From Discarded Wife to Queen (Tyrone) novel Chapter 461

**TITLE: Obsidian Dawn 461**
**Chapter 461: A Fresh Start Built on Lies**

Once Jolene concluded her words, she turned on her heel and departed, flanked by her two brothers and her daughter. The air was thick with tension as they exited, leaving behind a silence that felt almost oppressive.

As soon as the door clicked shut behind them, Carlee sprang up from the floor, her heart racing. She quickly snatched her son into her arms, her eyes darting anxiously toward the now-closed door as if expecting it to swing open again.

“George,” she said, her voice low but fierce, “the Cunninghams have built an empire. We cannot, under any circumstances, allow that woman and her daughter to walk away with even a fraction of our assets!” Her urgency was palpable; the stakes were higher than ever.

George, sensing his mother’s distress, stepped forward to reassure her. “Mom, there’s no need to panic. I’ve already devised a plan. Even if she has an asset freeze order and evidence of my affair, it won’t matter in the end. I have a way to ensure they leave with nothing.” His confidence was a balm to her frayed nerves.

Carlee nodded, her expression shifting as a new thought struck her. “We must safeguard the baby in Anna’s belly. That grandson of mine is the rightful heir to the Cunningham fortune!” The determination in her voice was unwavering, fueled by a fierce maternal instinct.

With a gentle yet firm hand, George assisted his mother into her room, ensuring she was comfortable. “Mom, you need to rest. My… um, frumpy wife already knows Anna’s address overseas. I’ll send Zera abroad right away to look after Anna and the baby.” His resolve was clear, and he knew the importance of acting swiftly.

As twilight descended, George personally escorted Zera to the airport, the weight of their shared secrets hanging in the air. He had meticulously prepared a new phone for her, along with Anna’s contact details and her address, everything she would need to start afresh.

“Zera,” he began, his tone serious yet reassuring, “I’ve had someone erase your past. Your ID now states you’re single and childless. I’ve kept your Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Vleka University intact, and for the last few years, you’ve been pursuing a graduate degree at the Academy of Arts in Tuspuyria. Your diploma will be mailed to you next week.” He paused, gauging her reaction.

“From this moment forward, as long as you keep your past to yourself, no one will ever dig it up,” he continued, his voice firm yet kind.

Zera felt a swell of emotion rise within her, nearly bringing her to tears. This new identity was a lifeline; she would no longer have to fear the shadows of her past. She envisioned herself as a clean slate—a college graduate from humble beginnings, a brilliant student who earned her advanced degree through sheer determination.

This fresh identity was not just a disguise; it was her ticket to the upper echelons of society.

—

Later that evening, around eight o’clock, Raine dropped Aella off at her apartment building. As she turned to leave, her eyes fell upon Daniel, who was loitering nearby. Aella wasted no time; she exited the car with purpose.

“Raine, stop staring and drive away,” Aella urged, noticing her friend’s fixation on Daniel. With a reluctant sigh, Raine complied, pulling away from the curb.

“Daniel, what brings you here again?” Aella asked, her voice light but curious as she approached him.

Daniel stepped closer, a smile playing on his lips. “My sister-in-law just returned from Tuspuyria, loaded with gifts. I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop off some for your parents.”

As Aella caught a whiff of his cologne, she blinked in surprise. It was subtle yet invigorating—a fresh scent that lingered in the air. She recalled that Daniel had never worn cologne before. Was it possible that he had taken her compliment about Brad’s cologne to heart?

Aella scrutinized Daniel, a hint of concern in her voice. “Please tell me you didn’t already take the gifts upstairs?”

Daniel shook his head, his expression earnest. “I wouldn’t dare do that without your say-so.” His tone was respectful, yet there was an undercurrent that made Aella’s heart race.

Feeling the tension in the air, Aella quickly diverted the conversation. “You have an early morning flight to visit your grandmother abroad. I made some special calming aromatherapy oils for her. Let me just run upstairs and grab them for you.”

An hour later, at Bluehaven, Raine used her fingerprint to unlock Brad’s apartment, where her brother was also present. She set her bag down with a flourish, her excitement bubbling over. “I just dropped Aella off at home. Guess who I ran into?”

Brad glanced at Tyrone, his expression casual. “Daniel?”

Raine froze, her eyes widening. “How did you know?”

Both she and Brad turned to look at Tyrone, who maintained a stoic expression as he picked up his wine glass.

“Tyrone,” Raine pressed, “do you really have no romantic interest in Aella?”

Tyrone lowered his gaze, concealing the emotions that flickered beneath the surface. “Childhood sweethearts. It’s nice,” he replied dismissively, but his tone was laced with something unspoken.

Brad, sensing the tension, smoothly interjected, “Babe, did you buy anything for me while you were out shopping with Aella?”

The conversation shifted, but the air remained thick with unacknowledged feelings, leaving everyone wondering what the future held.

—

**Chapter 462: Jealousy’s Bitter Taste**