Share

The scandal

Author: Aera
last update Last Updated: 2025-02-14 19:01:16

‘You should be an actress.’

The text message read.

The corner of Elena’s mouth twitched as she glanced at the message.

She did not reply and shoved the phone into her bag.

“Thanks for today. I owe you a big one.” She finally turned to meet Julia’s gaze, who had climbed in beside her.

Julia waved a dismissive hand.

“No need for the formalities. Just stop treating yourself like a stunt double next time.” She gestured toward the bandage.

Elena chuckled softly but did not answer.

The road stretched out before her, but Elena remained unmoving.

The battle was far from over, but the first strike had landed, and it had landed hard.

———

The phone on the counter buzzed, cutting through the eerie silence.

But no one reached for it.

The screen on the phone lit up again, each notification a reminder of the nightmare that had taken place in their lives.

‘Elliot family heir Andrew Elliot accused of abuse and infidelity.’

‘Rich second-generation heir involved in prostitution.’

The headline flashed ac
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter

Related chapters

  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   Consequences

    Elena’s breath hitched, and her heart pounded in her chest.She had barely made it outside, and trouble had already found her.Her gaze flickered around, hoping to see an escape, but the entire street was lined with guards.Every instinct screamed for Elena to turn around and run.But she couldn’t.Lucas wasn’t in town.She was alone.Hence, she couldn’t be rash.Swallowing hard, Elena exhaled, steeling herself for what was to come.She nodded to the guard, and the car door opened.Elena didn’t look at the driver.She didn’t need to.She knew where they were going.And the thought made her stomach twist.It wasn’t until the car slowed that she looked out the window and saw the familiar silhouette of the building that had once been her life.As she walked, the servants whispered among themselves, as if she were a traitor.Elena stepped into the study and sensed the tension in the air.Her eyes flicked from one figure to the next in one uneasy glance.Behind the large mahogany desk, Ric

    Last Updated : 2025-02-14
  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   Just say the word

    The sudden intensity in his words took Thomas aback.“… Well, after all, it’s a misunderstanding. If she drops the lawsuit, everything will calm down. We’ll be able to move forward.”Lucas’ expression hardened as he slowly recounted.“If I remember correctly, it was Andrew who had an affair and was charged with domestic abuse. He was also caught running an illegal business. I don’t understand—why do you want Elena to apologize?”“That’s not true. The police conducted a thorough investigation. Andrew does not have a share in that business. He only went there in a moment of… folly. As for the domestic charges, it’s just a tiff between the couple.” Thomas explained.“A tiff? Really? Domestic abuse is just a ‘tiff’ in your eyes, Grandpa?” Lucas’ voice was laced with scorn as he looked at him in disbelief.“You’re just trying to put all the blame on someone else, aren’t you? Clear Andrew’s name, make Elena the scapegoat—whatever it takes to protect your precious family name.”He shook his

    Last Updated : 2025-02-14
  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   Don't be a busybody

    The room froze.“What did you just say?” Andrew’s head snapped toward her. “How dare you—”Lucas’s lips curved into a faint smile as he nodded. “Sure,”In one smooth, deliberate motion, he pulled Elena to his side.He didn’t even glance at Andrew as he addressed Thomas.“Grandfather,” Lucas said in a calm but unwavering tone, “You won’t mind if I take her away, right?”Thomas exhaled heavily, leaning back in his chair as if the weight of the family’s chaos had finally worn him down.He had always believed in control, in maintaining order and appearances.But now, faced with the undeniable determination in Lucas’s eyes, he relented.With a tired wave of his hand, he muttered, “Do as you see fit.”As Lucas and Elena disappeared through the doorway, Andrew’s face contorted in fury.“You think you can just take her?” he snarled, as he started toward the door.But before he could go any further, Samantha grabbed his arm and held him back.“Don’t,” she whispered, her voice filled with a quie

    Last Updated : 2025-02-14
  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   The shares

