The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 688

They expect her to clean up their messes, and if she refuses, she's the villain. It is exhausting. She wouldn't even be at the corporate office today if it weren't for new leads regarding her investigation. Mr. Yates had called her over the weekend about a new pharmaceutical project, asking for her input. Though she respects her research peer immensely—he is essentially a secondary mentor to her, always fostering a warm, collaborative environment unlike her actual Mentor's stoic nature—she is currently funneling all her energy into dismantling Jovani's shadow organization. Having barely survived their illegal medical experiments, Tara is determined to crush the syndicate before they can ruin anyone else. The trail keeps circling back to Jovani, with lingering suspicions aimed at Gregory and Julianna, but solid evidence remains frustratingly elusive.

"We want you to come home and comfort Mom. Just cheer her up," Nikolai pleads, cutting through her thoughts. "She needs you right now. And you don't have to worry about Jade—she's already moved out. With her identity exposed, Mom will never look at her the same way again."

Nikolai and Alec present this as if it is some grand victory, as if Tara has finally won the battle for their mother's affection and should be thrilled that the competition is gone.

Tara couldn't care less. Their twisted logic only sours her mood further. "You speak so highly of yourselves, yet you know exactly who put Deanna in this state. Jovani and her precious daughter broke her," Tara says, her voice lacing with pure ice. "And yet, here you are, still affectionately calling her 'Jade' like she's a saint. If your mother heard you coddling her name like that, the sheer rage would probably finish her off."

"Tara, how can you curse your own mother like that?" Nikolai frowns, deeply offended.

Faced with her absolute, predatory dominance, the brothers falter. The sheer force of her aura is terrifyingly reminiscent of their late grandfather, Cian. Jake is the first to turn on his heel and walk out, not bothering to defend his foolish brothers. He only came along hoping for a miracle—that with Jade finally out of the picture, Tara might consider returning to the family. But looking at the ice in her eyes, he knows the bridge is burned to ash. The damage is permanent. Frustrated and hollow, Jake leaves without another word.

Nikolai and Alec exchange a hesitant glance before quickly following suit. They don't dare test her temper. Tara is no longer just the sister they pushed around; she is a commanding executive and the official fiancée of Danny. They are completely out of their league.