All Chapters of DARLA FIN:THE HEIRESS'S WICKED REBIRTH: Chapter 161 - Chapter 170

Melanie's POVRichard hesitated, searching for the right words. His silence was louder than anything he could have said.“You can’t even defend yourself,” I said quietly.“I called her to apologize,” he finally muttered.I blinked, unsure if I heard him right. “Apologize?”“Yes,” he said firmly this time. “I called her because I hurt her once, badly. I wanted to make peace, that’s all. I didn’t mean for it to sound suspicious.”I stared at him, trying to read the truth in his face. “And you think I’ll believe that?”“It’s the truth, Melanie.”I shook my head, laughing weakly. “You’re unbelievable. You call your ex, the same woman who can’t stand me, and you don’t think it’s a big deal?”“It was one call,” he said defensively. “You’re blowing it out of proportion.”“One call can mean a lot, Richard.”He frowned. “Are you saying you’ve never called someone from your past?”I looked at him squarely. “No, I haven’t. Because I respect what I have.”That hit him. His jaw tightened. For a lo

Melanie's POVWhen I opened the door, Richard was sitting at the edge of the bed, his face buried in his hands. He looked up immediately, eyes soft, guilt clouding them.“Melanie,” he said quietly, standing up as if afraid I’d turn back around and leave again. “I’m sorry.”I didn’t say anything. I just crossed my arms and waited.“I shouldn’t have called her,” he continued. “You were right to be upset. I wasn’t thinking clearly… it was just a moment of confusion. But I swear to you, it won’t happen again.”My throat tightened. “You called Darla,” I said flatly, watching his reaction.He nodded slowly. “I did. And I regret it.”He stepped closer, eyes pleading. “I love you, Mel. You have to believe that. Whatever happened before, whatever I said — I only want you.”I wanted to believe him. God, I really did. But something in me needed more than words this time.“If you really mean that,” I said coldly, “delete her number.”His brows furrowed. “Melanie—”“Delete. It.”He hesitated for j

Melanie's POVThe café was quieter than I remembered, small, private, tucked neatly between two glass towers that shielded it from the city’s chaos. I chose it for a reason. No one important came here, and I needed privacy for this meeting.When I stepped in, my gaze immediately landed on him. Mavins. He was exactly where I expected him to be, sitting at the far corner by the window, one leg crossed over the other, a cup of coffee in hand like he owned the place.And damn it, he still looked good. Too good.“Mavins,” I said smoothly, keeping my tone detached as I walked over.He looked up, and that slow, knowing smile curved his lips. “Melanie. You look even more stunning than the last time I saw you.”I rolled my eyes lightly, sliding into the seat opposite him. “You always say that.”“Because it’s always true.”There it was again — that voice, deep and teasing, with just enough warmth to make you forget who he really was. I crossed my legs, forcing myself to stay composed. “I didn’

Darla’s POVI heard a knock right as I was clearing away the cup Sam had used. My heart gave a thump then I glanced at the door. Saw Xavier standing there. A breath I hadn’t known I’d been holding slipped out as I pulled the door open a little wider.“Hey," I whispered, a brittle smile plastered across my features.He didn’t utter a syllable, at the outset simply closed the distance encircled me with his arms and laid a kiss upon my lips. His cologne filled the gap, between us, a scent that felt strangely familiar. In that moment the world seemed to click into place.“You okay?" he asked, finally pulling back his fingers sweeping a lock from my face.“I’m fine " I said, the words tumbling out before I could catch them. "Completely fine.”His eyes prowled mine as if hunting for the whisper of a lie. Then with a drawl he said, "I saw Sam’s car just rolling out of your gate.”That prompted a blink. "You did?”He nodded. "Yeah. Enough I never saw him. Just his car. Is he visiting you n

Darla's POVFor a suspended heartbeat I stood still catching how his eyes flicked away, from mine. Something seemed amiss. He whispered, "It’s nothing to worry about ". The strain, in his voice cut through the calm. I lifted myself a notch the sheet wrapped around my chest like an armor.“Xavier enough " I said, voice steady and firm. "Spill it. What went wrong?”He lingered, his fingertips tracing his brow before a breath finally escaped him. "My sister " he said, voice, above a whisper. "They called—she’s been admitted to the hospital.”My heart stumbled. "Oh my God " I whispered, "I’m terribly sorry. What happened? Is it serious?”He gave a nod his features tightening. "Yeah… that’s what they said. She collapsed this morning. I’m still trying to piece exactly what went wrong. I may have to head over there today and see her myself.”The airy playful vibe that had floated through the room seconds ago evaporated, leaving a oppressive hush that seemed to press itself into the space, b