The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 470

"When I first moved into this house, I was so terrified," Jade continues, tears spilling down her cheeks in a steady stream. "I didn't know anyone, and I was so scared that if I made one wrong move, you would hate me and throw me out. I'd have no home again."

She chokes out a sob, her shoulders shaking as she delivers her masterstroke. "That's why I always relied on my brothers for every little thing. Their patience is the only reason I survived. I'm just so grateful to be part of the Dennis family. I love you all so much, and the thought of being separated from you breaks my heart."

In this, Jade is entirely Jovani's daughter. She plays the victim with terrifying precision, effortlessly manipulating the emotional currents in the room. Her tear-soaked confession and submissive posture immediately work their magic on Alec and Deanna.

"Mom, look at her. She's crying her eyes out," Alec says, his protective instincts kicking in. "Are you really going to let a bunch of internet psychos dictate how we treat our sister? And as for Lucinda, she already cut ties with us. Maybe she’s feeding you exaggerated lies. Are you going to trust an outsider over Jade?"

Alec wants to reach out and wipe the tears from Jade's face, but mindful of his mother's current explosive mood, he restrains himself, settling for defending her verbally.

"Fine, fine. I was just asking. Stop crying," Deanna sighs, rubbing her temples. She has loved Jade for years; she doesn't actually want to cast her out. The humiliation of the scandal just made her lash out. Seeing that a drawn-out argument won't resolve anything, she decides to drop it for now.

"I know, Nikolai. You guys always treat me the best," Jade murmurs, slipping seamlessly back into her sweet, reliant persona the moment Deanna is out of sight. It's her foolproof method for keeping these men firmly under her control.

A short while later, she excuses herself and heads upstairs to her bedroom. She needs quiet. She needs a plan.

Lying flat on her bed, her hands resting behind her head, Jade stares blankly at the ceiling. Her mind races, discarding one scheme after another. The manipulative little tricks that worked so perfectly before are useless on Jake now. He is wide awake to her games, far more ruthless than Nikolai or Alec. If she wants to regain her grip on this family—especially Deanna's total trust—she needs a new strategy.