The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 148

A venomous surge of jealousy and rage flares in Jade’s chest, but she forces it down, pasting on a heartbreakingly innocent expression.

"I understand, Alec," she says softly. "She's your real sister, after all. You couldn't actually make her pay that massive fee. You just wanted her to learn a lesson and come back to the company. I get it."

Normally, this gentle, understanding act would make Alec's heart melt. But today, staring at her wide, innocent eyes, a chilling sense of unfamiliarity washes over him.

"Jade, look at this. Tell me why I let her walk away without paying a dime."

He pulls out his phone and hits play on the security footage. After Tara forwarded him the file, she deleted it from her end, but he kept it to justify the free termination to Jake and Nikolai.

Jade stares at the screen. The moment she registers what she is looking at, her mind goes completely blank. A loud ringing fills her ears.

Her fingers dig into the hem of her skirt. "Alec... it's not what it looks like," she stammers, her voice trembling violently.

"The camera caught everything, Jade. How can you deny it?" Alec frowns, his voice tinged with heartbreak.

"Don't cry, Jade. It's not your fault," Alec says, pulling her into a tight, comforting hug. "You were just trying to protect the family. I understand."

"Oh, Alec... you're the only one who truly understands me," Jade whimpers against his chest.

Internally, she lets out a massive sigh of relief. The crisis is averted. She has Alec completely wrapped around her finger again. But a dark fury simmers beneath her relief. Damn that Tara. She didn't expect her to have such a lethal trump card.