The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 229

Tara's sudden arrival completely shatters Lucinda's expectations. Why is she here? They barely know each other, having exchanged nothing more than polite nods in passing. Still reeling from the shock, Lucinda can't even find the words to say thank you. She had heard endless rumors about the Dennis family's tangled mess, and about the biological daughter being rude and rebellious. Yet, staring into Tara's calm gaze, Lucinda feels an unexpected rush of safety.

Jade is equally paralyzed by the sudden intrusion. Once she registers what just happened, her meticulously contoured face darkens with pure fury.

It’s Tars again! Why is she everywhere? Every single time Jade is on the verge of getting exactly what she wants, Tara swoops in to ruin it. It is infuriating.

Just as Jade opens her mouth to scream at Tara to mind her own business, a familiar voice cuts through the wind.

"Lucinda, are you alright?"

Jake rushes onto the deck, his face pale with panic as he stares intently at his fiancée.

Jade nearly jumps out of her skin, her heart rocketing into her throat. A cold sweat breaks out across her forehead. Did he see what happened? Did he hear them? She glances at him in sheer panic, but his eyes are entirely fixed on Lucinda, completely ignoring his sister's terrified demeanor.

He kneels beside Lucinda, gripping her slender arm with desperate concern. "Lucinda, what happened? Are you hurt?"

His brain literally cannot compute the accusation. The thought that his precious sister might be a murderer doesn't even cross his mind.

Tara looks at him as if he is the stupidest creature to ever walk the earth. She lets out a dry scoff. "Take a wild guess. Is there anyone else standing out here besides Jade?"

The implication hits like a sledgehammer.

Jade's face drains of all color. Forcing herself to stay calm, her eyes dart wildly as she raises her voice in dramatic defense. "Don't you dare slander me! How could I possibly do something like that? She's my future sister-in-law!"