Vengeful Hearts Return Novel by Susan Clyde

With the impending alliance between the Clifford and Hernandez families, people approached William Hernandez to exchange pleasantries and praised Sarah. “This must be Sarah. You’re looking more beautiful than ever, truly the top socialite of Northville, Michael Jolson said.

“Mr. Johnson, you’re so sweet. Just the other day, I saw your daughter Emily, and she’s truly stunning.” Sarah replied.

Sarah, already a popular star in the entertainment industry, relished the compliments. Her gentle smile and elegant demeanor attracted a lot of attention. She was particularly cager to see Dylan tonight.

Just as everyone was about to enter, a voice called out from behind. “Hey, isn’t that. Audrey, who was sent to prison seven years ago?”

The mention of Audrey’s name wiped the smiles off the faces of the Hernandez family. Sarah’s smile froze, and she quickly glanced back.

Outside Silvandel Auction House, the previously lively crowd parted as two figures approached. It was as if they were walking with starlight, dazzling and captivating all eyes.

Audrey wore a black strapless evening gown that complemented her smooth, glowing skin. The strapless design emphasized her long, swan–like neck and graceful collarbones, enhancing her voluptuous figure. Her wavy black hair and impeccable makeup further heightened her breathtaking beauty, leaving onlookers in awe.

Beside her, the little boy in a plaid three–piece suit, with his delicate features, looked like a charming little prince.

Seeing Audrey’s beautiful face, Sarah’s eyes filled with shock, jealousy, and hatred. ‘Audrey has actually returned! She should have died in prison, especially after being sent to a men’s facility, where most women wouldn’t survive the torment. But how is this possible? She not only survived but returned more dazzling than ever.

‘So what if Audrey is back? Northville isn’t the same as it was seven years ago. And she’s even brought a bastard child with her, Sarah pondered, sneering inwardly. Her disdainful gaze swept over the little boy standing next to Audrey.

The crowd began to murmur. “It really is her. Weren’t there rumors she died in prison? How is she out?”

“Not only did she go to prison, but she also brought back a bastard child. She must have come today because she knew Dylan would be here. How shameless!”

“Does she really think she can enter Silvandel Auction House? It’s not a place for criminals like her. She’ll be thrown out for sure.”

The crowd remembered the scene from seven years ago when Dylan personally handcuffed Audrey and sent her to prison. They looked at her with contempt and ridicule. ‘Dylan dumped her, the Hernandez family disowned her, and yet she still acts. as if she’s the same Northville socialite, completely oblivious to reality,‘ they thought.

Seeing the little boy by Audrey’s side intensified their scorn. ‘Rumors have it that Audrey cheated on Dylan, and it seems truc, given the child, they wondered.

Hearing the crowd’s whispers, William’s face flushed with anger. He glared at Audrey and shouted, “You shameless woman! How dare you come back! Take your bastard and get out. You think you can enter Silvandel Auction House? You’ve already brought more than enough disgrace.”

William’s rage was fueled by the belief that Audrey had tarnished the family’s reputation.

“Audrey, I can’t believe you’re back. I thought you left us to run away with that man. Is child? He’s: this your so much.” Sarah’s Face lit up with surprise as she looked at Audrey, feigning delight at her return. However, her words stunned everyone present.

‘So, Audrey left the family to run off with another man after getting out of prison? No wonder she has a child now. The man was probably someone she met in prison, and the child was born from their illicit relationship. How shameless!‘ thought the crowd.

Sarah was pleased with the chaos her words caused and glanced smugly at Audrey. She thought, ‘Audrey, seven years ago, you couldn’t beat me, and the same holds true now. I will crush you underfoot.

Suddenly, a loud slap sounded, startling everyone. Audrey stood there with a cold stare, a sneer playing on her lips, exuding arrogance and defiance. “Sarah, don’t play games with me, or you’ll regret it,” she warned icily.

“You wicked woman! How dare you lay a hand on Sarah! I’ll teach you a lesson,” William roared angrily, his fists clenched as he lunged toward Audrey.

But Audrey was no longer the same. She seized William’s wrist and tightened her grip, causing him to pale with pain.

“Let go! Are you trying to break my hand?” William’s face contorted with anger and pain.

“I suggest you refrain from provoking me unless you want your hand broken,” Audrey said coldly, tightening her grip even more.

William had no doubt that she could break his hand. Sarah hadn’t expected Audrey to hit her and felt both angry and humiliated. But her face betrayed a mix of worry and hurt. “Audrey, how could you stoop to this? You’re only disappointing and hurting Dad.”

“Sarah, enough with the act. I’ve hit you once, and I won’t hesitate to do it again if you. push me,” Audrey said icily, her expression dripping with disdain.

Sarah was certain that Audrey would slap her again. She was furious that after seven years, Audrey had become so difficult to handle.

Observing the flicker of reluctance and animosity in Sarah’s eyes, Audrey sneered. “Don’t fret. I’ll reclaim whatever the Hernandez family owes me.” She pondered, ‘Since inheriting this life, I’m determined to ensure those who wronged the original host face consequences.”