Chapter 13
Stephen, always under Rachel’s command at home, remained silent, though his small eyes darted toward Lenore, filled with curiosity and uncertainty. Meanwhile, Sharon held Darren back, stopping him from saying anything inappropriate.
Lenore ignored Rachel entirely and shot an impatient look at Troy. “Are you done?”
Rachel frowned, clearly irritated. “I’m talking to you. Are you deaf?”
Lenore turned slightly, a cold smile playing on her lips. “Oh, I thought I just heard a stray dog barking.”
“You—!” Rachel’s eyes widened in fury as she realized she was being insulted. Without thinking, she raised her hand to slap Lenore.
But before her palm could connect, Lenore caught her wrist effortlessly. Her slender fingers tightened around it, sending a chill through Rachel. Lenore’s calm yet piercing gaze made her skin crawl.
Rachel winced, letting out a startled cry. Stephen hurried over, his brows furrowing. “She’s your aunt. What do you think you’re doing?”
He had always known Troy had a daughter from a small town, but witnessing her openly defy Rachel was shocking.
Troy’s expression darkened like a brewing storm. “Lenore, let go of Rachel right now.” He reached out, intending to pry her fingers away.
But Lenore had reached her limit. Just before Troy could touch her, she released Rachel’s wrist, shoving it aside with cool indifference. Her presence was commanding, her voice sharp. “You never treated me like your daughter. You never cared. So why should I start now?”
“You—”
“Troy.” Lenore cut him off, her patience gone. Her smile held no warmth. “If you want the inheritance, don’t mess with me.”
With that, she turned to leave—only to notice three figures standing nearby. One was breathtakingly beautiful, another exuded a refined elegance, and the third was muscular, clearly a loyal follower. They had been watching for a while.
Wayne couldn’t help himself. He waved casually. “Hey, Lenore!” His tone was playful.
Silas walked forward, his movements graceful, exuding an air of quiet authority. His deep voice was smooth as silk. “Ms. Smedley, what a coincidence.”
He was stunning, his presence almost otherworldly—more captivating than any model or celebrity.
Rachel, still rubbing her wrist, turned to Troy with a frown. “Who are these people?”
Troy had no idea.
Esther, however, felt jealousy creep up her spine. “I heard Lenore used to hang out with questionable people back in that small town,” she murmured, watching the scene unfold.
Then, as if something suddenly clicked, she gasped. “Dad said he had nothing to do with her getting into Greenvine High… Could it be that someone helped her from the outside?”
Her hand flew to her mouth, her face turning pale. She didn’t need to say more—the implication was clear.
Sharon glanced at Esther and frowned. “Maybe they’re just her friends.”
“Come on, she just moved here. How could she already have friends like them?” Troy snapped, his face dark with anger.
If anyone finds out that someone pulled strings for my daughter to get into Greenvine, it won’t just ruin Esther’s future—it’ll destroy our family’s reputation in Jinslenburg, he thought grimly.
Seething, he stormed over to Lenore. “Lenore!” He grabbed her arm, his voice low and furious. “It’s one thing to mess around back in that town, but this is Jinslenburg. You’re going home—and you’re dropping out of Greenvine. Now.”
Before he could pull her away, a firm hand gripped his wrist, stopping him cold.
Troy looked up—and froze.
Silas’s piercing gaze locked onto him, and for a moment, Troy felt like he couldn’t breathe. A chilling pressure settled over him, making his spine stiffen.
Lenore glanced at Silas beside her before turning back to Troy, her expression fierce. Her voice was steady, her words final.
“This is the last time I’ll say this. If you want that inheritance, stay away from me.”
If it weren’t for Yves, she wouldn’t have the patience to deal with the Smedley family at all.
