All Chapters of Return Of The Betrayed Heiress : Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

By the time I got home, exhaustion had settled deep into my bones. The kind that came from more than just physical tiredness. This was emotional exhaustion. The weight of testifying before Congress. Of facing Allen one last time. Of carrying the past while trying to build a future.Mother met me at the door. She took one look at my face and pulled me inside without a word.Mrs. Howell had lunch waiting. Chicken soup and fresh bread. Comfort food that reminded me of childhood."Eat," Mother said. She guided me to the kitchen table. "Then rest. Smith won't be here until six. You have time."I managed half the soup before my eyelids grew heavy. Mother shooed me upstairs to my room.I kicked off my shoes and collapsed onto the bed. Just for a few minutes, I told myself.I woke three hours later to afternoon sunlight streaming through the curtains.My phone showed two missed calls from Agent Camille and a text. Allen's cooperating fully. Already gave us three major names. This is going to

The phone rang just as I turned from the window, Tom’s betrayal still burning in my chest. Agent Drake’s name flashed on the screen.“Ms. Jones, we need you at the federal building tomorrow morning. Nine sharp.”“Tomorrow?” My voice sounded calmer than I felt. “For what?”“The case has expanded. International tribunal. Multiple countries are involved now. Your testimony is crucial.”The room seemed to tilt. “International?”“Allen’s network reached further than we thought. Corporate espionage spanning twelve countries. The prosecutors need your statement through a secure video link.”I sank into my chair. “How long will it take?”“Could be several days. Maybe a week. Can you handle it?”Could I? Tom’s betrayal still stung. And now this.“I’ll be there.”“Good. And Ms. Jones, this is bigger than just Allen now. You’re about to become the face of innovation protection worldwide.”The line went dead. I stared at the phone, my hands trembling.Jessica knocked and stepped inside. “Tom’s go

Six months after "Tell me about the nightmares."Dr. Sarah Williams sat across from me in her office. The space felt nothing like the cold corporate boardrooms I was used to. Warm browns and soft greens covered the walls. No harsh fluorescent lights. Just gentle lamps that cast shadows that somehow felt safe."They're always the same." I pulled my legs up onto the leather chair. I never would have done this six months ago. "I'm in the courtroom, but I can't speak. Allen's there. Tom's there. They're taking everything while I just watch.""How often?""Three times this week."She made a note in her leather journal. After four months of these sessions, I'd stopped trying to read her handwriting upside down."That's an improvement from daily.""Is it? Because it doesn't feel like improvement when I wake up at three in the morning with Smith trying to calm me down.""How does Smith handle it?"I thought about last night. He'd held me without asking questions. Made chamomile tea without b

The day passed in a blur of emails and meetings. Exhaustion settled deep in my bones. By the time the clock struck five, my inbox was finally quiet. That's when Smith showed up to pick me up.The drive back to the Jones estate was peaceful. The sun dipped low, casting golden light across the road. Smith kept one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually on the console between us. Neither of us said much. We didn't have to. The silence wasn't awkward. It was calm, familiar, like a language we'd learned to speak without words.When the gates of the estate opened, the familiar sight of home filled my chest with quiet warmth. The ivy climbing the stone walls. The tall oaks whispering in the evening wind. The house stood as it always did. Steady, peaceful, untouched by the chaos of the world outside.Mrs. Howell met us at the door, wiping her hands on her apron. "Welcome back, dear," she said with that kind smile that always made me feel twelve again. "Your mother's out visiting Helen

Smith's arm rested around my waist when my phone rang. Morning light slipped through the curtains. I didn't want to move. These quiet moments before the day began had become my favorite part of life."Let it go to voicemail," Smith murmured against my neck.The phone kept ringing. I reached for it anyway. Rachel's name flashed on the screen."It's Rachel. She wouldn't call this early unless something's wrong.""Answer it," Smith said.I pressed accept. "Rachel?""Turn on channel nine. Now."Her voice was tight. I sat up as Smith reached for the remote on his nightstand."What's happening?""Just watch."The screen lit up with a morning news anchor sitting straight and serious. The headline scrolling at the bottom made my stomach twist.RENEWED HEARTS FOUNDATION UNDER FIRE: FRAUDULENT CLAIMS SURFACE"We're following breaking news this morning," the anchor said. "Sources claim multiple women have filed false cases through the Renewed Hearts Foundation, seeking money rather than justice.