Secret Wife Real Billionaire (by Ela) novel Chapter 280

She stressed the word "sister" to remind every one of the family connection between Catherine and Renee, implying that Renee had some obligation towards Catherine.

Under Marcelo’s stern gaze, Catherine had little choice but to comply. "I'm sorry, Renee. I acted without thinking. I'm sure you won't hold it against me, for Nana’s sake." She didn't miss the opportunity to invoke Naomi’s influence.

Turning to Marcelo, she added, "Mr. King, Renee and I are from the same family. If something were to happen to me, it would reflect poorly on Renee too."

Marcelo was visibly irked by her words. He wanted to react strongly but restrained himself, considering Renee’s respect for Naomi.

His silence spoke volumes. He was leaving the decision in Renee’s hands.

Such apologies, filled with self-righteousness, were too much for Renee.

She couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh, infuriated by the audacity.

In a swift change of demeanor, her smile vanished, revealing a rare display of defiance on her otherwise delicate and charming face. "Kneel and apologize, and I'll let it go," she said firmly.

The room was stunned into silence.

“What?"

The disbelief was palpable. No one could believe this bold demand had come from Renee.

“Renee, are you out of your mind? You want me to kneel in front of you?" Catherine’s voice trembled with incredulity, her eyes wide with shock.

Renee remained unfazed. "Kneel, or you can choose the option Marcelo suggested," she stated calmly.

Andrew observed the unfolding drama, not finding Renee’s stance arrogant or disrespectful. Instead, he felt an unexpected rush of excitement.

“Apologize now!" Felicia hissed at Catherine, pressing on her shoulder. They all knew Marcelo wasn't one to bluff.

His past actions, like driving his wheelchair down a slope to confront someone, were proof enough that he might force Catherine to face the consequences under the champagne tower. Kneeling would be humiliating for Catherine but wouldn't endanger her unborn child.

Feeling the immense pressure, her knees gave way, and Catherine knelt down. Tears immediately welled up in her eyes, not just from humiliation but also from a deep-seated hatred. Through her tears, she muttered, "I'm sorry..."

**************

The city's night was a spectacle of lights and bustling streets. From the moment Renee left the banquet until she reached got to Marcelo’s house, she remained enveloped in silence.

Lost in thought, she began to drift off while bathing.

Suddenly, she snapped back to reality and grabbed her phone to look up information about Vivian. True to Vivian’s claim, all the negative press had disappeared without a trace.

If not for the fact that Vivian’s previous partners had already moved on, one might question if the scandal had ever happened. Realizing the scale of such an operation, Renee made an international call to Freddy.

“Boss, good afternoon! Oh, wait, it's evening for you, so good evening!" Freddy greeted her, eagerly.

“Freddy, all the negative news about Vivian is gone. Do you know why?" Renee inquired.

“Somebody cleaned up her mess," Freddy confirmed.

Renee couldn't believe Marcelo would intervene for Vivian. She ventured, "I heard Vivian has family backing her up..."

“It's not the Lambert family. They wouldn't meddle in our affairs," Freddy pondered. Then, he added, "I heard a woman named Anna was involved."

What?

Renee’s mind raced. Anna Smith, Marcelo’s second secretary, came to her mind.

She recalled a recent conversation at KM Group where Anna was mentioned as having gone to Estoqua. It must have been Anna, under Marcelo’s instruction, who cleared Vivian’s name.

As she was piecing things together, there was a knock on the bathroom door.

Before Renee could respond, the door clicked open. Marcelo, in a white shirt and black trousers, walked in barefoot.

“You've been in here for quite some time," he said, his tone laced with concern.

He had been waiting outside, worried that she might have fallen asleep in the bath. He found her looking distressed as he entered.

“What's bothering you?" he asked gently.

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