I Became the Billionaire's Fake Lover to Get My Revenge
Chapter 79: Cheers to That

Chapter 79: Cheers to That

"You could say that," Marienne replied with a mysterious smile, her eyes glinting with something unreadable—something that sent a quiet ripple of suspicion through Anna.

A private detective? Anna’s expression barely shifted, her features carefully schooled into neutrality. But inwardly, her thoughts sharpened.

If I didn’t know any better, I’d assume she’s trying to check on Robert. And honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me if she’s been digging into my past too... especially now that we’re both entangled by the murder she committed.

Turning away, Anna let her fingertips glide lightly across the glass display, feigning interest in a necklace she wasn’t truly looking at. Her voice remained casual, detached. "I’m just a little surprised. I didn’t think people still hired private detectives nowadays. I’ve never done that myself—nor do I know anyone who has."

Marienne visibly tensed at the remark, but forced a breezy laugh as if trying to smooth over the tension.

"Oh, well, I wouldn’t call him a real private detective," she said, her tone light but a little too rehearsed. Anna caught the awkward edge beneath her smile and instantly sensed a cover-up.

"Just someone I know," Marienne continued with a shrug. "He agreed to do this little task for me, and I’m paying him for his time. I mean... no one should work for free, right?"

Sebastian again? Anna thought, her gaze narrowing slightly as she studied the other woman’s carefully cheerful face. I really need to ask William if he’s uncovered anything more about him. This man seems to dabble in too many things—dangerous things.

"And who are you trying to find?" she asked smoothly, her tone filled with just the right amount of curiosity. "If you don’t mind me asking, of course."

"Well... it’s a relative," Marienne replied hesitantly, her gaze fixed on the glittering display of jewelry in front of her. Her voice was softer now, almost uncertain. "You know, I’m getting married soon, and since I don’t have any living family left... I’m just trying to see if maybe—just maybe—there’s someone still out there."

She paused for a moment, dabbing delicately at the corners of her eyes with her fingertips. But Anna noticed, with the faintest curl of a smirk, that there were no real tears to wipe away. What a brilliant little performance, she thought. Such raw talent—wasted on all the wrong things.

"I’m sorry if I brought up something painful, Marienne," Anna said aloud, softening her tone into something sympathetic and warm. She made herself sound casual, almost thoughtful, as if trying to comfort her. "I know what it’s like to feel completely alone... So I hope you do find someone—someone you can truly call family."

She reached out and gave Marienne a light pat on the back, her smile calm, her expression gentle. But behind her narrowed eyes, another thought flickered to life.

Because I’m dying to know what the real reason is for you to start looking now.

***

"Miss Dumas, did something happen?" Daniel hurried over to the bar, concern written across his face as he slid onto the stool beside Anna. "I came as soon as I saw your message."

Anna greeted him with a warm, easy smile and nudged a pink cocktail in his direction. "I’m sorry—I suppose my message did sound a little urgent," she said with a hint of apology in her voice. "The truth is, I just needed a friend to share a drink with."

Daniel’s eyes widened in brief surprise, but he quickly relaxed, exhaling a sigh of relief as he lifted the glass and downed half of it in one go.

After finishing her shopping trip with Marienne, who had rushed off to run more errands, Anna found herself unwilling to return home just yet.

The mansion had become a place of quiet discomfort lately. Ever since that unsettling encounter in the garden, a heavy silence had crept in and settled between its walls.

Everyone seemed to be tiptoeing around one another, avoiding interaction, as if even the slightest exchange might ignite something they were all too afraid to face. The air itself felt cold, as though tension had seeped into the very structure of the house.

"So why come here, then?" Daniel asked, setting his glass down on the polished surface of the bar. "Mr. Stark’s mansion has quite the wine cellar, doesn’t it?"

"I know," Anna replied, her lips curling into a faint, bitter smile. "But I don’t feel comfortable drinking at home anymore. I’m always afraid William will see me tipsy and get angry."

"Ah," Daniel said with a soft chuckle of understanding. "That tracks. He’s never been a fan of alcohol, that’s for sure. But... why did you feel like drinking today? Did something happen?"

Anna sighed, idly tracing the rim of her cocktail glass with her fingertip. "I met with Marienne today. She told me she was trying to find a relative—but I don’t believe her. She mentioned hiring someone to do it for her."

"Do you think she’s actually investigating you?" Daniel asked, his voice dropping slightly as he leaned in, a note of concern in his tone. "Do you want me to arrange private security?"

"No," Anna replied, shaking her head. "I don’t think she’s having me followed. But she’s definitely up to something—and that unsettles me."

"If she is plotting something dangerous, that could work in our favor," Daniel offered carefully.

"Maybe," Anna murmured, "but I’d rather have control over her moves—or at the very least, some insight into them."

She let out another sigh and motioned for a second drink. "Still, I have this nagging suspicion that she is looking for a relative. Not for sentimental reasons, though—I think she’s doing it for money."

"Money?" Daniel echoed, brows lifting in surprise. "But she’s engaged to Robert Hyde. That man has more money than he knows what to do with."

"Yes, but something seemed off today," Anna said, nodding slowly. "While we were shopping for gifts for Colette, I noticed she was paying with a credit card. And when she bought the last item, I happened to see a bank notification pop up on her phone—it was a warning that she was approaching her credit limit."

"Interesting..." Daniel mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "So she’s having financial troubles too. I wonder how deep the hole really is—and how things ended up that way."

"Marienne was left with a considerable inheritance after her uncle passed away," Anna said, her brows drawn together in thought. "It would be strange if she’s already burned through all of it."

"Whatever the reason, take note of it," Daniel advised firmly, his tone thick with caution. "Every weakness she has is a potential strength for you."

"I know..." Anna murmured, swirling her drink slowly. "It’s just... the more entangled I get with this woman, the more I realize how complicated things could become."

"Don’t let it make you anxious," Daniel said with a reassuring smile, lifting his glass in a small toast. "You’ve got us to back you up—and for tonight... you’ve also got alcohol."

Anna laughed softly, the tension in her shoulders easing a little. She raised her glass and clinked it gently against his. "You’re right. Cheers to that."

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