    “I’m already past my retirement age and want to live the rest of my life in peace. Hence, as a token of my love for the future generations of the Elliot family, I have decided to gift 10% of the company’s shares to the first great-grandchild born into our family.”The promise of ten percent stunned everyone in the room.As Thomas laid out the offer, Samantha’s lips parted in shock, while Andrew became excited.Even Richard looked intrigued.Only Lucas’ handsome face darkened as he pieced together the situation.So that was it.All this time, he’d thought she was standing up for herself, for some shred of dignity. But it was only about the money.Andrew’s attitude immediately took a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree turn.He leaned over, his voice oozing with sweetness as he held Elena’s hand. “I know we’ve had some misunderstandings lately, but I promise I’ll do better, Elena. Let’s make this work.”Elena glanced at him.There was no warmth in her response as she nodded lightly.Samantha

    Last Updated : 2025-02-14
  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   Lucas' desperation

    Elena rushed into her room.She slammed the door shut with force and pressed her back against it.Her breath came ragged as she slid to the floor, pulling her knees to her chest.Burying her face in them, her shoulders trembled as the tears flew freely.She hated this.Hated how their words cut her, how her silence felt like surrender.But more than that, she hated herself for letting them see her crack.The sobs came harder, each one tearing from her throat.The room was silent, but inside her head, it was chaos, with no relief in sight.———The crackle of the bonfire sent sparks spiraling into the cool evening air.Laughter and the hum of casual conversation filled the atmosphere, but Elena felt anything but at ease.The heat of the fire was no match for the cold knot twisting in her stomach.She had tried to convince Andrew to skip the event, but he had insisted on coming.And now they were here, seated awkwardly among strangers.Elena’s eyes scanned the area nervously, hoping that

    Last Updated : 2025-02-14
  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   A night of passion

    Elena’s tears flowed, wracking her entire body.This was not the first time he had promised to give her the Elliot Corporation.And Elena knew that Lucas’ words were not just empty promises.Seeing him like this, she wanted to tell him the truth.But thinking about the phone call, her resolve wavered.The torment in her eyes made Lucas falter, his anger dissolving into something gentler.Without thinking, he reached out, his thumb brushing away her tears.The simple gesture was irresistible, almost tender.“Don’t cry,” he murmured.Before Elena could respond, his lips found hers again.This time, the kiss was slower, deeper, and tinged with more than just anger or desire.It was as though he was trying to pour every unsaid feeling into that moment.Elena didn’t resist.She couldn’t.Her own emotions were a tangled mess, and she let herself get swept away.Her hands clung to him like he was the only thing keeping her grounded.They stumbled, their bodies entwined, as Lucas guided her t

    Last Updated : 2025-02-14
  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   Who's the father?

    “It’s positive,”Andrew ran over and held Elena’s hands. “Are you really pregnant? I can’t believe it. We’re going to have a baby!” he exclaimed.Thomas also beamed with happiness. “A great-grandchild. What a blessing!”Lucas sat deathly still, his face expressionless.His knuckles, however, had turned white as he gripped the wine glass.Behind his composed facade, a storm was brewing.He glanced at Elena, his gaze dark and brooding, before looking away sharply.Andrew and Samantha continued to share in the excitement, while Thomas and Richard listened to the animated conversations around them.Meanwhile, Elena’s heart skipped a beat as she looked at the devil before her.She had excused herself under the pretext of not feeling well, but she did not expect to face Lucas the moment she was alone.He took a step closer and held her arm tightly.His red-rimmed eyes bore into hers, sending a chill down her spine.“Tell me the truth, Elena. Whose baby is it?” he demanded, his jaw tightenin

    Last Updated : 2025-02-14
  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   Pregnant

    “I’m pregnant,”Her words hit Andrew like a thunderclap.His mind struggled to grasp her confession.Pregnant?That had to be some sick joke!The commotion was loud, and the rest of the family appeared just in time to hear Chloe’s confession.“Well, a leopard never changes its spots, does it?” Elena scoffed, her voice dripping with mockery.Thomas stepped forward and pinned Andrew with a glare. “What is going on here?”Before Andrew could respond, Chloe took a step forward.“It’s my fault,” she looked at Thomas with wide, watery eyes. “We didn’t—didn’t take precautions, and… and now I’m pregnant.” She bowed her head, her hands clutching her dress nervously.Thomas’s expression darkened, his fury barely restrained. “Don’t insult my intelligence, girl. You think I don’t see through your little ploy? You can fool Andrew with your act, but not me. Whatever scheme you’ve cooked up, it won’t work here.”Andrew’s face burned with embarrassment at his words.“That’s not true.” Chloe shook her

