All Chapters of Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

‘You should be an actress.’The text message read.The corner of Elena’s mouth twitched as she glanced at the message.She did not reply and shoved the phone into her bag.“Thanks for today. I owe you a big one.” She finally turned to meet Julia’s gaze, who had climbed in beside her.Julia waved a dismissive hand.“No need for the formalities. Just stop treating yourself like a stunt double next time.” She gestured toward the bandage.Elena chuckled softly but did not answer.The road stretched out before her, but Elena remained unmoving.The battle was far from over, but the first strike had landed, and it had landed hard.———The phone on the counter buzzed, cutting through the eerie silence.But no one reached for it.The screen on the phone lit up again, each notification a reminder of the nightmare that had taken place in their lives.‘Elliot family heir Andrew Elliot accused of abuse and infidelity.’‘Rich second-generation heir involved in prostitution.’The headline flashed ac

The sudden intensity in his words took Thomas aback.“… Well, after all, it’s a misunderstanding. If she drops the lawsuit, everything will calm down. We’ll be able to move forward.”Lucas’ expression hardened as he slowly recounted.“If I remember correctly, it was Andrew who had an affair and was charged with domestic abuse. He was also caught running an illegal business. I don’t understand—why do you want Elena to apologize?”“That’s not true. The police conducted a thorough investigation. Andrew does not have a share in that business. He only went there in a moment of… folly. As for the domestic charges, it’s just a tiff between the couple.” Thomas explained.“A tiff? Really? Domestic abuse is just a ‘tiff’ in your eyes, Grandpa?” Lucas’ voice was laced with scorn as he looked at him in disbelief.“You’re just trying to put all the blame on someone else, aren’t you? Clear Andrew’s name, make Elena the scapegoat—whatever it takes to protect your precious family name.”He shook his

“I’m already past my retirement age and want to live the rest of my life in peace. Hence, as a token of my love for the future generations of the Elliot family, I have decided to gift 10% of the company’s shares to the first great-grandchild born into our family.”The promise of ten percent stunned everyone in the room.As Thomas laid out the offer, Samantha’s lips parted in shock, while Andrew became excited.Even Richard looked intrigued.Only Lucas’ handsome face darkened as he pieced together the situation.So that was it.All this time, he’d thought she was standing up for herself, for some shred of dignity. But it was only about the money.Andrew’s attitude immediately took a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree turn.He leaned over, his voice oozing with sweetness as he held Elena’s hand. “I know we’ve had some misunderstandings lately, but I promise I’ll do better, Elena. Let’s make this work.”Elena glanced at him.There was no warmth in her response as she nodded lightly.Samantha

Elena’s tears flowed, wracking her entire body.This was not the first time he had promised to give her the Elliot Corporation.And Elena knew that Lucas’ words were not just empty promises.Seeing him like this, she wanted to tell him the truth.But thinking about the phone call, her resolve wavered.The torment in her eyes made Lucas falter, his anger dissolving into something gentler.Without thinking, he reached out, his thumb brushing away her tears.The simple gesture was irresistible, almost tender.“Don’t cry,” he murmured.Before Elena could respond, his lips found hers again.This time, the kiss was slower, deeper, and tinged with more than just anger or desire.It was as though he was trying to pour every unsaid feeling into that moment.Elena didn’t resist.She couldn’t.Her own emotions were a tangled mess, and she let herself get swept away.Her hands clung to him like he was the only thing keeping her grounded.They stumbled, their bodies entwined, as Lucas guided her t

“I’m pregnant,”Her words hit Andrew like a thunderclap.His mind struggled to grasp her confession.Pregnant?That had to be some sick joke!The commotion was loud, and the rest of the family appeared just in time to hear Chloe’s confession.“Well, a leopard never changes its spots, does it?” Elena scoffed, her voice dripping with mockery.Thomas stepped forward and pinned Andrew with a glare. “What is going on here?”Before Andrew could respond, Chloe took a step forward.“It’s my fault,” she looked at Thomas with wide, watery eyes. “We didn’t—didn’t take precautions, and… and now I’m pregnant.” She bowed her head, her hands clutching her dress nervously.Thomas’s expression darkened, his fury barely restrained. “Don’t insult my intelligence, girl. You think I don’t see through your little ploy? You can fool Andrew with your act, but not me. Whatever scheme you’ve cooked up, it won’t work here.”Andrew’s face burned with embarrassment at his words.“That’s not true.” Chloe shook her