Chapter 13

Later, no one knew how this thing blew up online, but somehow it ended up trending. In a flash, Broderick became public enemy number one, and his company's stocks kept tanking. In her past life, she eventually found out the whole thing wasn't even Broderick's doing. It was this trap set up by Isabella and Samuel. But now she was back for round two, and all those shady people around Broderick? They'd better make themselves scarce-like, the farther the better. "You didn't really do anything to me, but let's be real, I just can't stand you. So beat it!" Leslie's words were like a slap in the face, loud and clear to everyone watching. She was the walking definition of spoiled and headstrong. Isabella was boiling with rage, eyes practically shooting flames. "Leslie, you're vile! Broderick would never go for someone like you!" But right after she finished yelling, Leslie smacked her across the face. Hard. She didn't hold back either-years of resentment from her previous life packed into that slap. Isabella's cheek swelled up instantly. Now both sides of her face matched. Neat. Leslie even rubbed her own hand like it hurt, her voice sugary-sweet, but full of sass. "Much better. Now it's all nice and even, huh?" Then her tone shifted, sharp and cutting. "You called him Broderick? Not even 'Mr. Ackerley'? You two that close or something? Please, I bet he doesn't even know who you are." That one landed right where it hurt. And it was true-Broderick had zero idea who Isabella was. All the hiring of house staff was handled by Alfred and another manager. He never got involved with that stuff. In her last life, Isabella had tried and failed to seduce Broderick. After that, she held a grudge and ended up teaming up with Samuel in that horrific case that shocked everyone. Leslie had remembered all this while having breakfast at the Ackerley house that morning. She'd asked Alfred to gather the staff-not just to clean house, but also to get rid of Isabella in one go. To top it off, Leslie had seen Isabella that morning too-caught her pretending to trip near Broderick as he left, trying to pull some fake damsel-in-distress act. Too bad Broderick didn't even look her way. Girl wasted a whole scene for nothing. People like that? Better send them packing. No point keeping them around for decoration. Isabella's face felt like it was on fire. Her family wasn't exactly rolling in money like the elites, but they were doing fine-a solid middle-class family with some assets. She'd been pampered her whole life, never had to suffer like this. And since Leslie clearly wasn't backing off, she figured, why should she? Isabella let out a shriek and launched herself at Leslie with her arms wide, nails long and sharp, clearly aiming for Leslie's face. But before she could get close, Alfred shouted sternly, and two security guards swooped in, pinning her down in an instant. "You bitch! Just because you're pretty, you think you can do whatever you want? When Broderick finds out who you really are, he'll kick you out too!" Leslie only laughed, unfazed. And when she smiled, it was stunning. "Oh? Well, none of that's your business anymore. She's fired." Just like she'd done before-booting out more than a dozen messy staffers in her last life-the moment she waved her hand again, she looked tired of the drama. "Alright, that's enough for today. Everyone else, carry on. As long as you do your jobs and don't cross the line, you'll be fine. But if you don't-hmph." That last "hmph" came with a smug little pout, dripping with warning.