The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows novel Chapter 222

Chapter 222 I Am Your Wife

The Barretts sprawled across Lila’s sofa, their stomachs heary with indulgence, their arrogance rekindled like embers fanned back to life.

Especially Ruby, Mack, and Isabella, each wearing the same sneer, their gazes fixed on Lila with a blend of disdain and entitlement.

Ruby’s mind was already working like a dockwork mechanism. Her eyes swept over the apartment’s open layout, a plan forming in her head.

“You have thirty minutes,” she announced, her voice commanding, “Pack what’s yours and leave. From now on, this is our home.”

Lila exhaled, the corners of her lips tilting up in quiet amusement. “Funny,” she said. “Even stray dogs have the sense not to bite the hand that feeds them. But I see you’ve decided to try and claim what was never yours. If anyone’s leaving, it won’t be me.”

Ruby’s laughter rang out, sharp. “Alec bought this house.” She jabbed a finger toward Alec. “I am his wife. His assets belong to me. So, are you leaving, or shall I call the police now?”

Mack leaned forward, his tone soaked in condescension. Let’s be clear, Ms. Tucker–anything bought with Barrett money is Barrett property.”

His smile was tight, devoid of warmth. “We’re being civil by asking you to leave. You should be smart and do as we say immediately.”

The unspoken truth hung heavy on Mack. This apartment was their last refuge.

But Lila had foreseen this moment years ago. Every paper, every transaction had been carefully arranged to withstand exactly this sort of entitled tantrum. She was not afraid of the Barrett family.

Her gaze shifted to Alec, the man who had once showered her with gifts, indulgences, and care. Alec had always been good to her and her son, that was why she had let him and his family in today.

But her hospitality had its limits. She wouldn’t let them push her around.

“Alec,” she said, her voice laced with deceptive sweetness as she turned to him, “this is my house, isn’t it?

Alec’s gaze softened, his voice almost tender. “Of course it is. I already told you I wouldn’t take the hous

no matter what.”

Lila’s smile bloomed. She was willing to let Alec stay here. “You always know how to treat me right, honey.”

Ruby recoiled, disgust curling her lips. “Have some decency! How can you flirt with my husband right in front of me?”

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Chapter 777! A F

Har dere old how melted stora se turned to Aler “You need to choose between me and her now I have bean your write for years and have gives you two children You should be smart and make the right decision”

in her mind, Mack and tabella would stand by her They would fake money and support her financially in the

But Alex? He was just another middle–aged man. Lilla was young and beautiful, only liking Alec for his money.

Now that he was broke, she wouldn’t treat him well.

Lila would surely kick Alex out soon

“She’ll lose you aside like last season’s fashion, Alec, Ruby warned, arms crossed.

Alec turned to Lila. “Going broke today doesn’t mean staying down forever. Since I’ve built the Barrett Group before, I can build another company again.”

His eyes bore into hers, unwavering, “Fifty isn’t old. I’ve got decades left to build a career again.”

Lila’s smile was sweet as she replied, “Of course you will, darling, I trust you.”

After a brief pause, she added, “But this arrangement? I can’t accept it. I won’t live under the same roof with your wife. A divorce would cut through all the complications, don’t you think?”

Mack’s temper ignited like a match to dry kindling “Stop dreaming” His finger stabbed the air between them. “Whatever my dad gave you, you’re handing back! Every last penny!”

“Enough!” Alec’s roar cracked through the tension, silencing the room. “I didn’t give her any money in private. She’s an accountant! The money I gave her was her salary!”

Mack clenched his fists, unwilling to surrender. “Dad, why are you defending her? We’re your real family!”

Isabella stood off to the side, the weight of misfortune pressing heavily on her shoulders. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go. She had returned to the Barrett family expecting luxury, only to find ruin waiting

for her.

Now, they didn’t even have a place to live.

Ruby’s voice rang out, cold and unyielding. She looked at Lila. “That’s right; we are his family. And this house? It’s mine–every inch of it. I have every right to take back what belongs to me. Now, pack your things and get