Lahat ng Kabanata ng Reborn Rich: My Fiancé and Step-Sister Killed Me Once.: Kabanata 61 - Kabanata 70

ARDENMy villain energy relaxed slightly when Riley said those words.“She has something on me.”The desperation in her voice was real. For a moment I felt my anger soften just a fraction.I looked at Riley's tear streaked face. Her makeup was completely ruined. Mascara running down her cheeks in black streaks. Her eyes were red and puffy. She looked genuinely broken."What are you saying?" I asked. My voice came out less cold than before. "What do you mean by that?"Riley tried to explain through her tears. Her voice was shaking so badly I could barely understand her. "I was in some really deep shit about a year ago Arden. I was drowning. Completely drowning in debt and failure and I had nowhere to turn. No one who would help me. And Jade she came and she helped me out. That's how this whole thing happened. That's why I..."She trailed off.Her eyes darted past me toward the sinks where Maya was still standing.She was just standing there now watching us. Listening to every single w

ARDEN Kelvin looked at her like she was speaking a foreign language. Rita kept pushing. Touched his arm again. "Come on Arden. Just a little longer. We're all having such a good time. Why end it so early?" "I really need to go Rita," I said firmly. Rita's face fell for just a second. Just a flash of disappointment or frustration before she plastered the smile back on. "Okay fine. Well you have a safe trip home then." She turned to Kelvin. Her hand was still on his arm. "I guess it's just you and me for drinks then." Kelvin looked like he wanted to be literally anywhere else. "Actually I should probably head out too—" "Don't be silly," Rita cut him off. She was already pulling him slightly. Tugging his arm. "Come on. Just one drink. I want to hear all about what you've been doing in Italy. And your business. It all sounds so fascinating." Kelvin shot me a look that clearly said help me please get me out of this. But what could I do? "I hope we can find time to catch up

​ARDENThe steady thud of Jett’s heartbeat is loud against my ear.​One moment, I was drowning in the middle of a crowded ballroom with Lucas’s threats ringing in my head. The next, I was being lowered onto cool, cream leather. A heavy door clicked shut, and the world went instantly, unnervingly silent.​The soundproofed glass of the limousine cut off everything.​But the silence did not stop my lungs from seizing. My chest still felt like it was caught in a vice, and my vision refused to focus. I was staring at the plush carpet of the car floor, but all I could see was my past life. I saw the ceiling of my old bedroom. I saw the glass of poisoned apple juice shattered on the ground. I saw Lucas’s shadow waiting for me to stop breathing.​I was gripping my own throat when a hand covered mine.​Jett did not pull my hand away. He just held it, his thumb stroking my palm in a slow circle. He did not demand to know why I was shaking or ask what Lucas had meant. He just existed there as a

​ARDEN ​Jett’s hands went up in defense. "Grandfather, please do not make this weird. It is not what you think" ​His grandfather ignored him completely. He took my hand and his grip was gentle and warm. With him so close, I could see his eyes. They were so similar to Jett’s but somehow softer and more mischievous. ​"My dear, you should not mind this block headed fool." He started without even glancing at Jett as he gestured dismissively in his direction. "I know he is not the best with women and I have been trying my best to get him to listen. Whatever shortcomings he has you should blame me, not him. I am just happy to see him bring somebody around at least, even though it is apparently not what I think it is." ​I had to bite back a smile as I watched Jett’s face go from embarrassment to frustration. He finally gave up and just stood there. ​"What is your name, sweetheart?" ​"Arden. Arden Steele." ​The smile that spread across his face was genuine. "Arden. That is a pretty na

ARDENI stared at the name on my phone screen.Colby Rick.Why would he be calling this late at night?My finger hovered over the answer button before I finally accepted the call."Hello?" My voice was cautious buy professional despite the late hour."Arden hey. I'm really sorry for calling this late." Colby's voice sounded genuinely apologetic. Maybe even a little stressed. "I know it's not exactly business hours.""It's fine. Is everything okay?" I sat down on the edge of my bed."Yeah yeah everything's fine. I just wanted to reach out personally because I have to cancel our meeting tomorrow morning." He paused and I could hear him taking a breath. "Something came up on my end that I need to handle but I promise you this isn't me flaking out on you or the project."Disappointment settled in my chest. I'd been looking forward to finally making everything come together for the game project. To proving I could pull this off."I understand," I said carefully. "These things happen.""You