I Raised My Husband's Love Child...Then He Shot Me

Chapter 28

Rachel's POV

As the car rolled to a stop in front of the Russo mansion, a small smile tugged at my lips. Xavier reached for my hand.

"You ready?" he asked.

I nodded, picking up the envelope from my lap. "Time to stir the pot."

The moment we stepped out and made our way toward the grand entrance, I could already feel the tension simmering in the air.

We didn't even make it past the front hall before Gerald came storming toward us, his face flushed with rage.

"What the hell are you two doing here?" he barked. "Haven't you done enough damage? My company's all over the damn news because of you!"

Xavier didn't flinch. Calm as ever, he slid his hands into his pockets.

"If you had nothing to do with my mother's death," he said smoothly, "then you shouldn't be worried when the police start digging."

His tone was cool, almost amused—but his eyes were anything but.

Gerald's jaw tightened. "You don't have a shred of proof."

"Yet," Xavier replied with a casual shrug. "But we will."

Gerald took a step closer, fists clenched like he was two seconds from throwing a punch.

Before he could say another word, Maria glided in, her expression serene.

"Gerald, please," she said, gently placing a hand on his arm. "Let's not be rude to our guests. Xavier is your son—and Rachel is your daughter-in-law."

Guests? Son? Daughter-in-law?

I blinked. What is going on?

Maria never played nice. Something was off. Way off.

Xavier didn't look convinced either. "Since when do you roll out the red carpet for us?"

Maria laughed lightly, brushing off the tension. "Don't be so dramatic, Xavier. Rachel, sweetheart, why don't you both come inside?"

I exchanged a wary glance with Xavier, and though neither of us trusted her for a second, we followed her into the mansion.

The butler brought drinks. I took a cautious sip, never taking my eyes off Maria. She was planning something. I could feel it.

Then, right on cue, she turned to me with that polished, unreadable smile. "Rachel, would you mind giving Xavier and me a moment alone?"

Xavier's frown was immediate. "Anything you want to say, you can say in front of Rachel."

Maria waved a hand like it was nothing. "It's just a harmless little chat."

Before we could shut that down again, Susan strolled in, wearing a smug grin.

"I'll keep Rachel company," she said brightly. "We'll take a walk—catch up on old times."

I stiffened. "No, thank you."

Susan laughed and hooked her arm through mine before I could pull away. "Come on. Don't be so cold."

I shot Xavier a last look—one that said I hate this—and he gave me one in return: Me too. But we both knew how this game worked.

Susan led me through the mansion and out into the garden. As soon as we were alone, I yanked my arm free.

"Alright, Susan," I said, folding my arms. "What do you want?"

She tilted her head with mock innocence. "Why do you always assume I want something?"

I snorted. "Because you always do."

She sighed like I was the exhausting one. "If I'm mean, you complain. If I'm nice, you still complain. You should pick a lane."

"Drop the act," I said flatly. "What's your angle this time?"

Her lips curled into a slow, sly smile. "You'll find out soon enough."

I rolled my eyes and pulled something from my purse—a gold-plated wedding invitation. I held it out to her and watched her smile freeze.

"I actually came here for something important," I said sweetly. "Wanted to personally invite you to our big wedding. Xavier and I are tying the knot. Again."

Susan took the invitation, fingers tightening around it until her knuckles turned white. "How lovely," she said through gritted teeth.

I tilted my head, feigning curiosity. "So, when are you and Michael finally getting married? After the baby arrives?" I paused, then added innocently, "Assuming you're even pregnant."

Her whole body went rigid. Her eyes darkened, flashing something sharp.

"Don't say things you know nothing about," she snapped.

I leaned in, voice low. "Struck a nerve, huh?"

Her mouth opened to retort—but suddenly, the world tilted.

I blinked, trying to focus. The garden blurred. My head spun. My legs wobbled beneath me.

Susan's voice was distant now. "Rachel? Are you okay?"

I tried to answer. Couldn't.

The dizziness hit harder. Everything spun.

And then—

Darkness.