Chapter 6: “Let the Game Begin”

Renee’s POV

I was halfway through my meal when Lydia’s hurried footsteps echoed into the dining room. Her face was exhausted but her eyes wide with urgency.

“Ma’am Renee… you need to see this.”

She snatched the remote from the table and turned on the television. Making the screen come to life, and instantly Clark’s photo caught my eyes as it stood beside a reporter.

“Fast-rising Hockey Star Clark Wayne has tested positive for enhancement drugs and has been placed on a temporary ban…”

A sweet smile crept up my lips at the news.. The reporter’s words rolled out like sweet music to my ears.

Then the camera cut to the Hockey Headquarters. Where Clark had appeared, his head lowered and his coach at his side. Reporters swarmed, shoving microphones, hurling questions, and flashing cameras.

I had made sure to pay Channels 12 news reporter to make it hotter for him as he began bombarding him with series of questions

“Mr Clark, were you under the influence when you punched that man at a club? Are you like an addict? Seeing that you’ve lost the opportunity to play against the biggest club in the entire team, how do you feel…?”

At that final question I saw Clark lose it. For a split second I adjusted myself in a bid to watch him fight on national tv but I saw his coach grip him tight then in seconds security appeared to intervene, pushing them away so Clark could slip into a waiting car.

A slow, wicked smile tugged at my lips.

“Well done George… “ I whispered a compliment to myself for the reporter.

From behind me, a cold voice drifted down the stairs.

“I guess you’ve gotten your revenge after all.”

I didn’t even flinch. I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head.

“Oh, my darling Drew… you call this revenge? This is just the tip of the iceberg. I’m just getting started.”

By the time I looked up, Andrew was already by the dining head chair, one hand resting on its carved top, the other buried deep in his pocket. His gaze burned into me, sharp and serious.

“What more damage could you possibly inflict on him?” he asked.

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms against my chest.

“You’ll just have to sit back and watch the drama unfold, honey.”

Turning to Lydia, I ordered, “Ask the driver to get the car ready in ten minutes. And I want the full report on Clark’s ban before the day ends.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Lydia bowed and dashed out.

When I looked back, Andrew hadn’t moved. He was still watching me, his jaw tight, his eyes laced with something unreadable. I stood, pushing my chair back with a soft scrape, and sauntered to him. My body pressed against his as I looped my arms around his neck.

“Why the gloomy look?” I teased, my voice low and smooth.

His hands instinctively slipped around my waist, steadying me. His voice, however, was heavy.

“I’m scared for you, baby.”

I stilled, my arms loosening. That wasn’t what I expected.

“Scared for me? Why?”

He cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin. His eyes locked on mine.

“I’m scared that in the course of your revenge, you’ll end up losing yourself. And trust me, Renee, there’s no redemption from that path. You’re lucky to be alive. You’ve reclaimed your place as the Collins heiress. We’re engaged, set to be married soon. Why not let go of revenge and focus on us?”

My breath caught. Then, like ice snapping, I pulled his hand from my face and stepped back.

“You didn’t mean that… right?”

But his silence said everything. The sudden shift in his eyes betrayed the truth he was hesitating to speak… he meant every word.

Rage flared hot in my chest.

“How could you suggest that Alex? Did you forget all he did to me? I spent two fucking  years carrying his burdens… slaving for him and his mother, cooking and even feeding his mistress under the disguise of friendship. He left me to burn alive. I spent a year in a coma, another year in therapy, countless surgeries just to fix the burns from that night. I lost my child and my womb because of that bastard… And you want me to accept a measly ban as revenge? Are you fucking kidding me?”

Before Andrew could respond, another voice entered the room.

“It is for your own good, Renee.”

I turned sharply. My father.. Thomas Collins… stood in the doorway, his expression solemn, his tone calm.

“You are a wonderful girl, and God has granted you a second chance at life,” he said. “Please don’t spend it chasing revenge. Nothing good ever comes out of it, my child.”

Shock slammed into me, heavier than any words. My gaze bounced between Alex and my father. My own fiancé. My own blood. Both against me.

“You too, Dad?” My voice cracked, but he stayed silent.

That silence hardened me.

“Fine,” I spat. “If you’re both going to turn on me now, then I’ll do this alone. And let me make something very clear… I will make Clark beg for death. And not even his death will be enough to atone for what he did to me. I dare any of you to stand in my way.”

Grabbing a towel from the table, I wiped my mouth and slammed it down with finality. My glare lingered on them one last time before I stormed out, snatching my handbag from the side table. The door rattled as I slammed it shut behind me.

The driver was already waiting. I slipped into the backseat, exhaling hard. My phone buzzed… a message from Lydia.

She’s headed to Mary’s Daycare Center… the plan is in full motion.

A cold, satisfied smile curled my lips. I slid my sunglasses over my eyes.

“Mary’s Daycare Center,” I instructed.

“Yes, ma’am,” the driver replied as the car pulled away from the estate.

Leaning back into the leather seat, I whispered to myself,

“Let the game begin.”