She’s Back, and Hell’s Coming with Her novel Chapter 32

The third card hit the table, and Samuel couldn’t hold back any longer. He flipped his cards open before anyone else had the chance.

The lights dimmed; the music hovered on the edge of crescendo.

A grin, brimming with invincibility, stretched across his face—even his hair seemed to bristle with pride as he revealed his hand: three aces.

Everyone in the room was sure it was over.

Then the camera panned to the girl sitting across from him.

On the big screen, every subtle shift in her expression was crystal clear.

Yet, even as she saw Samuel’s three aces, her face remained utterly composed—no hint of disappointment, no sign of surprise.

Down in the audience, Faye’s mind went blank with disbelief.

Samuel’s triple aces meant certain victory.

She braced herself, ready to call for medical help the very instant it was needed—she had to keep Sabrina safe.

She hadn’t even told her daughter the news yet.

Bryce gripped the edge of his chair, teeth clenched so hard his jaw ached.

No way.

It couldn’t end like this—so ruthlessly!

Three aces?

He silently mourned for the brilliant young woman he barely knew.

Then, just as the tension peaked—

Sabrina shook her head, a hint of regret in her eyes.

But then, a soft smile tugged at her lips as she flipped her cards with a graceful, practiced hand.

A straight flush.

The room exploded—cheers, applause, the sound of hands slapping tables in disbelief and delight.

Sabrina stood, calm and unruffled.

The result was a shock—Sabrina had actually won. She’d beaten Samuel.

“Samuel, thank you for letting me win.”

Samuel felt as if he’d just been thrown from the highest roller coaster. Wave after wave of disbelief crashed through him.

He… lost?

Just like that?

And he’d lost to a girl barely out of her teens?

He’d hoped to get the information he needed as quickly as possible.

But Sabrina, not missing a beat, reminded him of their wager—he’d have to pay up, and soon.

Samuel was nothing if not straightforward. After a moment’s pause, he laughed, accepting defeat with good humor.

“Ha! Ms. Sutton, I’m impressed. Don’t worry, I want to find that person as much as you do.”

…

Pulling out her phone, she dialed Nick, ready to head home.

…

The following evening.

Sabrina was at her desk, reviewing some documents.

A knock sounded at the door.

She quickly tucked the papers away and sat, her back to the door.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and Celine entered—a room that once had been hers.

Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the space with light.

An expensive sofa sat beneath a wall lined with elegant decor—every item in the room had once belonged to her.

Sabrina now lounged in the recliner by the window, looking as relaxed as if she’d always been there.

That chair was custom-made by her mother, Celine’s old favorite spot.

Now it was all Sabrina’s. The sight made Celine’s heart ache with envy and loss.

She swore she’d reclaim everything—she would restore what was rightfully hers.

Taking a deep breath, she smoothed her features into a sugary smile and walked toward Sabrina.

“Sabrina, I have a friend’s birthday party tomorrow. She’d love to meet you—and it could be a great chance for you to get to know some people. What do you think?”