    Last Updated : 2025-02-14

Latest chapter

  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   A reminder of the past

    Helen Evans was a big fan of pastries, especially the ones from La Petite Délice.Their delicate mille-feuille, buttery croissants, and signature fruit tarts were her absolute favorites.Whenever she had time, she would stop by to enjoy a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea and her beloved pastries.And today was no different.It was at La Petite Délice where she would meet Elena today.Elena stepped into the bakery.The warm scent of butter and vanilla lingered in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee.Though the place was luxurious, it wasn’t ostentatious.Every detail, from the gold lighting to the delicate porcelain teacups, spoke of understated elegance.An assistant led her through the café until they reached the backyard.The sight that greeted Elena was nothing short of breathtaking.A serene lake stretched beyond the terrace, its surface shimmering under the afternoon light.A gentle breeze rustled the trees, carrying the scent of blooming jasmine.Hel

  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   Babysitting

    Lucas inhaled sharply as his phone buzzed for what felt like the hundredth time that week.Elena: “Did you eat?”“How’s your injury?”“Are you resting properly?”He stared at the message, debating whether to block her.Initially, he was enjoying the attention she gave him.But now, it was getting out of hand.If she wasn’t texting, she was calling.If she wasn’t calling, she would send voice messages.She was relentless.With an irritated sigh, he tossed his phone onto the coffee table and leaned back against his couch.He had already blocked her, but he still felt uncomfortable.Ding Dong!The doorbell rang.Grumbling under his breath, he walked to the door.The moment he swung it open, his irritation morphed into disbelief.“Why are you here?” His voice was laced with impatience.Elena crossed her arms and gave him a pointed look. “Hello, to you too. Since you refuse to give proper updates, I had no choice but to come here myself.”Lucas pinched the space between his brows. “I alrea

  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   Escaped

    Elena’s eyes widened when a dark figure shot out from behind, shielding her from the attack.“Lucas!”The dagger, which was aimed at Elena’s chest, sank deeply into Lucas’s shoulder.The sound of the steel slicing through flesh echoed in the night air.But Lucas barely flinched.His grip on Elena remained firm, protective.Chloe’s eyes widened in disbelief.“You—” She raised her arm to attack again, but Lucas’s hand shot up like lightning, clamping around her wrist.His gaze was chilling.Cold. Murderous.“It seems you don’t remember your lesson,” he said, his voice dangerously low.Chloe trembled and her eyes flickered with alarm.Lucas twisted her wrist mercilessly, forcing her to drop the dagger.Then, without warning, a powerful kick landed in Chloe’s midsection.The force was so brutal that Chloe was sent sprawling backward.Her body twisted through the air before crashing onto the pavement with a harsh thud.Elena snapped out of her shock and held onto Lucas’ arm. “You’re hurt!”

  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   Escaped

    Seated gracefully on the velvet sofa, Helen Evans, Lucas’s maternal grandmother, placed her porcelain teacup down with a soft clink.She was dressed in an exquisite silk ensemble, and her silver hair was styled in a neat updo.Despite her age, her piercing hazel eyes still held the same sharpness as before.A soft chuckle rippled throughout the room.Her words immediately embarrassed Lucas.Seated beside Helen was Jane Evans, Louis’s mother.With a gentle voice, she asked. “Lucas, would you like something to drink?”Before Lucas could respond, Louis said, “Mom, just prepare a hangover tea for him.”Everyone in the Evans family knew about the court trial.Whatever happened must’ve undoubtedly affected Lucas a lot, which was why they asked Louis to drag him home.Growing up, Lucas had always liked to be on his own.However, they wanted him to accept that he wasn’t alone.His family was still here.At that moment, Harold Evans, Lucas’s maternal grandfather, entered the living room from t

