The Divorced Heiress’s Revenge

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The desolate underground parking lot was thick with tension, an undercurrent of danger lurking in the air.

Above them, a stark white incandescent lamp cast a harsh light, dividing the two brothers into opposing worlds of black and white.

Clarice's heart tightened as she instinctively glanced at her boss, yet Grant remained unruffled. His expression was calm as he gave Justin a faint sidelong glance.

"As long as I want to know something, there are countless ways to find out. I'm not only aware of your agreement with Ms. Thompson. I know even more of her secrets."

His tone carried overt ambition, laced with subtle provocation.

Justin's breath hitched. His fingers curled into fists, knuckles turning white, veins bulging. "Though you were once her lover, my understanding of her far surpasses yours.'

"

With those words, Grant's lips curled into a faint smile as he turned away, signaling Clarice to wheel him toward the waiting car.

"Grant." Justin's voice rang out, low and steady, but each word carried weight. "Do you truly have feelings for Bella, or is she just another piece for you to control-someone whose value lies in how well she serves your ambitions?"

Grant offered no reply, only a fleeting glimmer of mockery in his eyes.

As the two entered the car, Justin could no longer suppress the fury roiling within him. His deep, icy voice reverberated through the parking lot.

"I encountered Hugh on Rose Island. He and Christopher teamed up to obstruct me, targeting the people around me. Last night, on the way to Mount Jaglee, he appeared again to stop me from meeting Bella. And today, you conveniently showed up. Should I suspect that Christopher and Hugh answer to you that you're the one pulling their strings?"

The cold air amplified his accusations, each word cutting like a blade.

Inside the car, Clarice's heart raced wildly, and she dared not so much as glance toward Justin.

"Justin, I must say, your imagination is extraordinary." Grant's soft laughter drifted from the shadows, his pale, refined features obscured by the dim light. "But to accuse me of such things do you have any idea how much that wounds me?"

Justin's brows furrowed.

"If I wanted to harm you and bring you down, when you first came to the Salvador family 20 years ago, I could have done it a hundred ways as the Salvador's legitimate heir. Do you remember how I treated you back then?"

It was a fact that Grant had treated him well. So well, in fact, that it was as though he had descended from the heavens to be his savior, earning admiration and praise throughout the Salvador household.

"You're absolutely right." Clarice suddenly interjected, her voice carrying righteous indignation. Her lips curled into a mocking smile as she pressed on, "If Mr. Grant truly wanted to harm you, would he have risked his life to save you during that kidnapping years ago? Or helped you find medicine in the Meridan to stabilize Chairman Thompson's condition when he had a stroke? If harming you was his goal, why would he go to such lengths? Justin, don't be ungrateful!"

"Enough, Clarice," Grant's voice dropped a chilling octave.

Clarice immediately fell silent, recognizing that she had crossed the line.

As the luxury car engine roared to life and began to move, Justin's icy voice pierced the air

once more.

"Grant, if your pursuit of Bella is sincere, I'll have no objection. But if your methods involve threats, blackmail, and manipulation, then I'm afraid I won't stand idly by and let you succeed. The last man who pursued her with ruthless, unscrupulous means was Christopher. His fate is now known to the entire nation."

At these words, Grant's smile froze, and a flicker of crimson fury danced in his eyes. "Justin, are you wavering? Do you still love her?"

Justin's expression was cold, his tone resolute. "Whether I love her or not, I will not tolerate anyone hurting her. Not even indirectly."

His lips curled into a smile, one devoid of warmth yet strikingly handsome nonetheless." But if it's a battle you're seeking, direct it at me. I won't back down. I'll see it through to the end."

The car window slowly rolled up, sealing off the tension. Moments later, the luxury vehicle sped away.

Just after leaving the parking lot, Grant abruptly raised a slender hand and delivered a sharp slap across Clarice's face.

"Ah!" Clarice cried out as she saw stars in her eyes. Her fair check swelled instantly, and a trace of blood seeped from the corner of her mouth.

She had followed Grant for years, yet this was the first time he struck her so harshly. "I've warned you more than once to keep silent when it's not your place to speak." Grant's voice was frigid, his tone laced with contempt. "It seems your memory is rather poor."