Chapter 633

She called in the housekeeper, requesting some ointment to reduce the swelling. However, Marissa overheard Tessa, and a wave of discomfort washed over her.

The Rowlands had brought them such embarrassment this evening, and now here was Tessa, in the Clement household, ordering their staff around as though she owned the place.

Marissa’s fondness for Tessa, which had once been considerable, had now turned to disdain. After all even the best of relationships couldn’t survive two destructive blows, especially not on the same night–

one exploiting the Clements and the other dragging them down with her.

Fuming and aware that Andrew had stepped out for a smoke and was not in the villa. Marissa marched straight to his bedroom. “So, after the havoc the Rowlands have wreaked tonight, you’ve not even uttered an apology?”

If this had happened before. Tessa would have apologized immediately. But she had just overheard Marissa’s conversation with Andrew and knew that Marissa was displeased with her and unwilling to allow her marriage to Andrew.

The disdain in Marissa’s eyes as she looked at Tessa’s swollen face was unmistakable. “You and Andrew will not be getting married. Forget about it. Each and every one of the Rowlands is crafty, and now that you’re under scrutiny, we cannot afford to be associated with you at such a delicate time.*

Tessa tasted the blood in her mouth and was surprised she hadn’t passed out yet. Now, she had managed to offend the rest of the Clements clan, and Andrew was the only person she needed to secure. She had to have sex with Andrew as soon as possible and, better yet, bear his child. That way, her position in the Clement household would be secure.

‘Marissa, I didn’t want any of this to happen tonight. We have been framed, and you saw that woman with Max, didn’t you?”

A smirk of sarcasm crossed Marissa’s face–did Tessa take her for a fool?

“Zaiden has been skimming off the top for years, long before Brielle ever came into the picture at Beaconsfield. And now you’re trying to pin everything on her. It’s no wonder your family protect Zaiden, it seems you still can’t see your own faults. Leave now. We have no room for you.”

Tessa felt as if she were about to crumble. In the span of one night, she had lost everything. even Marissa’s affection. She wanted to cry, but she knew tears would be useless now. Since she couldn’t salvage Marissa’s favor, she might as well make a ruthless deal.

“Marissa, I have a video I want you to see.”

Marissa looked visibly irritated. She didn’t want to watch any video at that moment; she just wanted this woman to leave.

With a detached tone, Tessa ordered the housekeeper. “Leave us.”

Incredulous, Marissa scoffed, “Tessa, I’ve watched you grow up. When did you become so shameless?”

Tessa felt a pang of heartache, and the taste of blood threatened to rise in her throat again, but she forced it down. She couldn’t falter now. The state of the Rowland family was uncertain, and they were waiting for her to clean up the mess.

With the Rowlands now a target, there was no going back. Her only refuge was to remain with the Clements.

Once the housekeeper had left, Tessa pulled up the incriminating video on her phone and positioned it in front of Marissa. “Marissa, what do you think the impact would be on you if this video got out?”

“You see, it’s Aubree caught up with three men, and they mention Andrew too. If this leaks, the Clements will suffer, especially since the public still sees us as closely linked. At a time like this, when we’re under the microscope… I’m not asking for much, Marissa. I just want to marry Andrew.

“If I marry Andrew, this video will never see the light of day.”

Marissa’s face drained of color at the sight of Aubree being assaulted by the men, their vulgar comments interspersed throughout the footage. Turning to Tessa, she demanded, “Where did you get this video?”

It was disturbingly clear and targeted.

Even if she didn’t care for Aubree, the girl had been under her care for years. Indeed, Marissa didn’t like Aubree’s relationship with Andrew, but she was considering the Clements‘ reputation. She could tell Aubree genuinely cared for Andrew, but they were siblings in name, and Aubree had been with the Clements since she was a child. If the Clements were labeled as keeping a child bride, everything would be ruined.

Aubree’s actions were all consensual. All Marissa could do was groom Aubree and marry her off to a suitable family. The Clements had never skimped on her.

Trembling with rage, Marissa struck Tessa across the face. “You bitch! I underestimated you!”

The slap was forceful. Tessa collapsed onto the bed, coughing up blood.