The Billionaire's Rental Wife Is A Hot Shot

Gracia flinched, moving behind Evelyn instinctively. Her lips parted to protest, but the fear that Sophia’s mere presence evoked was overwhelming. Memories flooded back—electric shocks that sent pain coursing through her body, the cruel men who had dragged her into darkness, and the treatment of the asylum. Everything made her whimper like a scared puppy despite her desire to stand tall.

"He!" Evelyn’s voice interrupted, steady as a mountain. Despite her calm demeanor, her heart pounded like a drum in her chest. When Sophia’s gaze landed on her, Evelyn continued smoothly, "He is a new client."

Sophia’s sharp eyes narrowed in suspicion. Her calculating gaze swept over the person Evelyn was shielding, but Lucius and Rita moved subtly, standing closer to Evelyn and forming a protective wall. Gracia was hidden entirely from view.

The bouncers stepped forward at Evelyn’s silent signal, their imposing presence forcing Sophia to flinch and step back instinctively.

"And he is also Ronan’s cousin, Rodrick Igor," Evelyn added, her voice confident. It was the story they had made up, finding it suitable since Sophia feared the Igors most right now.

And the name indeed felt like a sword strike for Sophia. Her face paled instantly, the mere mention of Ronan unraveling her composed mask. Having murdered his Half-Sister, Sophia wanted to stay as far away from him, having had a narrow escape. And Evelyn knew her well, Ronan’s name was her Achilles’ heel, and it worked like a charm.

Still, Sophia wasn’t one to retreat without testing the waters. "He seems young," she commented, forcing a skeptical smile. "What business does he have with you?"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest. Her lips curled into a smirk that made Sophia uneasy. "He wants to open a gaming store and asked us to design it. Do you have a problem with that?"

Sophia faltered, her silence speaking volumes. Evelyn pressed further, her voice sharp with an edge of authority. "Or are you trying to disrespect him? Just know that Ronan likes him very much, and he wouldn’t be pleased to hear about this."

Sophia blinked rapidly, her false bravado crumbling. "I—I was just curious, haha," she stammered, her laugh awkward and strained.

Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she plastered on a timid smile.

"So, you were here to escort him. Good," she said. Her tone shifted, now layered with a smugness that made Evelyn’s teeth clench. "I was flying over to see your father. William is devastated about Anna’s death, but we can’t let him stay isolated. Can we?"

Gracia’s fists clenched at her sides as Evelyn’s expression darkened. It took everything in her not to lash out at Sophia’s audacity. Taking a deep breath, Evelyn replied with a forced smile, "You are absolutely right. Bring him soon. I would like to visit him."

"You should, Evy!" Sophia’s grin widened. "After all, you were proven innocent in Anna’s death. There’s no reason for him to hate you now, right?"

Rita scoffed loudly, drawing Sophia’s attention briefly. "Just give me an order! I will kill this bitch right here!" Rita muttered under her breath, earning a faint smile from Evelyn.

Sophia, oblivious to the growing disdain in the room, laughed lightly before walking away, her heels clicking against the marble floor. The tension eased slightly as she disappeared from sight, but Evelyn let out a frustrated sigh, shaking her head.

She turned to Gracia, adjusting her cap and wrapping an arm around her trembling shoulders. "Let’s get you out of here," she murmured, guiding her mother toward the exit.

The drive to the Reign mansion was tense but uneventful. Rivana had insisted on choosing the mansion over Zevian’s house, citing the higher security measures in place. The journey took over an hour, the sprawling estate eventually coming into view.

As the car rolled into the driveway, Gracia shifted uncomfortably in her seat. The grandeur of the mansion was overwhelming, but Evelyn’s reassuring presence beside her gave her the courage to step out.

The moment they entered, the sound of popping confetti and cheerful clapping echoed through the grand hall. Gracia froze, her wide eyes scanning the room, taking in the sight of decorations hanging everywhere. Balloons and streamers adorned the walls, and a large banner unrolled dramatically down the staircase.

Welcome Home, Gracia Wright.

Gracia’s hands flew to her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes. Evelyn smiled softly beside her, pleased to see her mother’s reaction.

"Welcome back, Grandma!" a small voice chirped.

Gracia looked down to see little Kiana rushing toward her, a party hat tilted over her head and a popper in her tiny hands. The girl giggled as she blew into it, the sound bright and cheerful.

