The Queen Back From Hell - Chapter 84: Chapter 84

Eve probably knew she wouldn't last long in their hands. She poured out everything, every last detail.
In that place, they were utterly powerless, just helpless prey waiting to be slaughtered.
Tears welled up behind Arielle's stoic mask.
'I thought my heart had long since turned to ice, nothing and no one could ever shake me again,' she thought.
It was a small mercy that the tragedy from her previous life had been cut short before it could unfold.
Arielle composed herself. When she reopened her eyes, all traces of vulnerability had vanished, her gaze now icy and ruthless, as if it could tear someone apart.
'I'll make them pay, whatever it takes,' she vowed coldly.
Half an hour later, the car finally left the dangerous black market district.
Logan handed Eve over to Arielle and Ivanna.
His first task was done. Now, he was off to take down Seven.
"Thank you, Mr. Calhoun. And tell Mr. Lowery my gratitude," Arielle said.
Logan nodded. "Just doing my job. The boss's word is law."
Vanna was shaking uncontrollably. She rubbed her numb hands together and reached out, her voice trembling, "Eve, come here, let Mommy hold you…"
The catatonic Eve finally stirred. Staring at that familiar face, her lips trembled.
She wondered, 'Is that… Mommy?
'She looks more haggard and thinner than I remember.'
Slowly, Eve reached out her small hand, her eyes brimming with desperate hope. Vanna grabbed it and pulled her into a fierce embrace.
The blank look in Eve's eyes finally shimmered with tears.
She thought, 'It smells like Mommy.'
Eve couldn't hold back any longer, she broke down, sobbing her heart out.
Clutching her sobbing daughter, Vanna trembled violently as they wept together.
She thought, 'I can barely recognize this broken child. Is this really my once bright, cheerful little girl? It feels like my heart is being ripped apart.'
Vanna clung to Eve, her voice breaking with sobs. "Eve, I'm so sorry. It's all Mommy's fault.
"Mommy lost you... I'm so sorry, sweetheart. Mommy's so, so sorry..."
She was so heartbroken she could barely speak, her voice choked with sobs she couldn't suppress.
Arielle drove in silence, listening to the heart-wrenching sobs from the back seat. In her arms, Eve clung tightly to her waist, as if afraid to ever let go.
They reunited at last.
An hour later, they arrived at Vanna's villa.
Vanna carried the sound-asleep Eve and gently laid her on the bed.
She tucked her in and left the lights on in the room, afraid her daughter might wake up scared. Then she sat quietly by the bedside, keeping vigil over her.
Arielle walked in, patted Vanna's shoulder, and nodded toward the door, signaling that she was heading home and leaving Vanna to spend time with Eve.
With that, Arielle quietly left the room.
As Arielle headed downstairs, she was surprised to see Vanna following right behind her.
"Don't bother seeing me out. Just have your driver take me," Arielle said, assuming Vanna was there to see her off.
Vanna wiped away her tears and forced a smile. "Don't flatter yourself. I need to stay with my daughter, I don't have time to see you off."
She paused, her voice hoarse and choked with emotion. "Arielle, thank you. Really, from the bottom of my heart. From now on, your problems are mine. Consider me your ride-or-die friend, that's a promise."
Arielle was about to say it wasn't necessary. To her, this was just a transaction, each getting what they wanted.
Vanna stared at her intently, then solemnly extended her right hand and declared, "I swear that from this day forward, Arielle is my sworn partner in life. We'll share both hardship and fortune. If I ever break this oath, may I be struck dead."
Arielle flinched, caught off guard by Vanna's vicious oath.
She thought coldly, 'I don't believe in oaths. Not anyone's.'
"I don't believe in oaths," Arielle said coolly, "You still haven't agreed to my terms. Stay with Eve tonight, I'll come for you tomorrow."
Back when they made the deal, it was agreed that Arielle would provide intel on Eve in exchange for one term.
Now that Eve had been found, Arielle still hadn't named her price.
"Alright, I'll wait for you," Vanna said with a gentle smile. Whatever the terms might be, she'd agree without hesitation.