Retribution Rewind: Back To Ten Years Ago Novel by Novia Osborn

“Mr. Chandler, why’d you step out?” A perched on the swing, swaying it back and forth with her feet, gazing innocently at Jeremy.

Jeremy met her gaze intensely, “Care to elaborate on the flower affair, Annie?” Instead of addressing her as Ms. Sanders, he opted for Annie, infusing the name with some indescribable, ambiguous

sentiment.

“It was all a mix–up. The note unintentionally ended up in the roses. But wasn’t this little mix–up fate bringing you a romantic story?” Annic winked meaningfully

Jeremy leaned in, niurmuring, “Are you trying to sway me toward someone else?”

His words carried an air of ambiguity. However, Annie was not buying into it. She knew Jeremy all too well. He wouldn’t come clean until he decided which path served him best. He would wait until Yolanda outlived her usefulness, then smoothly discard her without any fuss.

Rather than answer his question, Annie mentioned, “Seems like you still owe me a meal.”

“Anytime works for me. Jeremy wouldn’t turn down Annie’s invitation, of course.

Annie hesitated, showing a hint of concern. “Better forget it. If it’s just you and me having dinner, Yolanda might misconstrue it.”

Jeremy interjected hastily, “You know me well. I have no connection with her whatsoever.”

The declaration hit Yolanda hard. She could no longer contain herself and burst out of the shadows, charging towards Annie. Her voice was sharp, cutting through the air. “Annie, you bitch!”

Annie swiftly sought refuge behind Jeremy, visibly startled. “Yolanda, what’s gon

Yolanda’s face contorted with rage as she accused, “Annie, you set me up!” Pretending ignorance, Annie protested, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

into you?”

Desperate to sway Jeremy’s opinion, Yolanda grabbed his arm anxiously, claiming, “Don’t fall for her tricks, Mr. Chandler! She orchestrated the flower thing to make me misinterpret your intentions!” If she hadn’t wrongly believed Jeremy had feelings for her, she wouldn’t have taken so many wrong turns lately.

Jeremy, not one to be easily fooled, had his doubts amid the peculiar coincidences.

Before he could say anything, Annie cut in, her voice tinged with hurt. “Yolanda, I’ve taken your accusations silently out of respect before. But this continuous slander is uncalled for. I have emotions too, and I should be treated with respect.”

Her eyes glistened with a touch of redness, showing her stubborn and resilient spirit. They shimmered with unshed tears, stirring emotions like gentle waves upon hearts. Playing innocent? Piece of cake, Annie sneered in her heart.

Jeremy recalled Annie’s previous reputation and dismissed his doubts. If she truly harbored ill Intentions, she wouldn’t have been deceived by one as obvious as Yolanda. Softening his p

he reassured her in a tender tone, “Don’t cry. What if your beautiful eyes get hurt from all those

Yolanda tembled witli rage. ‘Don’t fall for her act, Mr. Chandler! It’s all an act!” She couldn’t believe how skilled Annie had become at deceit.

Meeting Jeremy’s kind eyes. Annie requested, “Mind step aside for a moment, Mr. Chandler? There are things I must clarify with Yolanda.”

Jeremy agreed with a nod. “Go ahead.”

You bitch!” As soon as Jeremy moved away, Yolanda lunged forward, aiming to slap Annie.

Annie quickly grabbed Yolanda’s wrist and pushed her back, smirking, “Take a good look at yourself. Yolanda. You’re acting like a total nutcase.

Yolanda glared at Annie maliciously. “Don’t act pitiful now?”

Annie chuckled, “I was pretending. But you, Yolanda, truly fit the role.”

What do you mean?” Yolanda inquired.

Annie explained, “How much do you know about the Chandler family or Jeremy’s situation? You’re so naive, dreaming of marrying into him without knowing a thing

Yolanda squinted, asking, “You know what’s up?”

Annie had all the answers but wasn’t about to talked about them with Yolanda. “Isn’t it pretty clear? My dad’s the second–biggest shareholder at Chandler Group. John’s a big shot there, and your dad is basically doing nothing significant, with zero income. If you were Jeremy, who’d you side with?”

Yolanda bit her lip, realizing the undeniable truth deep down.

Annie stared at her coolly. “You always looked down on me, thinking I’m some countryside bumpkin unworthy of being a Sanders, right? Well, here’s the deal–even if I only joined the family at eighteen, because I’m Yosef’s biological daughter, you can’t measure up to me. So, advice for you. Check yourself and know your place.”

Despite Annie’s casual tone, Yolanda sensed an icy shiver running down her spine. The doubts she had harbored were turning into concrete truths at that moment, revealing a transformed Annie before her. The timid soul that was once bullied had found its voice. After a moment, Yolanda spoke up, “Aren’t you worried I’ll spill the beans to Jessica about your scheme?”

“At your will.” Annie welcomed the thought wholeheartedly. A showdown was inevitable, and Annie was all set for it. She chuckled, “Well, you’re Jessica’s number one enemy now, aren’t you?”

Even if Yolanda crawled back on her knees to seek reconciliation and explain everything, the acts she committed would linger, making it impossible for Jessica to forgive and forget.

Yolanda finally alterd she had walked into a trap set by Annie, her features contorted as she spat. Quite impressive, Annip?”

Annie tilted her head, smiling sweetly. “Thanks for the kind words

“But don’t get too cocky. I won’t let you off easy!” Yolanda gritted her teeth.

“Oh really?” Annie’s smile held an edge. “I did notice, though, that your dad seems to be waiting around for you.”

Yolanda’s eyes widened in terror, a’shiver running through her entire being

Annie brushed off Yolanda’s words and turned to leave. As she stepped out, she saw John seeing Jeremy off. Leaning against the corridor door frame, she watched the two with a frown.

Although she didn’t expect John’s suspicions about Jeremy to last long, the tension during dinner between them had completely shifted. Jeremy was quite impressive, clearing John’s doubts in no

time.

Reflecting on how quickly John had shifted loyalty from Charles to Jeremy in her previous life, it seemed likely that they had been in touch behind the scenes early on.

Annie headed back to her room, pondering. As she ascended halfway up the stairs, a piercing cry echoed from upstairs. “No, don’t hit…, Please don’t…