Chapter 37:
Jessica’s POV:
With Dominic’s testimony, Leonardo took my words as gospel. His fury united, and he turned on Kristina with a venomous tongue.
“You fool! Those sex slaves are nothing; they could never threaten your standing. Why did you stoop so low and tarnish yourself with such a blunder?”
Kristina, trembling with fear, crumbled under Leonardo’s wrath. Tears streamed down her face as she stammered, “I despise Makenna. Ever since she set foot in the palace, she’s captivated all the princes. And she dares to defy me!”
Kristina’s obstinate nature made Leonardo shake his head, disappointment etched into his features.
The hall descended into an uneasy silence. The crowd’s expressions varied, yet I remained composed, my gaze fixed on Leonardo.
In truth, I expected him to punish Kristina on my behalf. Our statuses were worlds apart. How could he chastise the future queen for someone like me?
But it was of little consequence. I knew I’d dodged a bullet this time.
Also, Kristina had lost.
As I anticipated, Leonardo brooded in silence for what felt like an eternity. Finally, with a weary sigh, he rubbed his temples and dismissed me with a wave of his hand. “You may go. I won’t punish you this time. Don’t let it happen again.”
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, offered my thanks, and bowed before departing.
As I turned to leave, I noticed Frank watching me, his eyes clouded with confusion and reluctance.
A mocking smile tugged at the corners of my lips. I threw one last glance over my shoulder and left the main hall.
The moment I stepped outside, a pair of hands halted me. A familiar voice, dripping with sarcasm, cut through the air. “Well, if it isn’t my dear sister, Makenna.”
Annoyance flared within me as I recognized the voice. It was my stepsister, Jessica.
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How shameless of her to even speak to me!
Seeing her face brought back a flood of memories—Jessica’s betrayal with Frank, her deceitful smile as she sent me away.
If not for their treachery, I wouldn’t have suffered this wretched fate.
My fists clenched, and I glared at her, my eyes as cold as ice.
Swallowing the bile of hatred rising in my throat, I demanded, “What are you doing here?”
Jessica, dolled up in her finest attire, responded with a triumphant giggle, “Oh, you must not know. The king has taken a liking to Frank’s skills. Frank has been visiting the palace. I’m here to pick him up—it’s time to head home.”
Her gaze swept over me, assessing with mocking disdain. “Tsk, my dear sister, life here doesn’t seem to agree with you. Not a single prince has taken a shine to you; am I wrong?”
“Well, if you’re so curious, why don’t you come here and be a sex slave yourself?” I replied evenly. “After all, that role was yours to begin with.”
My words struck a nerve. Jessica’s face flushed with anger and shame as she snapped, “I heard the three princes are vicious and bloodthirsty. I can’t wait to see them tear you apart. Humph!”
I met her gaze with icy detachment and shot back, “Who knows? You might meet your end before I do.”
“You!” Jessica seethed with fury.
I smirked at her, the hatred in my heart burning bright.
This was prison, each day a torment. I had once resigned myself to my fate, but I could no longer allow those who wronged me to enjoy their lives unscathed. I swore to myself that I would make them pay dearly for what they’d done.
But first, I had to bide my time, protect myself, and wait for the right moment to strike.
With that resolve, I clenched my fists, pushing down the anger that threatened to boil over. I reminded myself to stay calm; it wasn’t time yet.
Jessica was about to hurl another insult when her expression suddenly froze.
A cold voice came from behind me.
“Vicious and bloodthirsty? I must have missed that.”
