I Became the Billionaire's Fake Lover to Get My Revenge
Chapter 89: In My Favor

Chapter 89: In My Favor

She’s already started spreading the news of Gabriel’s arrest through the gossip feed, Anna thought grimly, her brows knitting together as she scrolled through her phone.

After meeting Amelie Bennett in person, Anna had been granted access to private messages posted by Elizabeth Radcliffe—the famous owner of the gossip feed. Elizabeth occasionally warned her inner circle about incoming gossip storms, especially those that could prove dangerous.

William has approved my plan, and so has Gabriel... Yet despite their support, a knot of unease still curled in her stomach.

She exhaled slowly and took a generous sip of wine, trying to calm the nerves fluttering in her chest. Her eyes wandered around the half-empty restaurant where she now waited for Marienne, the dim lighting casting restless shadows over the linen-draped tables.

Every time I have to deal with that woman, things spiral into chaos. Please, let her take the bait this time.

"Chloe!" Marienne’s bright voice rang out like a chime, snapping Anna’s head toward the entrance.

Anna mustered a faint smile, watching as the woman strode confidently toward her table.

There was no sign of distress in her features—none of the fragility one might expect from someone claiming to be the victim of such a traumatic ordeal. She wasn’t pale or subdued. No, she looked radiant, her posture relaxed and her lips curled in a cheerful smile.

Of course she’s not shattered—how can you mourn something that never happened?

"Thank you for agreeing to meet me, Marienne," Anna said, her tone carefully composed as she slid a glass of white wine across the table. "I know it couldn’t have been easy... given the circumstances."

Something in Anna’s voice must have struck a nerve, because Marienne’s radiant expression faltered. Her smile dimmed, her shoulders drooped slightly, and for a brief moment, vulnerability flickered across her features.

"Well... I’m still in shock," she murmured, her voice soft and tremulous as she avoided Anna’s gaze. "It took a lot for me to accept your invitation today, but..."

Suddenly, she looked up, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she leaned forward and grasped Anna’s hands in hers.

"But it wasn’t your fault," she said earnestly, voice thick with forced emotion. "So why should our friendship be punished for what the men around us do? I know you’re a good woman, Chloe. That’s why I believe we can resolve all of this—quietly and peacefully."

Wow. Anna barely managed to suppress the smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. What a stunning performance.She’s lying through her teeth while looking me dead in the eye. This woman was born to be a criminal.

"That’s very kind of you," Anna cooed, her voice sugar-sweet as she forced a sympathetic smile. "And I’m honestly just as stunned as you are. I mean, to think that someone like Gabriel—such a great young man—could do something like that... It breaks my heart. I can’t even imagine how his grandmother must feel. This could kill her."

The words were bait—a test to see if even a flicker of guilt or hesitation would cross Marienne’s face. But, as Anna expected, there was nothing. No remorse. No empathy. Just cool calculation hidden behind those teary eyes. She’s truly deranged.

"There’s no need to blow this out of proportion," Marienne replied smoothly, her tone shifting as a smug smile crept onto her lips. "As my lawyer already mentioned, I’m more than willing to let this go—provided the settlement is prepared, of course."

"Of course," Anna echoed sweetly, masking her satisfaction behind the rim of her wine glass as she took another slow sip. "But let’s leave it to the lawyers. I didn’t invite you here to talk about that."

"Oh?" Marienne’s eyes lit up with renewed interest, a flicker of excitement dancing behind her lashes. "What is it?"

"Well," Anna began, tilting her head slightly as she swirled the wine in her glass, "before this whole... situation, I’d been invited to a private launch party. My invitation includes a plus-one. I was originally planning to bring Gabriel, since William will be out of town that night... but now, I was wondering—would you like to come with me instead?"

Marienne shifted in her seat, visibly uneasy. Her gaze dropped to her glass as she toyed with the stem. "I’m not sure if that’s such a good idea—"

"I get it," Anna interrupted gently, her voice smooth and persuasive. "But honestly, I think it might do you good. A change of scenery, a little glamor—something to take your mind off everything. It’s a celebration for a jewelry brand’s new collection, so it’ll be very exclusive. And since I’m dragging you there last minute, I’ll cover everything. Dress, shoes, hair—the whole look. My treat."

Like flipping a switch, Marienne’s demeanor shifted the moment Anna mentioned footing the bill. Her hesitation melted away, replaced by a spark of barely concealed delight.

There it is again, Anna thought, hiding her smirk behind a casual sip of wine. You’re so easy, Marienne. The moment money is on the table, you light up like a Christmas tree. It’s almost laughable... But that’s exactly why I’m keeping you close. I want to know who you really are, and what kind of dirty little secrets you’re hiding with Sebastian. When I bring you down, I want every step of your fall to feel long, slow—and absolutely devastating.

"I guess you’re right," Marienne finally said, her tone brightening as she attempted to mask her growing excitement. "I mean, I’m fine—so why should I just stay home and sulk, right?"

"Exactly," Anna replied with a smile, her voice sweet and steady. "The bad ones only win if they see you crumble."

"As expected, you’re so clever, Chloe! And so generous, too! I’m truly lucky to have a friend like you!" Marienne gushed, her voice sugary-sweet and just a touch too enthusiastic.

Without warning, she sprang to her feet and wrapped Anna in a tight embrace—a gesture so sudden and intimate it nearly made Anna flinch. She forced herself to stay still, biting back the instinct to recoil as a wave of revulsion crawled up her spine.

Keep your enemies close, she reminded herself, lips curving into a smile. I’m glad this strategy still works in my favor.

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