Chapter 28 Revolutionary
ANNA'S POV
It’s been some days since the burial, and honestly, Isabel barely being around the house had been nothing short of a blessing. Her absence felt like fresh air through open windows — quiet, breathable, and peaceful. No side glances, no snarky comments, no petty drama hanging around the place like a cloud. Just peace. I didn’t expect it to last, but I’d take whatever days I could get before she resurfaced with her usual fire.
Quinn’s Enterprise was having a ceremony at the headquarters today. Dad didn’t just invite me, he insisted I be there. And there was absolutely no excuse I could give that he would accept. The moment I tried to open my mouth to say something, he shut me down with a look. Not even sickness or sudden errands would save me from this. Honestly, I didn’t mind going, but the idea of having to pretend everything was perfect in the family, especially with Isabel bound to show up eventually, made me want to crawl back into bed and lock the door. But this wasn’t about Isabel. This was business.
Still, I was relieved to see that Dad was back to being the man I knew. Uncle Larry’s death had thrown him off for a while, shaken him in a way I rarely saw. He was quiet. Withdrawn. Complicated. It reminded me that even the strongest people had their breaking points. But now, even if it wasn’t fully healed, he was moving forward again — organized, structured, and authoritative. And that meant today’s ceremony would be handled with precision, down to every last detail.
As soon as it wrapped up, my day was far from over. I planned to check out the buildings I intended to purchase for both my businesses. I wasn’t going to delay it any longer. I’d let too many things slip through my hands because of emotions and distractions, and one of those distractions was my step-sister’s never-ending dislike of me. I couldn’t let her be the reason I delayed my own success. I was no longer the girl waiting for approval or acceptance. I was rebuilding my life, one piece at a time, and that took priority over anything Isabel felt.
Time wasn’t going to pause for me to feel ready. Time was moving now, with or without my consent, so I had to match its pace. Today was about progress. Today, I was planting seeds that would bloom into something unstoppable. And after that — after I secured what was mine, I was going after James and Melissa.
I straightened my dress and let out a slow breath. I didn’t need a gun, I didn’t need fists, and I didn’t need revenge that could land me in jail. No. What I needed was precision. I’d done enough thinking to know exactly what would hurt them the most and that was their money. The perfect destruction was never loud. It happened quietly. Slowly. Suddenly. One day they’d wake up and realize everything they had was gone. That’s how I planned to strike.
First, their finances. With everything happening at James’s company lately, customers complaining about his “revolutionary” drug formula turning out to be a temporary band-aid — his empire was already teetering. He just didn’t know how close to collapse he really was. Tomorrow, I’d buy shares in his company. Not just a few. Not ten. Not a handful. I was talking about a large purchase that would put me on the board with major investors. I’d do it quietly, too. A shadow investor. He wouldn’t even see me coming. And I’d be sitting right there, in the meetings, when the truth surfaced.
Because it wasn’t just about taking power. It was about showing everyone who really deserved it. I’d expose him. I’d show them all that the drug formula he claimed to have developed was actually my work. I’d tell the world that he used my heart to manipulate me, stole what little money I had left back then, and used it to build himself a medical empire built on lies. And they would believe me because now, I had proof. And money. And a voice that carried farther than his.
A small laugh escaped my lips. I reached for my earrings and fastened them, glancing at myself in the mirror. Laughter, not because of the humor but because of the irony. Melissa still hadn’t built a single thing for herself after all these years. Five years later, she was still just his wife — a title, nothing more. Living off the money, keeping up appearances, clinging to a man’s position. I wondered if she ever looked in the mirror and thought, “What do I have that’s truly mine?”
I used to think of her as a sister. A real friend. I ignored all the warning signs because I saw her heart before her intentions. I saw the fragility in her that could be mended with friendship. Instead, I was blind and naïve. I should’ve paid attention when she shifted boyfriend after boyfriend, always chasing money instead of love. I should have walked away.
But now, I wasn’t blind. And honestly? Her downfall would be as satisfying as James’s. Because she chose the wrong side when it mattered. She snatched the wrong man. And now, she would pay the price. My revenge wouldn’t be rushed. It would be a slow burn she wouldn’t even see until it was too late.
I sighed and stopped. I didn’t want to think too much right now. I could feel the prickle of sweat at the back of my neck, and I quickly fanned my face. No point ruining my makeup before even leaving the house.
Five years ago, I didn’t know what I was going to do next. I’d given James the last 25 thousand dollars I had. And he pushed me aside as if I meant nothing. I had nothing to my name, no protection, no power. Nothing but a burning desire to survive.
But today? Today, the dress I was wearing is worth over sixty thousand dollars. I caught myself smiling at the thought. This was only the beginning. This was my comeback.
I slipped my phone into my bag and smoothed the front of my gown. No more hesitation. I stepped out of my room and started toward the stairs. My heels tapped softly against the floor. The moment Mom saw me, her eyes widened.
She gasped softly, one hand flying up to her mouth. She stepped closer and gently cupped my cheeks.
“You look absolutely gorgeous tonight, darling,” she said, her voice smooth and sincere, her eyes shining. I smiled softly.
“Thank you, Mom,” I replied.
“Alright, let’s go. We’re the owners, we have to arrive there first,” Dad called from outside, his voice loud enough to echo through the hallway.
We didn’t waste a second. One by one, we followed, slipping into the waiting vehicles. Just as we left the driveway, Isabel called Mom, informing her she’d arrive late.
For someone who claimed the company was “her right,” showing up late to a major ceremony wasn’t really a smart idea.