All Chapters of Revenge: Rising Beyond the Tempest : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

“Nothing,” Celine said, her voice steady as a blade. There was a firmness to it that surprised even Bashiru; she spoke as if the decision had been made long before he came into the room. The neon hum from the corridor filtered in through the half-closed door, and her words dropped into the sterile air like a verdict.Bashiru stared at her. “Are you sure?” he asked, incredulous. “You don’t want to press charges? I can help you get justice. I can make sure they pay.”Celine’s mouth set hard. “No,” she replied. “I don’t want police. I don’t want hearings. I don’t want their pity or their tabloids.” Her fingers tightened on the sheet until the fabric creased. Still, even as she refused, the old fire lived in her eyes; a slow, coiling thing that made Bashiru’s jaw clinch.Bashiru watched her in a silence that spoke of unasked questions. To him, her refusal was not forgiveness; it was a plan wrapped in restraint. He saw the danger in her calm — not the danger of lawlessness but the colde

They all turned as one toward the side door. The man who emerged was the hotel manager — a tall figure in a black tailored suit, his belly neatly rounded beneath the fabric.He moved with calm certainty; the staff relaxed as if a problem had been handed to someone made to handle it.The receptionist began to explain in quick, rehearsed sentences what had happened.The story was tidy, arranged to fit a narrative that left the hotel spotless.Celine watched the manager. Relief pressed against her ribs; at least here was a person with the power to set things right. If anyone would show some decency, it should be him. She straightened, clutching her small bag, and waited for a reasonable answer.Instead the manager walked forward, close enough for her to see the slight argent of his cufflink. He regarded her with a measured disdain and said, without a note of apology: “Madam, we cannot attend to you. We cannot taint our reputation by admitting someone of your… calibre.”Celine felt tho

Celine knew she had the mark, that faint scar by the left side of her neck, but it never crossed her mind that there could be anything extraordinary about it. It was just there, something she was born with, something she had lived with. But now, hearing this woman call her daughter because of it, her mind couldn’t wrap around the whole thing.She was still trying to find the right words, the best way to gently correct the old woman without hurting her feelings. “Ma’am, I think you’re mistaking me for someone else. Did you lose your daug—”“Shh!” the woman interrupted, placing her trembling palm over Celine’s mouth. “Say no more, my child. You’ve been through a lot. I can see it in your eyes,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion, her eyes glistening with tears that didn’t seem like sorrow but relief.Celine swallowed, confused and overwhelmed. The rain had stopped, leaving the air damp and heavy. She looked around helplessly, trying to figure out what to do with this stranger w

The night was still. A faint breeze swept across the quiet road, brushing against Celine’s hair as she stood before Alex, staring at him in disbelief. His words from moments ago still echoed in her ears, about his grandmother, her sickness, and the strange resemblance she bore to their lost Celine.He looked straight at her now, his expression firm but gentle. “You look exactly like our Celine,” he said. “And maybe around the same age she was when she left and never returned.”Celine blinked slowly, trying to process the whole thing. It all sounded unbelievable. “Who exactly are you to her?” she finally asked.“I’m her grandson,” Alex replied, his tone calm. “My parents died when I was thirteen. Since then, my grandma has been the one taking care of me and my younger sister.”Celine’s heart softened a little. She looked at him closely, his face was young yet burdened with responsibility. “And the doctor?” she asked. “What does he say about her condition?”“That reminds me,” Alex said

Two days ago, Celine woke up feeling physically and emotionally drained, burdened by the events and revelations of the past few days. Her whole body ached from exhaustion, but it was her heart that hurt the most. She forced herself to get ready for the day despite the heaviness in her chest.As she stepped out of her room, the receptionist stopped her politely and said, “Ma’am, Mr. O’Neil is already waiting for you in the parking lot.”Celine gave a small nod. “Thank you,” she said, glancing briefly at the wall clock. It was a little past eight. She took a deep sigh before stepping outside.Last night, Alex had suggested they lodge in a nearby hotel and leave early in the morning. She had agreed, but sleep never really came. Her mind kept replaying everything — the humiliation at the hotel, the encounter with the old woman, the offer she had reluctantly accepted.In the parking lot, Alex stood beside his sleek black car, dressed neatly in a light shirt and dark trousers. He looked