his lips together.

"Do you believe in such coincidences? Why was Liam the only one who had a lucky escape?"

Ryan slammed his palm on the table heart-wrenchingly. "My father had worked all his time for the Hoffman Group, and he was passionate about charity, turning the family business into a legitimate one. Why would God take the life of an outstanding, diligent, and kind man? I doubt God would be so cruel."

Justin grew solemn. "No one but Liam survived the ordeal. It is strange."

"I know, right? It's not like Liam was God." Dean was furious.

"Liam was only able to get out of the cabin because he had a special hammer to break windows with him. He broke the window and swam to the surface."

Yasmin's gruff voice carried a tinge of resentment. "After the incident, Liam explained that he had the habit of keeping this specific tool with him and argued that he was not a good swimmer to save Mr. Finn too. Apparently, none of them would have survived if he had gone to save them. No one would believe that horrible excuse. Liam held sway in the business and took advantage of Mr.

Hoffman because he was young and without anyone to rely on."

Justin fell silent for a moment and took a deep breath before uttering, "Even if Liam seems guilty, the incident happened too long ago, and we don't have proof to pin it on him. My mother's case is an example. If Linny had not recorded Shannon's confession in hiding, and if we hadn't found the maid who once served my mother to testify, I wouldn't have avenged my mother."

Ryan gritted his teeth, his eyes bearing bitterness.

"But Selena could be my breakthrough."

Justin frowned. "She must know a lot of Liam's secrets as his wife."

"I heard Old Master Logan has gotten everything ready for Liam to migrate overseas. He won't be allowed back in Savrow. Clearly, Old Master Logan is giving up on Liam." Yasmin added in ponder. "Liam is no longer a threat since he is banished from the family without power or money. Plus, he's a cripple now.

No wonder Selena would ask him for a divorce."

"The divorce could be our chance." Justin narrowed his eyes, his gaze piercing.

"Once she's without the influence of the Hoffman Group and Liam, it will be easy to manipulate her"

Ryan nodded in agreement.

Dean was impressed and scared as Justin turned out to be quite devious.

No one other than Bella could rise above Justin.

Ryan commanded in an icy voice, "Keep an eye on Selena, Dean. Wait until her divorce with Liam goes through and report back to me." "Yes, sir." Dean got down to business.

Justin said, "Brace yourself. She probably won't admit to it."

"I have ways to handle those with sealed abouts. Even if she doesn't talk father's death, she might reveal something else."

Ryan let out a bright smile, like before. "It's getting late. It's been a while since we got together. How about dinner?"

Justin curled his lips. "Sure "

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 1870-ustin had a prior engagement with Bella. He was supposed to head home early to try out her new dish.

Since Ryan asked and needed his company, Justin could not say no to him.

The pair arrived at their usual restaurant.

The food and drinks were served in the private room. However, Ryan did not have the appetite. He fiddled with his food and downed one drink after another.

"You have stomach issues. You should refrain from drinking." Justin put his hand over Ryan's glass.

"No one else cares about me apart from you." Ryan flung his back to his seat and laughed.

Justin sounded concerned. “She's not with you, but that doesn't mean she doesn't care about you. Your reckless disregard for yourself will only hurt the people who care about you." Ryan felt a stab in his heart, his trembling fingers nearly dropping his drink. "Is Carrie doing well?"

"I came here to talk to you about this. Carrie will not be marrying Jason Solloway."

"Really? Carrie isn't marrying him anymore?" Ryan's eyes lit up, and life returned to them. "I knew Carrie wouldn't turn her back on me. Her heart belongs to me. She wouldn't marry anyone else." Justin took one long look at him and shook his head. "Gregory set Carrie up with Jason and pressured her to go through with the wedding. Carrie won't and can't defy Gregory. She is only too considerate of others for her own good. Madam Mila and Ralph were the ones who caused that marriage to fall apart.” "Ralph?" Ryan nearly crushed the glass in his hand.

"You're my best buddy. I don't want to keep things from you. Carrie only got out of the marriage with the Solloways because Bella interfered, and the interference was Ralph."

Justin gave Ryan an account of what happened at the Solloways' party.

"B-But Bella helped Carrie get rid of the Solloways. Madam Mila and Ralph were only putting on a show." Ryan's hopeful gaze fell on Justin's face. "Bella had been there when Carrie and I were together. She supports us, right?"

"Bella came up with this idea to give you and Carrie another shot." Justin swirled the glass in his hand. "But the problem now is that Madam Mila and Ralph are taking the whole thing seriously. That night after the party, Mrs. Mila gave her long-time favorite bracelet to Carrie. It's clear that Madam Mila loves Carrie as a daughter-in-law. That's not the only thing. Chairman Thompson is aware of the matter too. He's flying back from Meridan to get his son hitched with Carrie."

"Fuck! Are you taking advantage of me because I'm without a father and a mother?" Ryan jolted to his feet in a panic. Justin was taken aback.

Ryan held his burning head. "No … I mean, I have a mother. I mean, they are taking advantage of the fact that I don't have parents to fight for this marriage on my behalf. They are trying to steal my woman! This can't be happening. Jason is gone, but here comes Ralph. At this rate, Carrie is going to be your sister and sister-in-law."

Ryan took strides out.

"Where are you going?" Justin stopped him.

I'm going to Madam Mila or to Meridan to meet Chairman Thompson." Ryan heaved heavily as the frustration threatened to take over his sanity. "You guys gave me a fighting chance. I can't miss another shot with Carrie."

But Carrie broke up with you. Even if Madam Mila wants to set Ralph and Carrie up together, there's nothing you can do about it." Justin furrowed his brows and laid down the facts.

"Your problem isn't between Ralph and Carrie. It's between you and Carrie, Ryan."