Echoes of Vengeance: The Sweet Wife's Perfect Revenge-Chapter 211: The Trap Snapped

The Rolls-Royce glided through the stone-paved driveway of Riverdale Villa, its reflection flashing against the glass walls of the luxurious residence.

The moment it stopped, the chauffeur stepped out and opened the rear door.

Alaric Lancaster stepped out with composure. His long charcoal overcoat fluttered in the wind. The afternoon light caught the sharp lines of his face, yet his expression was unreadable. His broad shoulders and steady steps made the onlookers stiffen.

He didn't spare anyone a glance as he walked toward the villa entrance. The staff quickly lowered their heads and stepped aside, whispering under their breath.

"He is Master's half-brother," one whispered, without blocking the path.

Inside the villa, the forced joyous conversation ceased the moment Alaric stepped inside.

His eyes fell on Mrs. Astor, the woman who once slapped Aveline Laurent. She didn't dare to meet his eyes, while her fingers trembled slightly around the teacup.

'Why is he here? Did he find out about what we did?' Her thoughts stumbled.

Alaric's eyes shifted to Lucien Astor, the former President, the man who thought he could use his connection and position to bury any situation after sabotaging Aveline's workplace.

Lucien shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his throat tightening with a thought, 'He knows. He must know.'

Alaric didn't spare his mother a glance. She wasn't involved, and he was sure of it. And Seraphina?

She didn't deserve a glance, but hell awaited her.

Nevertheless, Seraphina Astor froze on the sofa, the color draining from her face. Her heart pounded in her chest.

'He wouldn't come here without a reason. Is he here to confront me?'

Even the maids hesitated to move while serving. The air felt heavy, suffocating in the living hall.

Isabella Lancaster was sitting at the far end of the room. She was surprised for a brief second at her son's sudden arrival, but her eyes dimmed soon after. Because she received no call from her secretary, no message from her office, it could only mean one thing.

The Astors were involved in the disaster.

Alaric walked in without a word, his calm presence more terrifying than anger. His eyes swept over the hall once before he reached for the remote on the glass table.

The static sound from the television echoed in the silence when it turned on. He sat down slowly in the armchair, crossing one leg over the other as the television flickered to life.

He changed the channel to the news. The reporter's voice rang clear across the hall.

[According to verified footage and official reports, Ms. Aveline Laurent and the Grace & Bloom team had followed every safety measure by the book. The venue was thoroughly inspected and approved before the event…]

On-screen, half of the frame showed the event preparations. Grace & Bloom staff were checking the walls, inspecting the safety locks, and double-checking all fixtures.

The other half showed the latest scene of Aveline's departure. Her car shielded between a Maybach and a Rolls-Royce, followed by security cars, creating a dignified exit.

Mrs. Astor's breath hitched. Lucien's eyes widened at the screen in disbelief. Seraphina's lips parted, but no sound came out.

They couldn't grasp it. 'Aveline wasn't detained? How did this turn around?'

In their minds, they went through every conversation they had with the police chief, the captain, and the officers. They had paid enough. The officers said they had erased evidence. Everything was supposed to bury Aveline Laurent.

So how did she walk out with her head held high?

And Alaric?

He should be running around, begging every politically powerful person to help him release Aveline Laurent.

Then what was he doing there?

The silence thickened. Only the soft hum of the news broadcast filled the room. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Isabella's gaze stayed on her son. His calm was unsettling. The faint glint in his eyes was alarming. She knew that look.

Alaric's visit wasn't a coincidence. And he doesn't visit to warn.

Isabella glanced at the Astors. The Astors had crossed the line once again. Riverdale Villa was about to face the storm.

And this time, Aveline wasn't there to stop Alaric.

Isabella's fingers tightened around the armrest. Seraphina was definitely involved. A part of her wanted Seraphina punished. But another part, one that still believed her to be family, hesitated.

She watched her son, his cold gaze sweeping across the Astors one by one.

Could she save Seraphina from what was coming?

She wasn't sure anymore.

....

At the General Aviation terminal,

The evening air carried the chill of winter, but Theodore Marston was drenched in sweat.

He stormed through the glass doors, growling at the staff who were at the counter. "Make it quick! I have clearance! Get the verification done, now!"

The staff were flabbergasted. They fumbled to check his ID and boarding clearance, their hands shaking under his impatience.

The security officers exchanged uneasy glances, but didn't slow him down. Because not just anybody could afford a private jet.

Theodore slammed his hand against the counter when they were double-checking the clearance, "Do I need to do your job for you? Move faster!"

Within minutes, the process was cleared. He snatched his passport and shoved it into his briefcase, waving at his chauffeur. "Start the car!" he ordered sharply.

The moment he got inside, he loosened his tie, clutching his phone to his ear.

"Is the pilot ready?" He barked.

[Yes, sir, but the service staff is on the way.]

"I don't care about the flight attendants. Just start the damn engine!" His voice was rough. "I'm not waiting another second."

The car sped through the quiet lanes of the terminal. Theodore's leg bounced restlessly as he checked his watch again and again, muttering curses under his breath. "Faster," he snapped.

The chauffeur pressed harder on the accelerator. Within minutes, the private hangars came into view with rows of silver jets.

Theodore exhaled a shaky breath of relief. "Finally," he muttered, shoving his phone into his pocket.

The car halted, but before the chauffeur could step out, Theodore had already pushed the door open. He strode forward, his steps long and hurried, gripping his briefcase tightly. His heart was pounding so loud he could barely hear his own breath.

He was shoving some papers into his blazer when suddenly, something… Someone caught his attention.

Theodore froze mid-step. His fingers stiffened around the leather strap of his bag. Slowly, he lifted his head.

She was sitting calmly on the hood of a Bugatti, her posture relaxed and her wide-rimmed hat resting on the hood beside her.

And Theodore's throat went dry.

....

Meanwhile, at Cullen's villa,

Giselle watched CEO Cullen's pale face before she even gave him a choice. She wondered how involved he was in the plan. Nevertheless, she gave him the options. "One, reveal Theodore Marston's involvement with the event to the police and media. Do that, and we'll let you go."

Cullen furrowed his brow without understanding how Theodore was important in the situation. Theodore gave him money; how does that matter?

Then his eyes widened when the realization dawned on him.

Theodore recommended Aveline Laurent, invested his money, and then... destroyed the event?

Giselle continued, her tone calm and final, breaking him out of his thoughts. "Two, protect him, and I'll reserve the cell next to his for you."

Cullen's lips trembled, words stuck in his throat. He knew it, he had no choice in her options. But he couldn't bring himself to believe Theodore was using him all along. He felt like a fool for believing he was taking advantage of Theodore.

Giselle didn't blink. Her voice softened, but her eyes didn't. "Choose wisely, CEO Cullen. You're running out of time." She rose to her heels and made her way out.

In that silent hall, he realized the Laurents weren't the ones cornered anymore.

The prey had become the predator.