The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 217

Filming for Tara's debut movie progresses seamlessly, building a palpable buzz of anticipation among the crew. On the other side of town, production for Jade's new film races against the clock. As the lead actress, her schedule is grueling, yet her mind remains entirely fixated on her upcoming birthday gala. She barely spares a second to actually study her character, relying solely on her rote memorization skills to get the lines right.

Just two days before her massive birthday bash, her movie officially wraps. Though the director is secretly unsatisfied with the final cut, he keeps his mouth shut. The Dennis family financed the project and pumped millions of dollars into the marketing budget, guaranteeing a decent box office turnout regardless of artistic merit.

Coincidentally, Tara's movie wraps production around the exact same time. Through a twist of fate, both films lock in release dates during the highly competitive peak season.

"Jake, Alec, I heard Tara's movie finished filming too, and it's premiering the same weekend as mine," Jade says, her brow furrowing with perfectly orchestrated concern. "Should we push my release date back and let her go first? Since it's her debut and the genre is so niche, I'm worried her box office numbers will be terrible."

She plays her cards with masterclass precision, expertly weaponizing her faux innocence to garner sympathy.

Right on cue, Jake scowls, his reflexive annoyance toward Tara flaring to life. "Tara is doing this on purpose to spite us. She just wants to prove a point." He waves a dismissive hand. "Ignore her. We're sticking to the original schedule. If she wants to humiliate herself at the box office, we won't stand in her way."

He suddenly recalls the chilling warning Tara had given him not long ago—the claim that Jade was actively trying to ruin his relationship with Lucinda and keep him single.

What a load of garbage. Jade is so sweet. She could never be the monster Tara described. Tara is simply toxic. Everyone else in the Dennis family is upright, capable, and fiercely loyal to their blood. How did they end up with a wildcard like her? If Tara didn't share their striking facial features, Jake would honestly believe she was switched at birth.

Ultimately, Jake blames it all on Tara's traumatic childhood abduction. Spending those formative years lost in the mountains clearly corrupted her. She needs to be taught a harsh lesson. Only after she hits rock bottom will her stubbornness break, forcing her to obediently bow her head and crawl back to him for help.