Chapter 28

Kind Intentions?

53%

Rachel’s Pov

The car halted before the Russo estate. Sebastian’s hand tightened around mine. A faint smile touched my lips.

“Ready?” he murmured.

I nodded, clutching the envelope. “Let the chaos begin.”

We stepped out into the tense atmosphere. William charged toward us before we even crossed the threshold.

His face flushed crimson with rage. “What is the meaning of this? Haven’t you caused enough damage? My company is plastered across every news outlet because of you!”

Sebastian slid his hands into his pockets, completely unruffled.

“If you’re innocent in my mother’s death, the police investigation shouldn’t concern you.”

His voice remained calm, almost playful, but his gaze turned razor-sharp.

William’s jaw clenched. “You have no evidence.”

“Not yet,” Sebastian corrected. “But we will.”

William stepped forward, fists tightening as if ready to strike.

Eleanor glided into the room before he could speak. Her expression radiated serenity.

“William, darling,” she cooed, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “Let’s not mistreat our guests. Sebastian is your son, and this is your daughter-in-law.”

Guests? Son? Daughter-in-law?

What game was this?

I studied her carefully. Eleanor never behaved this... graciously. Something felt wrong.

Sebastian looked equally skeptical. “Since when do you welcome us so warmly?”

Eleanor gave a light laugh. “Now, Sebastian. Let’s be civil. Rachel, dear, why don’t you both come inside?”

Sebastian and I exchanged wary glances. We didn’t trust her, but we followed her inside.

The butler offered drinks. I took a cautious sip, never taking my eyes off Eleanor. She was plotting something.

“Rachel,” Eleanor said suddenly, turning to me with an enigmatic smile. “Would you mind giving Sebastian and me a moment alone?”

Sebastian immediately frowned. “Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of Rachel.”

Eleanor waved dismissively. “It’s just a small chat. Nothing important.”

Before we could refuse again, Sophia appeared with a playful smirk. “I’ll keep Rachel company,” she chirped. “We’ll take a stroll. Catch up on old times.”

I stiffened. “No, thank you.”

Sophia laughed and linked her arm through mine before I could protest. “Oh, don’t be so distant.”

I shot one last look at Sebastian. His expression mirrored my unease, but we both knew we had to play along.

Sophia led me through the mansion into the gardens. I immediately pulled my arm away.

“Alright, Sophia,” I said, crossing my arms. “What do you want?”

She tilted her head. “Why do you always assume I want something?”

I scoffed. “Because you always do.”

Sophia sighed dramatically. “If I’m cruel, you complain. If I’m kind, you still complain. Make up your mind, Rachel.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Drop the act. What are you playing at?”

Sophia’s lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. “You’ll discover soon enough.”

I rolled my eyes and retrieved a gold-plated wedding invitation from my purse. Her smile vanished as I extended it toward her.

“I actually came here for something important,” I said sweetly. “I wanted to personally invite you to my grand wedding. Sebastian and I are remarrying.”

Sophia’s fingers tightened around the invitation, her knuckles turning white. “How delightful,” she said through clenched teeth.

I smirked. “When are you and Alexander finally marrying? After the baby arrives?” I tilted my head, feigning innocence. “That is, if you’re even pregnant.”

Sophia’s entire body went rigid. Her eyes flashed with something dark and dangerous.

“Stop speaking about things you know nothing about,” she snapped.

I stepped closer, lowering my voice to a whisper. “Struck a nerve, did I?”

Sophia opened her mouth to respond, but suddenly the world tilted around me.

I blinked rapidly, trying to steady myself. My vision blurred. My head felt heavy, my body weak.

I swayed on my feet.

Sophia’s voice sounded distant. “Rachel? Are you alright?”

I tried to answer, but the dizziness overwhelmed me.

Everything spun.

And then—