Back From Prison, Built For Revenge - Chapter 75: Chapter 75

It was a perfect sunny day.
The ornate iron gate guarding the Foster Villa in Dawnridge stood in silent grandeur. Sunlight filtered through its intricate metal patterns, splintering into fractured shards on the ground.
Phoebe's car pulled up smoothly in front of the gate. Chloe stepped out from the passenger seat, her high heels clicking crisply on the gravel path.
Two maids immediately hurried over, bowing so low that their heads nearly touched the ground. "Mrs. Stone, Ms. Quinn, Mrs. Foster has been expecting you," they chorused respectfully, as if they had rehearsed it countless times.
Chloe nodded and followed behind Phoebe. Her beige trench coat fluttered gently in the breeze.
Inside, a grand hall greeted them. Crystal chandeliers sparkled like stars above, casting a soft glow over polished furniture and fresh lilies in antique vases. This was the Foster family, one of Dawnridge's most prominent families.
Nora Foster sat gracefully on the leather sofa, dressed in an impeccably tailored dress. As she stood up, her face lit up with a warm, welcoming smile. "Mrs. Stone, Chloe, I've been looking forward to your visit so much!" Her voice dripped with honeyed warmth.
"Nora, it's been ages!" Phoebe said with a warm smile as she embraced Nora and exchanged a few pleasantries. Chloe stood quietly nearby, listening attentively.
Nora took Chloe's hand, sizing her up with a warm smile. "Chloe, you've grown into such a beauty. I can hardly recognize the little girl you used to be."
Chloe offered a polite smile as she deftly withdrew her hand without drawing attention. "You flatter me, Mrs. Foster."
The maid served coffee, and Nora invited them to sit. The Blue Mountain coffee's aroma wafted through the room. Chloe lowered her head to take a delicate sip, her gaze inadvertently wandering to a corner of the living room.
She nearly choked on her coffee.
Yael knelt in the corner of the living room, his back ramrod straight, head bowed so low that his expression was hidden. He was reduced to kneeling in his own home.
Chloe blinked, her expression giving nothing away. Yet her fingers tightened slightly around the cup.
Nora noticed Chloe's gaze, her expression flickering. She sighed, "That boy's gotten himself into trouble again. I'm making him stay there and think about what he's done." Her voice was tinged with weary resignation.
Phoebe put down her cup, making a soft clink as it touched the saucer. "What on earth has Yael done this time?" she asked casually.
Nora sighed, "I can't even bear to mention it. He's out there stirring up trouble, nearly disgracing the Foster family."
She turned to Yael, her voice sharp. "You really need to think about what you've done. Look at the mess you've made!"
Yael knelt, still as a statue.
Nora grew increasingly agitated. "If you keep this up, how will you ever take over the family business? Your dad would be heartbroken if he knew!" Her voice was sharp with anger, yet couldn't conceal the deep concern beneath.
Chloe stared into her coffee, watching the milk swirl like trapped butterflies.
Phoebe stepped in to smooth things over. "Nora, young people make mistakes. What matters is learning from them." She looked at Yael, her voice gentle but firm. "Yael, apologize to your mom now."
Yael raised his head and shot a dark, brooding glance at Chloe. "Mom, I'm sorry," he muttered, his voice hoarse.
Nora's expression softened slightly. "You should also apologize to Ms. Quinn. Your past behavior was completely unacceptable!"
Yael turned to Chloe. "Ms. Quinn, I'm sorry," he said, his voice carrying an emotion he couldn't quite define.
Chloe's fingers lightly tapped the rim of her cup. "It's fine," she replied flatly.
Nora quickly changed the subject. "Chloe, I heard you started a company? That's truly impressive. To have achieved so much at your age is quite remarkable."
She reached into her bag and took out an envelope. "This is just a small token of my appreciation. I hope you'll accept it."
Chloe opened the envelope. Inside was a deed to a prime storefront in the heart of downtown.
"This..." Chloe's voice faltered.
"It's in a prime spot, sure to gain value. Just think of it as a little welcome gift," Nora said with a smile.
After a brief hesitation, Chloe accepted the gift. "Thank you, Mrs. Foster." She knew this was anything but a simple gesture, but she couldn't yet fathom Nora's true intentions.
As they bid farewell, Chloe and Phoebe walked toward the parking lot, the wind rustling through the leaves.
"Ms. Quinn," Yael called from behind her, his voice tense. "Could we talk in private?"
Chloe glanced at Phoebe, who gave her a nod and got into the car first.
"Go ahead," Chloe said, standing her ground.
"Where are you going?" Yael asked bluntly.
Chloe countered coolly, "Is there something you need, Mr. Foster?"
Yael hesitated. "Why did you agree to my mom's offer?"
"Why wouldn't I? The terms are more than favorable," Chloe replied with a faint smile.
"But..." Yael's voice trailed off.
"Mr. Foster, I have prior engagements," Chloe said. Then she turned and walked toward the car.
Yael stared after her retreating figure, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
"Where are we going?" Yael pressed urgently.
Chloe started the car. "Handling some business," she replied coolly.
Yael pressed, "What is it?"
Chloe remained silent, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her lips. Some things were better left unsaid for now. The car glided out of the Foster Villa, vanishing into the sunlight.