Once Cast-Off Wife Now Untouchable Queen novel Chapter 440

**TITLE: A Message On Whatsapp 440**

**Chapter 440 Jolene Cunningham**

As soon as they stepped through the entrance, Raine’s gaze landed on Zera, a familiar face that sent her heart racing. The atmosphere shifted, and she felt a surge of emotions bubbling to the surface.

“Trash,” she muttered under her breath, her voice laced with disdain. “You audacious Aella, crashing my brother’s birthday banquet like you own the place?”

With a flick of her wrist, she shrugged off Brad’s arm, her high heels clicking sharply against the polished floor as she advanced purposefully towards Zera, her long legs propelling her forward with determination.

Brad, sensing the impending storm, hastened to keep up. “Hey, firecracker, just take a breath—”

He barely managed two steps before his mother, Sabrina Wachowski, seized his arm with an iron grip, yanking him back with surprising force.

“Ow!” he exclaimed, wincing at the unexpected pain.

Sabrina, with her no-nonsense demeanor, wasted no time in stripping him of any dignity. “I told you to bring your fiancée, and you had the audacity to claim you were bedridden with food poisoning! What a convenient recovery, don’t you think?”

She switched her grip, twisting his arm slightly harder, her eyes narrowing. “So, what now? Miraculously cured, are we?”

Brad, still clutching Raine’s coat draped over his forearm, bent slightly, trying to ease the discomfort while keeping his focus on Raine. Just in time, he noticed his cousin, John Wachowski, stepping into her path with a smug grin plastered across his face.

Panic surged through him. “Mom, please! You’re the best! Just let me use the restroom, and you can scold me there. I swear I’m about to burst—like, literally!”

Sabrina’s gaze softened as she caught sight of Raine a short distance away, and she relented, releasing him from her grasp.

Brad dashed over just in time to intercept John’s unwelcome advances, swatting his cousin’s greasy hand away.

John adjusted his glasses, a frown creasing his brow. “Brad, weren’t you supposed to be sick? How did you end up here with little Raine?”

Brad flashed a confident smile, his voice smooth as silk. “Tyrone couldn’t make it tonight. He asked me to look after Raine.”

Raine’s ears pricked at his words, irritation flaring within her.

She shot John a withering look. “What does it matter to you how I got here or who I’m with?”

John’s expression hardened, his concern for Raine evident. “Raine, just so you know, Brad’s fiancée is here as well. I wouldn’t want you to be… misunderstood.”

With a quick flick of her wrist, Raine snatched her coat back from Brad’s arm. “Go do your thing, Brad. I can handle myself. I’ll explore on my own.”

She strode purposefully forward, her eyes locked on Zera.

The moment Zera caught sight of her, recognition flickered across her face. They had never been close, but during her relentless pursuit of Tyrone, Zera had meticulously researched every branch of his family tree. Now, opportunity had arrived, striding in on high heels.

Zera was the first to break the silence. “Ms. Winter. It’s been quite a while.”

Jolene Cunningham, George’s wife, stepped forward, her presence commanding. “Ms. Winter is the heiress of one of the foremost families—her status is undeniable. But let’s not forget that the Cunninghams are also one of the Eight Great Families. Ms. Caldwell is here as my guest. Are you really going to trample our reputation along with hers?”

Raine studied Jolene, and a realization dawned on her.

Turning to face Jolene, she pointed at Zera with a knowing smirk. “No wonder Mr. Cunningham rushed to bail this woman out of jail. Not only did he repay the sixty million, but he also gave up the East District parcel just to persuade my brother to let her go. So, I guess she’s your little friend now.”

A ripple of murmurs swept through the crowd, curiosity piqued.

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

“Sixty million for a friend and sacrificing the East District plot? That’s quite the price!”

“I wonder if she’s more than just a friend.”

“Come on, don’t be ridiculous—Mrs. Cunningham is right there!”

The whispers crescendoed, intertwining with the tension in the air.

Zera and Anna paled at the implications, their confidence waning.

Jolene, visibly shaken, finally found her voice, blocking Raine’s path. “Ms. Winter, do you have any proof to back up that claim?”