The Billionaire Heiress Strikes Back (Veronica and Carter) novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Veronica’s POV

The door burst open, and I instinctively froze. Relief swept through me when I saw Orthon step inside. At least it was him and not someone else.

“I believe you’re not deal. You heard the lady. Let go of her,” Orthon said coldly as he strode over to us. Without hesitation, he pried Carter’s hand. off me and pulled me to his side. I exhaled deeply, grateful for his presence but at the same time, I suddenly became aware of our closeness.

The faint smell of Lavender was teasing me again. At a very bad time too. Having him stand so protectively in front of me made me feel things I shouldn’t have. And most importantly, I felt safe.

“So, it’s him, huh?” Carter sneered, his voice dripping with bitterness. The words caught me off–guard and I unconsciously stepped away from

Orthon. Just a little.

“He’s the reason you’re so desperate to leave me? The reason you faked your death was to run off with him, wasn’t it?”

The accusation was absurd, especially coming from the man who cheated on me and fathered another woman’s child. Yet here he was, twisting the truth. I was gobsmacked.

As much as I would have loved to let him think whatever he wanted, I was aware that Grandfather was listening, and he was totally clueless. I didn’t want him thinking lowly of me.

“You know that is not true, Carter,” I replied coldly. “Someone died in that fire! Do you really think I would just forget it was meant to take my life and let that innocent woman die for nothing?”

THE

I paused to catch my breath, then continued lying through my teeth. “I’m just trying to stay in the shadows to find their killer since you are insistent that it wasn’t you. Do you really think you’re worth going through all that trouble for? I’m trying to stay alive, nothing more!”

There was silence for a minute and I prayed the lie was convincing enough I just wanted to spare us the back–and–forth explanations about the body on TV, and why we lied to the media, and why we couldn’t take

it down now I was alive.

If Carter wasn’t the one who tried to kill me then it was better to just leave the news that way.

His face shifted, a flicker of doubt crossing his expression. He turned to Orthon. “Is this true? Is this really why she’s hiding?”

I shot Orthon a quick look, silently urging him to play along. Though it was clear he didn’t like it, he nodded. “Yes, it’s true. Someone died in that fire saving her. That same fire you started. And yet, here you are, spouting this nonsense.

Carter’s face twisted with denial. “I didn’t start the fire! I don’t know

anything about what happened to Veronica. Stop blaming me!”

Orthon’s anger flared, but I placed a hand on his arm, silently pleading for him to let it go. “If you really had nothing to do with it,” I said, stepping forward, “then prove it.”

Carter blinked, his confusion as glaring as day. “How?”

I ignored Orton’s silent protests and laid down my terms. “Don’t reveal my location. Don’t tell anyone you saw me. Keep pretending I’m dead. If you can’t do that and more attempts are made on my life, then it will be clear that you’re guilty and I swear you won’t get away with it.”

Carter stared at me, his jaw tightening. Finally, he nodded. “Fine. I’ll do

1. it. I’ll prove I’m innocent.”

Satisfied. I tugged Orthon’s arm. “Let’s go.”

But Carter wasn’t finished. He stepped in front of us, blocking our path. “I’ll keep your secret, but you can’t leave. Not again. I won’t let you walk away from me this time.

I roiled my eyes at his theatrics. Was he dumb or something? If I went home with him, there was no point in pretending.

“There’s no time for this, Carter. Your family is probably on their way to see Grandpa right now. If they find me here, everything will be useless.”

I immediately recognized that stubborn look in his eyes. “You’re not. leaving. I already told you I’m sorry. Why can’t you give me another. chance to make things right?”

Orthon’s fists clenched, and I could see the barely contained rage in his posture. His patience was fast wearing thin. Honestly, I wanted to punch Carter myself, but there wasn’t time for a confrontation.

I nudged Orthon, signalling him to intervene. “I saw them coming on my way here.” Orthon said coolly. “They’ll be here in minutes. Do you really want them to find her?”

Carter’s shoulders sagged in defeat. He muttered under his breath, “She did say she’d be here soon…”

Seizing the moment, we slipped past him. By the time he realized what was happening, we were already out the door.

He was definitely going to answer a lot to his grandfather and I was grateful I wouldn’t be there to witness it.

Once we were safely in the car, Orthon slammed the door shut and turned to me, his blue eyes burning with anger. “What were you thinking,

Veronica? Do you realize how reckless that was?”

blinked, taken aback by his anger. It was the first time I’d seen him like this. But to be fair, it was my fault.