The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 451

The two of them remained seated in front of the computer, watching the next video in silence.

Dick had just clicked play when Aline’s face suddenly changed. She shot out a trembling hand and slammed the pause button.

She didn’t dare meet Dick’s eyes. Her voice shook as she whispered, “Honey, can we please stop watching?”

After so many years together, they could read each other’s thoughts with just a glance.

Dick’s expression darkened. He pried her hand from the mouse and pressed play again, ignoring her plea.

On screen, the nightclub was awash in neon, pulsing with music. A woman lounged at the center of a crowd of fresh-faced college guys, her dress daring, her smile even more so. The men jostled for her attention, vying to get close.

“Pick me, babe. I’m strong—I’ll show you a good time.”

“Come on, gorgeous, I promise you won’t regret choosing me.”

One of them flashed a dazzling grin. “Look at us—we’re a team. We’ll treat you like a queen, Carlotta.”

The woman laughed, stuffing a wad of cash into the nearest guy’s suit pocket. She patted his chest and shot a suggestive glance at the others, grinning. “No need to rush, boys. I’ll take care of each of you in turn.”

The video dissolved into a mess of sultry laughter and moans.

Dick’s gaze slid from the screen to the woman beside him. His eyes were sharp, cold—a predator sizing up his prey.

Aline’s face was ashen. Desperate, she tried to explain, “Honey, let me—”

Before she could finish, Dick’s hand cracked across her cheek. The sound echoed through the living room.

He stalked forward, gripping a fistful of her hair. “You ungrateful bitch. I give you and our daughter everything, and this is how you repay me? Sneaking around behind my back?”

He yanked her hair harder, showing no mercy.

Aline scrolled through her contacts with shaking hands, found Citrine’s number, and dialed, sick with nerves.

She half-expected the call to go unanswered. To her surprise, Citrine picked up almost instantly.

Dick snatched the phone and put it on speaker, his jaw clenched tight. “What do you want?”

Across town, Citrine lounged on her sofa, playing with her kitten. She heard his voice and smiled lazily, her tone casual, amused. “Why don’t you guess?”

Dick’s patience was shot. “We’ll give you anything you want. Just delete the video.”

Citrine let out a soft, mocking laugh. “I want you to post a public apology online for spreading lies about CICI Group. And Dick, you’re going to admit to sleeping with actresses signed to Glenwood Group’s film division. Aline, you’ll confess to keeping a string of pretty boys on the side. Finally, I want a public statement that your family is donating two and a half billion to the local charity foundation, as penance.”

Her voice was as cool and unhurried as ever.