From Discarded Wife to Queen (Tyrone) novel Chapter 440

**Obsidian Dawn 440**

**Chapter 440: Jolene Cunningham**

As soon as they crossed the threshold, Raine’s sharp gaze locked onto Zera, her heart racing with a mix of anger and disbelief.

Trash. You ruined Aella’s and my brother’s birthday celebration, and you still have the audacity to show your face in front of me?

With a fierce determination, she shook off Brad’s arm, her high heels clicking against the polished floor as she strode purposefully toward Zera. Each step felt like a declaration, her long legs creating a direct line to confrontation.

“Hey, firecracker, take it easy—” Brad called after her, his voice a blend of concern and frustration.

But he barely managed two steps before his mother, Sabrina Wachowski, seized his arm, yanking him back with surprising strength.

“Ow!” Brad yelped, a mix of surprise and pain flashing across his face.

Sabrina, undeterred by his discomfort, shot him a disapproving glare. “I told you to bring your fiancée, and you had the nerve to claim you were suffering from food poisoning and couldn’t possibly go out.”

With a swift motion, she switched hands and twisted her grip harder, making it clear she wasn’t finished. “What’s this? You’re miraculously cured now?”

Brad, still holding Raine’s coat draped over his forearm, bent slightly, gritting his teeth against the pain. He kept his eyes locked on Raine, just in time to see his cousin, John Wachowski, block her path with a smirk that sent a jolt of panic through him.

“Mom, you’re the best! Just let me hit the restroom, and you can scold me there. I really am about to explode—in my pants!” Brad pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice.

Sabrina’s gaze softened slightly as she caught sight of Raine a short distance away, and with a reluctant sigh, she released him.

Brad dashed toward Raine, arriving just in time to shove John’s greasy hand away from her arm.

“What’s going on, Brad? Weren’t you sick?” John adjusted his glasses, a frown etched across his features. “How did you end up arriving with little Raine?”

Brad, ever the smooth talker, replied, “Tyrone couldn’t make it. He asked me to look after Raine.”

The words grated on Raine’s ears, igniting a flicker of irritation.

She shot John a glare, her voice icy. “How I got here and with whom is none of your business.”

John’s expression tightened, a hint of defensiveness creeping in. “Raine, just so you know, Brad’s fiancée is here too. I don’t want any misunderstandings.”

Raine, feeling the tension rise, snatched her coat from Brad’s arm. “Go do your thing, Brad. I’ll explore on my own.”

With determination, she marched directly toward Zera.

As soon as Zera caught sight of her, recognition flickered in her eyes.

Though they had never been close, Zera had meticulously researched every branch of Tyrone’s family tree during her pursuit of him. Now, here stood an unexpected opportunity, walking toward her in high heels.

“Ms. Winter. Long time no see,” Zera greeted, stepping forward with a forced smile.

Raine couldn’t stifle her laughter, a sound sharp and cutting. “You’ve got some nerve. You tried to extort 60 million from the Winters, and here you are, already out?”

Jolene Cunningham, George’s wife, stepped forward, positioning herself protectively in front of Zera. “Ms. Winter is the heiress of a prominent family—her status is undeniable. But the Cunninghams are one of the Eight Great Families as well. Ms. Caldwell is here as my guest. Are you really going to trample our reputation along with hers?”

Raine’s eyes narrowed as she processed Jolene’s words, a realization dawning upon her.

Turning to face Jolene directly, she pointed at Zera with a knowing smile. “No wonder Mr. Cunningham rushed to bail her out of the station—he not only repaid the 60 million upfront, but he also gave up the East District parcel just to persuade my brother to let her go. So, she’s your friend.”

The crowd stirred, whispers igniting like wildfire.

“Didn’t know Mr. Cunningham was such a gallant man.”

“Sixty million for a friend and giving up the East District plot? That’s quite the sacrifice.”

“I heard everyone’s been fighting for that parcel.”

“Do you think she’s his mistress on the side?”

“Stop talking nonsense—Mrs. Cunningham’s standing right there!”

A cacophony of whispers erupted, voices overlapping and intertwining.

Zera and Anna both paled, the weight of the situation crashing down on them.

Jolene stared at Raine, momentarily stunned, before regaining her composure. She stepped forward, blocking Raine’s path and demanding, “Ms. Winter, do you have any proof to back up that claim?”