  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   She cares

    “She came?” Knox muttered in disbelief.Mason pushed up his glasses, hiding the flicker of surprise in his eyes. “Well, it seems she does care, after all.”Knox’s mouth twitched before he shot Mason a meaningful look.He tapped his earpiece and instructed, “Let her in.”Moments later, the grand iron gates of the manor creaked open, and a black Bentley drove inside.Elena walked up the pathway leading to the entrance.As soon as she entered, she spotted Knox and Mason coming out to greet her.Knox parted his lips to speak, but before he could say anything, Mason grabbed his arm and pulled him back.“He’s on the first floor. Third door down the hall.”Then, without wasting another second, he dragged Knox and disappeared into the night.Nodding, Elena turned on her heel and climbed the stairs.The moment Elena stepped onto the first floor, her gaze was instantly drawn to the enormous winery before her.She was in awe of the grandeur.The towering shelves were each stocked with the finest

  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   Retribution

    The entire courtroom erupted into chaos.The judge banged his gavel and silenced the room.After the chaos subsided, the judge delivered the final verdict.“The court, after reviewing all evidence and witness testimonies, finds the accused—Thomas Elliot, Richard Elliot, Samantha Elliot, and Andrew Elliot- guilty of multiple charges.”“For their crimes, Richard Elliot, given his direct involvement in multiple heinous offenses, is sentenced to a lifetime in prison without parole. Having played an active role in coercion and abuse, Samantha is sentenced to thirty-five years. Finally, Andrew Elliot, who is convicted of multiple violent offenses, is sentenced to fifty years with no chance of early release. However, since Andrew Elliot is now disabled, he is to be moved into the special cell.”After the verdict was announced, Samantha collapsed to the ground, wailing uncontrollably.Richard was motionless as the cops handcuffed him and took him away.The judge banged the gavel one last time

  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   Always been him

    For the first time, fear appeared in Richard’s eyes.The Elliots had relied heavily on their connection to the Evans, and if that bridge burned, they would be reduced to ashes.That night, Richard didn’t touch Isabella.But Lucas knew this peace wouldn’t last.Isabella’s suffering came to a halt, but by then, the damage had already been done.For years, she had lived under the illusion that Richard loved her.That beneath his cruelty, there was still a heart that once beat for her.She had clung to that deception with desperate hands, even as he shattered it repeatedly.When he cheated, she swallowed her pride and stayed.When he humiliated her, she wiped her tears and smiled.When he raised his hand at her, she convinced herself it was just a moment of anger, that he would change.But he never did.And Isabella didn’t know if she could leave.Her heart was wrapped in fear.Fear of an uncertain future, of being alone, of losing the man she had loved for so long.She kept telling herse

  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   The end of the Elliots

    The atmosphere shifted in an instant.The crowd’s murmurs were replaced by the sound of a chair scraping against the floor.All eyes were now on the person whose presence was quiet but powerful.And who else could it be other than Lucas Evans?The Elliot family’s blood ran cold.Whether it was Thomas, Richard, or Samantha, everyone sat frozen in place, their eyes widening in sheer horror as they watched Lucas rise from his seat.No one expected him to be the final blow.The judge nodded toward Lucas. “Please state your name.”Lucas took his seat in the confession box, his sharp gaze sweeping over the Elliots before returning to the judge.“Lucas Evans.”The moment his voice echoed through the courtroom, whispers erupted.“The Lucas Evans? The one who severed ties with the Elliots?”“He was Isabella’s only son, wasn’t he?”The judge banged his gavel before turning back to Lucas. “You have been called as a prime witness. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but t

  • Return of the Heiress: I married my ex-husband's brother   The Beginning of the End

    “For now, I only want to focus on building my career.”Only when she was strong enough could she stand confidently in front of the world.Hearing her words, Dylan nodded in approval. “That’s my girl.”Yvette reached for Elena’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “As long as you know what you want, we’ll always support you.”Elena smiled, feeling the warmth spread through her chest.However, the moment she turned away from them, a wave of inexplicable sadness washed over her.She didn’t understand why.Her words had been true.She genuinely wanted to focus on herself and her career.Then why did it feel like she was trying to convince herself rather than just her parents?———Lucas’ ultimate attack on the Elliots began.After years of committing crimes and misdeeds, the pots of their sins were full.And there was no escape this time.The court summoned the entire Elliot family.Just as they processed this catastrophe, another devastating blow struck them.Late at night, the sound of scr

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status