The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 484

"I couldn't possibly," Jade says, waving her hands in modest refusal. "I just did what anyone would do. I don't need a reward."

"Nonsense. Your father won't let you suffer for nothing," Deanna insists, entirely clueless to the undercurrents in the room. "Just accept it, sweetie."

"Alright. Thank you, Dad," Jade replies with a sweet, obedient smile.

Jovani barely notices Charles's initial shock, because her attention is fixated entirely on Deanna. Hearing Deanna whine and issue playful demands to Charles makes Jovani's blood boil. Watching this woman flaunt her status and affection in front of everyone is utterly nauseating.

Jovani doesn't actually love Charles; her heart belongs to someone else. But she has controlled him for years. Her possessiveness runs deep. In her mind, Charles exists to indulge her and her alone. Seeing his marriage play out in real time makes her want to rip Deanna apart with her bare hands. But she reigns in her fury, maintaining her timid disguise.

Eventually, Charles sends Deanna home, completely avoiding the risk of offering Jovani a ride.

Hours later, Jovani finally drops the act and dials his number.

"Charles, come over tonight," she purrs, her voice dripping with seductive intent. "Seeing you play the doting husband today really broke my heart."

Jovani stepping into the light means she has an ulterior motive. Tara frowns, her mind working through the angles. Either Charles orchestrated it to test the waters, or Jovani did it to manipulate the family's perception of Jade. Considering the disguise, it is obviously a ploy to brand Jade as a charitable saint.

If Jovani is brazen enough to step onto the stage, Tara is more than happy to shine a spotlight on her.

A dark, predatory smirk curls Tara's lips. She pulls out her phone and fires off an anonymous message directly to Deanna. She knows her mother is in for a reality check that will completely shatter her perfect little world.