Chapter 2 Return for Revenge
Six Years Later
Katherine rocked a white trench coat over a tight black dress and high heels, looking as graceful as ever.
With a kid in each hand, she gazed at the familiar city, emotions swirling in her eyes. She was finally back in Emerald City.
Katherine pulled up at Green Acres Villa. The place was a cozy, three-story villa with a charming, pastoral vibe.
After she left the country, she had her buddy Michael Davis buy it for her. He was the one who saved her from that fire. Katherine never forgot and always used her connections to help Michael out.
Her daughter, Flora Wilson, in a cute princess dress and clutching a doll, asked curiously, "Mom, is this our new home now?"
Her son, Edward Wilson, in a custom-made suit, looked serious even at five years old. He shook his head, "Mom said this is her old home."
Katherine smiled and nodded, "Yep, this was my old home, and now it's our new home."
She led the kids inside.
Kids being kids, they immediately started exploring and chattering away. Katherine sat on the sofa, watching them with a gentle smile.
She'd barely escaped that fire and had gone through so much to have her three kids. Sadly, her first child was too weak and didn't make it, or Edward would have had an older brother.
A sudden phone ring snapped her out of her thoughts. Michael's name flashed on the screen. She answered casually, "Hey, Michael."
Michael's voice was serious, with a hint of anger, "Katherine, your mom knows you're alive. She's contacting Wayne's relatives, trying to marry you off to a comatose guy to save their family."
Katherine, much calmer, nodded, "I know, I leaked the news."
Michael was surprised but quickly composed himself. He figured Katherine had her reasons.
"So, what's the plan? The other side is a hidden family, hard to dig up info on them."
Katherine leaned back on the sofa, her face icy, "If they want me to marry, then I'll marry."
She was back to find out the truth about her dad's death.
The once-thriving Wilson Group went bankrupt after a failed project, and her dad jumped off a building in despair. It all seemed too coincidental. Before she could investigate, Stella and Wayne set her up.
Her eyes were cold and determined as she recalled the tragedy of her family. She wanted everything back.
Michael, hearing her calm tone, felt a bit relieved, his voice softening. "Alright, if you need anything, just call."
"Got it."
After hanging up, Katherine looked at her kids playing on the sofa. Even though they were the same age, their interests were worlds apart.
Edward was watching a financial analysis course. Flora was glued to a Barbie cartoon.
Katherine checked the time, "Kids, Mommy needs to go out for a bit. Stay home, listen to the sitter's words, and don't run around..."
Edward chimed in, "And don't open the door for strangers, don't touch any outlets."
Katherine smiled, helpless, "You always know what I'm gonna say, huh?"
Edward, with his chin in his hands, looked exasperated, "Because, Mommy, you always remind us."
Flora hugged Katherine, looking up with her sweet face, "Mommy, come back soon. Edward and I will wait for you."
"Okay." Katherine smiled and kissed Flora's cheek. But when she leaned in to kiss Edward, he pulled away.
Edward cupped his face with his hands. "At this age, you still want kisses every day? So embarrassing."
Katherine felt speechless. Was this the difference between raising a son and a daughter?
After reminding them of the usual precautions, Katherine drove back to the Wilson Mansion. Returning after six years, the place still stirred up a lot of emotions.
The moment Stella saw Katherine, a flash of uncontrollable jealousy crossed her eyes. 'After all these years, not only is that bitch still alive, but she's also gotten even more beautiful.'
Stella spoke with a sarcastic tone, "I was wondering who it was. Turns out Katherine is back? I can't believe you survived that big fire."
Katherine's gaze was icy as she looked at her mockingly, "Do you remember what I said back then? I will make you and Wayne pay."
Revenge was the third reason she came back, right behind finding the truth and taking back what was hers.
Stella's expression twisted, like a venomous snake spitting its tongue, "You couldn't beat me last time, and it will be the same this time!"
"Don't be too arrogant," Katherine said calmly, looking around at the interior decoration of the Wilson family villa, which was completely different from when her father was alive. The room was filled with many cheap decorations, clashing with the elegant and classic style.
She stared at Stella, a cold smile forming on her lips. "After living the life of a rich lady for so many years, have you forgotten your disgraceful past?"
What she said hit Stella's most sensitive spot. Her face changed immediately, and she raised her hand to slap Katherine. "You bitch, how dare you mock me? I regret not killing you before setting that fire!"
Katherine stood still, directly grabbing Stella's wrist. Stella's eyes widened in shock.
Katherine's eyes were cold, mixed with hatred. "It was my poor judgment that gave you the chance back then. But now, you don't even qualify to be my opponent."
She unhesitatingly flung Stella's hand away, causing Stella to stagger a few steps, her face full of disbelief.
What had Katherine experienced in these six years? Why did she seem like a completely different person? Just her gaze and aura made Stella's heart tremble.
Stella gritted her teeth, "Katherine, don't be too proud. Be careful, or I'll tell everyone about you being raped by an old man, and let everyone know you're a whore."
Katherine looked at her mockingly, taking out a disinfectant wipe from her pocket and slowly wiping her hands.
"The one who truly deserves punishment is someone like you, the perpetrator, not me, the victim. Besides, you still need something from me now. Be careful not to upset me, or I might just refuse the marriage alliance with the Martinez family."
Katherine had already found out that the Wilson Group's profits had significantly declined over the years, and a business marriage was the only solution.
Stella clenched her fists tightly, her eyes filled with poison, but then she quickly became smug. "Oh, I forgot to tell you, the Martinez family has already responded. They are very satisfied with you and want you to marry today. Katherine, you are only fit to marry a vegetative person for the rest of your life!"
Even if Katherine wasn't dead, what could she do? She would always be someone to be manipulated.
Katherine was a bit surprised. The Martinez family responded so quickly?
At that moment, the sound of a car engine came from the entrance, and the butler got out of the car, walked up to Katherine, and spoke respectfully.
"Excuse me, are you Ms. Wilson? I am Douglas Campbell, the butler of the Martinez family, here to take you back."
Katherine's thoughts swirled, and she nodded lightly, "Alright."
An hour later, the car stopped at the entrance of the Martinez Mansion. Nestled in the northern part of Emerald City, this opulent estate, where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold, radiated luxury.
Under Douglas's guidance, Katherine opened the door on the second floor. At this moment, a pale-faced man with features as delicate as a work of art was lying quietly on the bed, with instruments recording his vital signs.
Katherine took a step forward, carefully staring at Howard Martinez. Her beautiful brows furrowed tightly. Why did he look so familiar?