Gracia crouched down, her trembling hands reaching out to Kiana. "Thank you, sweetheart," she whispered, pulling the child into a warm hug.

Kiana hugged her back tightly before looking up at Evelyn, who gave her an approving nod. Kiana beamed, her chest puffing out proudly at having executed her role perfectly.

Gracia stood again, her gaze moving to a couple standing near the center of the room. The man and woman, both around her age, were dressed elegantly, their expressions warm and inviting. Gracia immediately guessed them to be Rosalind and Jonathan Reign—Zevian’s parents.

Before she could gather her thoughts, Kiana grabbed her hand and started tugging. "Come! Let’s cut the cake!"

Gracia hesitated but allowed herself to be led further into the room. She nodded politely at Rosalind and Theodore, who responded with the same courtesy. Rosalind was all smiles and it let her at ease.

Kiana stepped forward, handing a party hat to Rita, who accepted it with a small chuckle.

Zevian approached with a knife, standing beside Evelyn. Kiana immediately reached over to her parents and her father picked her up in his arms, "Yay! Let’s cut the cake!" she chirped, his voice soft.

Gracia looked at Evelyn, who gave her a subtle nod of encouragement. Taking a deep breath, Gracia accepted the knife and made the first cut into the large, beautifully decorated cake.

"Yay!" Kiana clapped her hands excitedly, her joy echoed by everyone in the room. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Evelyn picked up a piece of cake, holding it out to her mother. "Welcome home, Mom," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion.

Gracia took the offered bite, her tears spilling over as she pulled Evelyn into a tight hug.

"This is my father, Theodore Reign." Zevian introduced his father first.

Theodore got up from the seats and took out his hand for an exchange,

"It’s nice to see you again, Mrs. Wright." He murmured, his faint smile making Evelyn happy.

Gracia broke into a smile and shook his hand. "Thank you for the grand welcome, Mr. Reign."

Then they moved to Rosalind who stepped forward and pulled Gracia in a small hug. "I am Rosalind Reign." She introduced and Gracia nodded with a smile.

The warmth in the room grew as introductions were exchanged. Gracia felt overwhelmed but strangely comforted by the genuine kindness radiating from the Reign family. Rosalind, in particular, seemed determined to make her feel at ease.

"Your daughter is really a brave and spirited child. I am glad to have her as my daughter-in-law." Rosalind gushed, her eyes shining with admiration as she spoke about Evelyn. "She’s incredible, truly."

Gracia smiled faintly, feeling a swell of pride. "She is," she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion.

The lighthearted banter was interrupted when the doors suddenly burst open, and a trio of figures rushed in. Gracia turned toward the commotion, her eyes widening in shock as she recognized one of the women.

"Penelope?" Gracia whispered.

The woman in question, her old friend, wasted no time rushing toward her. "Gracie!" Penelope cried out, her voice trembling with emotion.

Behind her was Avery, Penelope’s daughter, and a man Gracia vaguely recognized as Jonathan Cartwell.

"Aunty!" Avery shouted, running ahead and throwing herself into Gracia’s arms.

Gracia staggered slightly, caught off guard by the sudden embrace. Evelyn stepped closer, steadying her mother as the emotional reunion unfolded.

"Is this Avery?" Gracia softly asked to Evelyn. Avery was Evelyn’s childhood friend, both the girls went to the same kindergarten school, and that’s how she became close to Penelope Cartwell.

"Yes! I am Avery!" Avery replies, breaking the hug. She stepped beside, hugging Evelyn’s side hug and both clung to each other looking at their mothers reuniting again.

"I missed you, Gracie," Penelope sobbed, tears streaming down her face.

Gracia’s own tears fell freely as she nodded, overwhelmed by the love and familiarity she had long thought lost. Now with them, it truly felt like she was back to her home, to the people who were close to her in the past.

Just as everyone enjoyed the light-hearted chatter and reuinons, Evelyn’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her smile faltering slightly as she read the message displayed on the screen.

[Did you bring her back?] Her heart skipped a beat. The number was the same one that had led them to Gracia’s location.

Her fingers hovered over the keypad before she typed back a single reply: Who are you?

The response came almost instantly, sending a chill down her spine [You made a mistake by bringing her here. What if she dies again?]