The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 690

From the moment Tara returned to the family, Deanna's entire world had revolved around Jade. No matter how hard her biological daughter tried, no matter how desperately she sought just a fleeting glance of maternal pride, Deanna always looked past her. It is painfully obvious in hindsight: every time the ice between her and Tara began to thaw, Jade would intentionally stir up drama to yank Deanna's attention away.

At the time, Deanna blamed Tara for being cold and rebellious. Now, the horrific truth crashes down on her—she is the one who shoved her own daughter into the freezing dark.

"God, what have I done?" Deanna wails, burying her face in her hands. She doesn't have the right to look Tara in the eye. Even if Tara only came out of obligation to Eleanor, the thought of facing her empty, indifferent gaze is a punishment Deanna cannot endure. When a bond is shattered this profoundly, no amount of glue can fix it. Deanna is left drowning in a suffocating wave of despair. Her mother-in-law had warned her for years that she was obsessively favoring a manipulative stray over her own flesh and blood. Back then, Deanna dismissed Eleanor as critical and petty, convinced that Jade was a sweet angel while Tara was tainted by the outside world. Now, she wants to viciously slap herself across the face for her blinding stupidity. Sadly, regret cannot rewrite history.

Over at Maplewood Villa, Jade is having a miserable time. While the suburban estate is luxurious, it lacks the prestige, the limitless staff, and the absolute power of the main Dennis Estate. She is furious and thoroughly unsatisfied.

Through her personal network of loyal servants still planted at the main house, Jade quickly catches wind of Tara's visit. Panic instantly sets in.

"That bitch is trying to capitalize on my absence to steal what's mine!" she snarls, pacing the pristine hardwood floors. She cannot sit back and let Tara waltz back into power unopposed.

Calculating her next move, Jade decides she needs to return to the estate and test the waters with Deanna. If that foolish woman has calmed down and is willing to accept her—perhaps even accept Jovani stepping into the picture—Jade will happily resume playing the sweet, affectionate daughter. After all, in elite high-society families, it isn't entirely unheard of for a patriarch's second family to coexist under the same financial umbrella. If she plays her cards right, she might be able to smooth things over.

Jade is confident she can manipulate Deanna's emotions. A few soft words, a carefully orchestrated crying session, and leveraging their years of emotional history should be enough to melt the older woman's resolve.

Of course, if Deanna proves stubborn and refuses to cooperate, Jade has absolutely no problem resorting to much darker methods to get what she wants.