CHAPTER 5 - THE ART OF RUTHLESS INHERITANCE

Meanwhile, at Twilight X Club, Madam Ritz was busy at the bar counter when a call came in. Noticing it was from Celine, she answered right away.

“Hello? What made you call?”

“Madam Ritz! What’s this I’m hearing? That Rihanna no longer works there? Didn’t I tell you to keep a close watch on her!?” Celine snapped angrily on the other line.

“Oh, Celine, let me tell you something right now. You and Zack better stop whatever you're planning against Rihanna, unless you want something bad to happen to both of you.”

“What!? Are you joking? I never thought you of all people—the fierce tigress of that club—would cower before a useless girl!”

“Don’t you dare yell at me! Have you forgotten who you’re talking to, you brat? If you're angry at your sister, leave me out of it! Goodbye!”

“Madam Ritz! Hello!” Celine seethed as the old tigress hung up on her. Her body tensed again as she felt Zack’s kisses and arms around her. They were both naked, tangled in bed at a hotel, seeking warmth from each other’s bodies. But Celine had just received news from her source at Twilight X Club that her stepsister was no longer there.

“What’s with that face? What did she say?” Zack asked, about to get on top of her again, when she suddenly shoved him off and angrily sat up.

“What’s your problem!?” Zack barked, pulling on his boxers. “You’re killing my mood!”

“I’m not in the mood, Zack, okay!? I’m pissed off about that girl. I thought she’d rot in that club for good. Lucky her, she actually managed to escape! That damn cripple even helped that bitch get out!”

“So what now? What are you planning to do?” Zack asked before gulping down some water from the fridge.

“Zack, I want you to investigate that blind and crippled man who helped Rihanna. If we have to pay him to make her life miserable, then do it. I swear, I’m boiling with rage! Mom doesn’t want Rihanna back in the house, so do something.”

“Fine. After my business meeting at Crawford Empire tomorrow, I’ll start the investigation. They’re appointing a new CEO there, and I need to land an appointment for Lawson Industries’ next project.”

“Alright, I’ll go with you. I’ll help you get that appointment at Crawford Empire.”

**

Meanwhile, at Dustin’s mansion, Rihanna was cheerfully feeding Dustin at the dining table when Mr. Stuart suddenly approached and saluted both of them.

“Excuse me, Master, but Miss Shane is outside.”

Dustin paused. His expression turned unreadable. Why had his ex-wife suddenly shown up? The woman he had cried over for a year after she abandoned him. “Let her in,” he said.

“As you wish, Master.” Mr. Stuart gave another respectful salute, throwing Rihanna a knowing glance before stepping away.

Rihanna didn’t know how to feel. She hadn’t expected Shane’s return to happen this soon. She hadn’t even begun her revenge, and now the man’s ex-wife was here. What if Dustin suddenly said he didn’t need her anymore?

Moments later, a tall, sexy woman entered confidently and walked straight toward them.

“Dustin, honey, I missed you,” Shane said tearfully, pulling him into a hug and planting a kiss on his lips.

Rihanna seethed. Just moments ago, she was the one kissing her husband’s lips. Yet now he didn’t even pull away when Shane kissed him. Something twisted in her chest at the thought.

“What are you doing here?” Dustin growled at his ex-wife.

“Honey, I’m so sorry. I regret leaving you. But I’m here now. I want to make it up to you; please give me a chance to show how much I love you,” Shane begged, her tears looking painfully real.

“It’s too late, Shane. I have a wife now. You can leave.”

Instead of leaving, Shane sobbed even harder, like her heart had shattered. She dropped to her knees and clung to Dustin’s waist.

“Dustin, please, forgive me; give me a chance to love you again. Even if you’re married now, I’m willing to endure the pain…”

If not for Dustin, Rihanna would’ve kicked Shane out by now. Especially with how she kept crying without a single tear.

“Uhm, Miss Shane, can I ask something?”Rihanna said sweetly. “Is that tissue you’re using of high quality? Is it ceramic or plastic? ”

Shane paused her fake sobbing and glanced at the tissue in her hand, confused.

“Why?” she asked.

“Well, I was thinking of buying the same brand. I mean, you’ve been crying for ages, but it’s still bone dry. That must be some amazing tissue.”

Mr. Stuart struggled not to laugh. He’d seen Shane’s face flush red in anger as Rihanna exposed her acting.

“Shane, leave. I have a new wife now. I don’t need another,” Dustin said firmly. “Wife, take me to our room. I want to rest.”

“Sure, Love,” Rihanna replied flirtatiously, causing Dustin to pause. Love? That was new. A secret smile tugged at his lips. He knew she said it just to make Shane even more jealous.

As Rihanna turned Dustin’s wheelchair toward the elevator, Shane suddenly grabbed her arm and hissed, “If you think you can play queen in this house, you’re dead wrong. I won’t stop until Dustin throws you out.”

Rihanna glared at her, then elbowed her hard in the side, making her let go. “Try it. I won’t back down. Your time as Dustin’s wife is over. Between the two of us, I have more right to be here. And unless Dustin tells me to leave, I’m staying right here!”

Shane fumed silently, her eyes glued to Rihanna pushing Dustin’s wheelchair into the elevator. The master’s bedroom was on the fourth floor, and obviously, Dustin couldn’t use the stairs.

Noticing the maids staring at her, Shane snapped, “What are you all staring at!? ”

The maids quickly scattered, returning to their duties.

“Madam Shane, please. You need to leave,” Mr. Stuart said politely, gesturing toward the door.

“Just wait, Rihanna,” Shane muttered under her breath as she finally walked away. “Next time I return, I’ll make sure I’ve got the upper hand. And when that day comes, I’ll make your life a living hell.”