Chapter 5
“Hmm.”
The man nodded briefly before bypassing her and continuing forward.
Elsic, undeterred, followed him closely, smiling obsequiously.
“I’m Elsie Alison from River City’s Alison family. Our families share a common ancestry-”
“The Alison family in River City once tried to harm the Alison family in the Capital City, even attempting to steal our genealogy records.”
The young man cut her off coldly.
“The Capital City Alison family removed your branch from the family records long ago. Stop trying to claim kinship.”
Despite his youth, he carried an aura of undeniable authority.
But when he reached me, he bowed deeply and then broke into a cheerful smile. “Rachel, what do you think of my outfit? Does it look alright?”
“Not bad. You look decent for once.”
I nodded with a smile, then added,
“Oh, by the way, your brother mentioned you’re not allowed to go anywhere during the summer holiday–especially not chasing women. Behave yourself.”
Eric Leonardo grinned.
“Don’t worry, Rachel. Even though you’re not officially my sister–in–law, you’re like one to me.
course, I’ll listen to you.”
He was well aware of Troy’s existence, and his words were undoubtedly deliberate, having likely watched the earlier events through the security cameras.
Troy’s face turned even paler.
He hesitated to approach me but ultimately stepped back.
Our Daughter Almast Killed For His Mistress’s Christmas
Elsie, however, quickly asked, “Is your brother Daniel Johnson?”
Yes. But what does that have to do with you?”
Eric’s expression turned cold.
Elsie glanced back at me, her face now filled with fear.
Erie turned to me again and asked, “Rachel, didn’t you say you wanted to celebrate your wedding anniversary here? Should we continue with the preparations?”
“There’s no need.”
I waved dismissively. “Mr. Kayden and I are getting a divorce.”
“Rachel, I…”
Before Troy Kayden could finish his sentence, he covered his mouth and began sobbing.
Eric Leonardo, who had been thoroughly enjoying the show, suddenly asked, “So, Rachel, you’re already married?”
“She just said she’s getting a divorce,” Ares Leonardo replied nonchalantly,
“Rachel, don’t worry–I still hope to be your father–in–law someday. Don’t hold it against me that my son’s a bit of a fool.”
Eric rolled his eyes dramatically, and so did I.
Meanwhile, Troy, Elsie Alison, and Jace Arden stood frozen, their disbelief evident.
I turned to them and said, “You all can leave now. From this moment on, Swift Manor has nothing to do with any of you. Oh, and by the way, it’s no longer Swift Manor–it’s now called Rachel Manor.”
“Rachel, let me explain, I…”
Troy tried to speak again, but when his eyes met my icy gaze, his voice faltered, and he broke down
in tears.
1 waved my hand, signaling the staff to escort them out.
Jace suddenly dropped to his knees, banging his head against the ground. “Ms. Swift, I didn’t mean auy harm. It was all Elsie who made me do it. Please, have mercy!”
ignored him, instead looking at the others.
The Jason family in real estate, the Henderson family in live–streaming media, the Rogers family in animation–get ready to go bankrupt.”
Their faces turned ashen, and they looked like they might cry.
I glanced at Troy one last time and said, “You always told me I couldn’t fit into your circle. What you didn’t know was that your circle’s key industries all depend on me. But explaining that now seems pointless because I no longer care about you.”
With that, I waved them away, and the staff escorted them out.
That evening, I returned to the luxury apartment near my company, the one Troy and I had shared.
When I entered, I saw Troy busy in the kitchen.
The aroma of my favorite dishes filled the air.
But I couldn’t muster any joy–Elsie was there too.
When Elsie saw me, she immediately rushed over, kneeling at my feet to help me change my shoes.
Rachel, I know I was wrong. I came to apologize. Please give me another chance,”
I didn’t bother changing my shoes.
I stepped past her and walked inside without sparing her a glance.
Troy came out of the kitchen, nervously wiping his hands on his apron. He forced a smile, but my cold expression quickly erased it.
“Rachel, please, give me a chance to explain,” Troy pleaded.
I sat on the sofa, lit a cigarette, and took a slow drag. “There’s no need. It’s not worth it anymore
I sighed.
Troy rushed over and grabbed my arm.
“Rachel, you know I don’t even like Elsie. I never have. She’s been spreading rumors for years, and I didn’t expose her because of our families‘ ties. This time, she used your business to threaten me, which is why I endured the humiliation of washing her feet.”
2
hapter
