The Tower Reversed: Back to 18 (Venus) novel Chapter 16

**Chapter 16: The Fall of Rayne**

The air was thick with tension as Venus clapped her hands, a mocking laugh escaping her lips. “That’s right! You all can keep worshiping that fake little princess for the rest of your lives!” Her words dripped with disdain, a venomous edge that cut through the room.

Rayne’s expression darkened, shadows of anger clouding his features. He couldn’t bear the thought of anyone, especially Venus, speaking ill of Lumi. “Say one more word about her, and I swear—” His voice trembled with barely contained fury.

Lumi had given up so much for him and their family, sacrificing her own dreams and desires. Anyone could say whatever they wanted about her, but not Venus. Not her. Who did she think she was, to belittle someone so precious to him?

The atmosphere grew heavier, the siblings’ faces taut with the urge to erupt. Jamie, sensing the brewing storm, darted between them, arms raised in a placating gesture. “Hey, hey, calm down, both of you!” His tone was soothing, but the tension was palpable.

“Sweetie,” Jamie said, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace, “we didn’t know this haunted house was already rented out. If we’d known, we would’ve told you in advance. But since it happened, why don’t we just sit down and sort this out like adults?”

He was trying to mediate, to smooth over the jagged edges of the situation. “How about this—I’ll give you 300 bucks. You cancel the police report, and we can continue filming here, okay?” His voice was hopeful, but the desperation was clear.

Venus merely pointed to the door, her tone icy and unyielding. “Out.”

Jamie’s smile faltered, freezing in place. Being dismissed like that by someone younger felt like a slap in the face.

“If 300 bucks isn’t enough, fine. How about 1,000? That should cover a year’s rent, right?” he offered, trying to regain control of the situation.

Venus shot him a scornful look, her eyes glinting with mockery. “You shoot horror movies. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten how to understand human language.”

Jamie was left speechless, the words hanging in the air like a bitter aftertaste.

The film crew stood in stunned silence, their eyes darting between Venus and Rayne, unsure of how to react.

Rayne’s face flushed crimson with rage. This brat had completely transformed; how dare she speak to him in such a condescending manner? The calmness on her face, as if his feelings were inconsequential, only fueled his anger. His chest felt tight, constricted by the weight of his indignation.

Jamie sighed heavily, a sense of defeat washing over him. There was little he could do now. Venus held the legal lease, and it was clear he had no choice but to instruct the crew to start packing their equipment.

But before they could finish their task, the shrill sound of sirens pierced the air, and the police arrived in a flurry of blue lights and authority.

Venus wasted no time, her expression shifting to one of feigned distress. “Officers, they broke into my house and almost gave me a heart attack!” she exclaimed, her voice laced with a dramatic flair.

Everyone stood in bewilderment, grappling with the stark contrast of her demeanor.

Rayne’s anger boiled beneath the surface, but he was forced to explain to the officers that he knew Venus.

One of the officers turned to her, seeking clarification. “You two know each other?”

Venus shook her head vigorously, her hair bouncing like a rattle. “Nope. Never met him. Don’t know him.”

Rayne’s face paled, disbelief washing over him.

Because the crew had entered private property without permission, and Venus had outright refused any form of mediation, the entire team—including Rayne—was taken away in handcuffs.

**Rayne Burn Arrested by Police**
**Rayne Accused of Criminal Activity**
**Rayne’s Fall from Grace**

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