Return Of The Real Heiress: Secrets And Masks novel Chapter 7

From behind the shrubbery, four bulky figures emerged, one brandishing a switchblade with a smirk that made Cherise's stomach turn. As they got closer, they were taken aback by her striking looks.

"Damn, we figured you were hot from your silhouette, but up close, you're a total stunner," one of the men remarked, clearly impressed.

A shorter, stockier man chimed in as he walked closer, "What a waste to just kill a pretty face like yours. How about you keep us company, and if you're good, maybe we'll let you walk away."

As he made a grab for her, Cherise was quick as a whip, seizing his wrist and the knife in one fluid motion. With a sharp jab, she buried the blade in his thigh, eliciting a howl of pain.

The others paused, caught off guard by her ferocity. But their numbers and the prospect of a big payday pushed them forward.

Without hesitation, they lunged at Cherise, but she moved with blinding speed. In a flash, one assailant was thrown back, and the other two were knocked out with precise hits. Soon, all four attackers were on the ground, struggling to breathe.

They expected a simple country girl, but what they got was a formidable opponent.

"Who sent you?" Cherise barked, nudging one of the men with her foot.

"N-nobody," he spluttered, his face a mask of terror.

"Looks like you haven't learned your lesson," Cherise retorted, raising her foot as if to strike again.

"I'll confess! It was Shirley Leach from the Leach family who hired us to take you out. She paid us 300 grand. We're just doing this for the cash. Please, have mercy. I've got people relying on me," he begged, dropping to his knees.

"Shirley, the adopted one? How intriguing," Cherise remarked with a chilling smile.

Just then, the phone on the conference table rang, displaying a call from Morris's grandmother's place.

"Hello, Mr. Chivers," a respectful voice greeted on the other end.

"Ruth, what's the matter?" Morris inquired softly.

"Mrs. Chivers fainted last night. Dr. Jones believes it's the same condition as before," Ruth, who was in charge of Phoebe's care, reported.

"Understood. I'll be there soon. Please ensure my grandmother is well taken care of," Morris requested.

After hanging up, Morris lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. "Set up my return to Betrico for tomorrow," he instructed, the smoke billowing as he spoke.