Reborn, She's Back for Revenge novel Chapter 109

Chapter 109

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It was just past ten at night, and all the Lovett kids were buried in their homework, while Karen sprawled on the sofa downstairs, chatting away on the phone.

After the Crawford family’s drama, Karen’s beauty salon had opened late, which cost her a bunch of clients. Now she was dialing them up one by one, trying to win them back.

On a phone call, she said, “Mrs. Zeller, don’t be so distant. With the friendship we have, how could I ever take your money? This membership card–it’s my treat. Drop by the salon whenever you like, all right?”

On another call, she said, “Mrs. Peverell, didn’t you say you wanted that anti–wrinkle treatment? I went the extra mile and got the latest equipment shipped in just for you.”

Karen kept her smile glued on as she worked her way through the client list.

At first, the salon was just something to keep Karen busy. Hallie had grown up now, and Karen didn’t want to sit around doing nothing all day.

But now, the salon was her lifeline. She had to make it work, no matter what. She wasn’t about to let Vincent control her life again.

Just as Karen hung up and was about to dial the next number, Dallas hurried in and reported, “Mrs. Lovett, Mr. Larson is at the door.”

The Lovett and Larson families lived in the same upscale neighborhood, so when someone as important as Marcus showed up, word got around fast.

Besides, Marcus had given a public speech at Sunspire High School, so folks who kept an eye on the Larsons all recognized his face.

Karen jumped up from the sofa and hurried to the living room entrance. Through the iron gate, she spotted the man standing outside–no doubt about it, that was Marcus.

Once, Karen had deliberately driven past the Larson Residence and caught Stella practically walking on eggshells around Marcus, as if terrified of offending him.

Karen had no idea what things were like for the Larsons back in Bonrea, but one thing was sure: Marcus was no ordinary man.

No matter why Marcus had come knocking at the Lovett Manor this late, she wasn’t about to let this chance slip by. She grabbed a jacket and went out to greet him in person.

Dodo was wandering restlessly outside the entrance of Lovett Manor. He’d planned to climb the tree again and sneak into Edith’s room, just like last time.

But tonight, for some reason, there were servants scrubbing carpets under the tree. He wanted to barge inside, but the thought of getting thrown out made him hesitate.

Just then, Karen stepped out of the house.

Dodo’s eyes widened in fear, and he instinctively turned to run.

“Mr. Larson,” Karen called out, her face lighting up with a bright smile as she walked over. She said, “You’ve already come all this way, why not come inside and make yourself comfortable?”

Her smile was as warm as sunshine, and she made sure her attitude was as humble as could be.

Dodo, about to take off, came to a halt. People were always calling him “Mr. Larson” no matter how many times he’d tried to set them straight.

Hearing Karen call him that, he thought, ‘Guess I’ll just be Mr. Larson for now. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to get in.

He said nothing and simply walked into the Lovett Manor. There wasn’t a hint of expression on his face, giving off an unfathomable, mysterious vibe.

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07:24 Tue, 2 Sept A

Chapter 109

985%

Word on the street was that Larry’s father was basically exiled to Sunspire because he couldn’t get his act together, and as for the Larson clan, everyone said the entire estate was set aside for Marcus.

In other words, Marcus held way more sway than Larry’s branch of the family.

Karen thought, ‘Who cares if Edith’s getting close to Larry? As long as I cozy up to Marcus, the Larson family’s support is basically in the bag.’

A keen glint flashed in her eyes as she asked, “Mr. Larson, do you prefer juice or coffee?”

Dódo was really getting fed up–no matter where he went, Karen just wouldn’t leave him alone and kept tagging along at his heels. He abruptly stopped and, in a calm but warning tone, said, “Don’t follow me.”

Karen’s smile froze for a moment. She grumbled inwardly, ‘Seriously, how is this following him? I’m just doing my job as the hostess here. If I don’t make sure the guest is taken care of, wouldn’t that just be rude?‘

“I’m going to see Edith,” Dodo muttered, dropping his voice so low it sounded as though every word was forced through clenched teeth.

To Karen, his voice just sounded off–almost impatient, maybe even a little annoyed. But she couldn’t be bothered to figure out his weird attitude or impatience; she just stared in disbelief and blurted out, “You’re here to see Edith?”

Dodo nodded and said, “Yeah.” With that, he strode upstairs, heading straight to the third floor and stopping at Edith’s bedroom door like he’d done it a hundred times before.

Karen was in total shock. She thought, ‘Larry is close to Edith. Stella always sticks up for Edith. And now, Marcus has.come all the way here at this hour just to see Edith.

‘What the hell does that little bitch have that makes the whole Larson family treat her like she’s royalty?‘

Hearing the noise, Gavin came out of the guest room and asked, “Aunt Karen, who was that guy just now? Seriously, who does he think he is, acting all high and mighty here?”

He caught sight of Dodo heading straight into Edith’s room and got anxious. He exclaimed, “Wait, Aunt Karen, don’t tell me that guy’s Edith’s boyfriend or something?”

“No freaking way,” Karen blurted out, completely thrown off by the idea. She thought, ‘Sure, Edith might’ve managed to string Larry along–he’s still young and clueless, easily taken in by her scheming games.

‘But Marcus is in his twenties, not the sort to get duped by someone like Edith. So what does he want with her, showing up at this hour?

Karen narrowed her eyes, scheming. She then said, “Gavin, go get yourself looking sharp. In a bit, head over to Edith’s room and keep her company.”

Gavin immediately agreed, dashing back to his room to work on his hair and pick out a fresh outfit.

Up on the third floor, Edith was buried in her schoolwork, scribbling away at a practice test. Suddenly, she heard the door creak open.

Dallas always knocked before coming in, and Karen or Hallie wouldn’t barge in without asking. So she figured it was probably Zachary or maybe Lucas.

Without looking up, she said flatly, “You done with your homework?” She waited for an answer, but the silence stretched on. She glanced up and found a man standing right in the doorway.

The door was already closed. Dodo lingered just behind it, watching Edith from the shadows. His gaze was fathomless, as if he were searching her for some trace of innocence glimmering beneath all that mystery.

Edith recognized him at once. Her pen clattered to the floor as she jumped up and rushed over. She blurted out, “Dodo? What are you doing here?” She swung the door open and scanned the hallway–nobody in sight. She pressed, “How did you even sneak in? Did anyone catch you?” Dodo huffed, turning his head away with his lips pushed out in a dramatic pout, making it clear he wasn’t in the mood to be messed with.

07:24

Tue, 2 Sept

Chapter 109

Edith just sighed, shaking her head in resignation.

She remembered it perfectly–just a couple of nights ago, right here in this room, Marcus had been deadly serious when he told her, if his other personality ever showed up at the Lovett Manor again, she was supposed to toss him out without hesitation.

Edith thought, ‘If only Marcus knew what a nightmare his other personality is to deal with.

Dodo huffed again. He then turned away and pressed his forehead to the door, tracing idle circles with his finger like a sulky kid.

Edith was completely out of patience, but she still tried to coax him gently. She asked, “Dodo, why are you upset?” She barely got the question out before Dodo’s eyes turned red and teary.

Dodo fixed Edith with a wounded, accusing look. He asked, “Didi, do you not like me anymore? Do you hate me now?”