Reborn to Burn Them All novel Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The slaps rang out sharper than Heather’s earlier strike. Sophia’s palms stung from the impact, but a twisted smile of satisfaction curled on her lips.

The resounding cracks shocked everyone into silence. The bustling area froze–no one could believe Sophia would strike Yvette in front of her own family and their elite guests.

Heather’s hand flew to her mouth. “How dare you!” she shrieked, voice trembling with fury.

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“Sophia!” Howard, who was standing nearest to Sophia, charged at her like a bull. “You’ll pay for this!”

Sophia just smiled, grabbed Howard’s wrist, and twisted hard. A well- placed kick sent him sprawling into the pool with an undignified splash.

When Sean Chandler and Elliot Chandler rushed to help, Sophia dispatched them just as easily—two more splashes, two more Chandler heirs floundering in the water. The refined garden party descended into

bedlam.

“Have you lost your mind?” Heather yelled at Sophia, no longer caring about keeping up appearances. The whole party watched as the Chandlers‘ perfect image collapsed.

Sophia watched the brothers thrash like waterlogged cats, her amusement growing with their frantic movements.

Then–white–hot pain exploded at the base of her skull. Her fingers came away stained crimson when she touched the wound. A few seconds later, a hollow laugh escaped her.

“Lost my mind?” she muttered, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, Mother, I’ve never been clearer in my life.”

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20

Chapter 2

She knew exactly how this story would play out. No matter how hard she tried to avoid her fate or how many chances she got, death always won.

She was done pretending to be nice. Anger and rage were behind her now –she was ready to destroy this entire family along with herself.

But destroying this family wasn’t enough. She’d take everyone’s happiness down with hers.

Sophia turned to face the three elegantly dressed wealthy women behind

her.

One of them had tripped Sophia, sending her crashing into the flower bed. Too bad for that woman–Sophia always repaid her debts.

The three wealthy women shuddered at Sophia’s eerie smile–it looked unnatural, like something from a nightmare. Even in daylight, it sent chills down their spines.

“Wh–what do you want?” they stammered, gripping each other’s hands nervously.

Sophia’s eyes dropped to their feet before locking onto one woman with a smirk. “Mrs. Shelton, you were just pitying Yvette, weren’t you?” Her grin grew sharper. “But honestly, you’re the real pitiful one here.”

The woman named Vicky Shelton burst out laughing, and the others quickly joined in.

“Everyone knows Mr. Shelton adores his wife. He’s the model husband- no affairs, no scandals.”

“While other men network at parties, he’s always home by ten. That’s why everyone knows Mr. Shelton as the most devoted husband.”

“Mrs. Shelton’s been spoiled by him for twenty years. Her in–laws treat her like their own daughter, and her kids are perfect. Really, who on earth could be more fortunate than her?”

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Chapter 2

“To call Mrs. Shelton pitiful is laughable. Sophia’s clearly not thinking straight.”

Sophia studied Vicky’s smug, satisfied expression. “Are those kids really yours?” she challenged. “And is Mr. Shelton completely faithful?”

Vicky’s smile vanished, her face turning ghostly pale. That secret was supposed to be safe between her and her husband–those children weren’t hers. Yet somehow, Sophia knew.

A surge of panic hit Vicky, but she quickly regained control. She glanced suspiciously at Heather, questioning whether she’d been set up.

Before Vicky could speak, Sophia cut in. “Funny, Mr. Shelton isn’t here today. Any idea where he might be?”

Vicky started to snap back, but Sophia’s knowing smirk stopped her cold. Her breath caught for just a second before she forced out a light reply. “Oh, my husband’s away on business. He couldn’t make it today.”

Vicky shifted gears, dropping her voice to a faux–concerned murmur. “Sophia, I understand you’re jealous of how much your family loves your sister. But after everything she’s been through, can’t you try to be kinder?”

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The brothers immediately fell silent, recognizing the threat in her glare.

Then suddenly, Sophia’s expression shifted to a chilling smile. She turned to Vicky, who stood frozen with clenched fists and a ghost–white face.

Leaning close, Sophia murmured an address into Vicky’s ear, her voice just loud enough for Vicky to hear. “Your husband isn’t on a business trip. If you leave now, you might catch him with your children and their real mother.”

She added with a smirk, “Today’s that woman’s birthday. They even took a

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Chapter 2

C’s

happy family photo together–the perfect, cute little family.”

Vicky’s head spun. “Nonsense,” she said, her voice trembling.

Sophia simply shrugged. “Up to you whether you believe me.”

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Vicky felt a pang of panic under Sophia’s pitying gaze. ‘He adores me, and our children love me. This can’t be true,‘ she told herself. Yet her feet carried her toward the exit anyway.

As Vicky hurried away, the guests exchanged curious glances, completely baffled by what had just happened.

With Vicky gone, the two remaining society ladies grew visibly nervous under Sophia’s gaze.

As they tried to slip away, Sophia caught one by the arm. “Mrs. Lynn, why the sudden rush?”

Teresa Lynn stuttered, “I-”

Sophia smiled sweetly. “You praised Yvette as Halinston University’s top student and this year’s highest–scoring STEM graduate. Does that mean you already know about your son’s cheating scandal?”

Teresa gasped, while the crowd murmured in confusion, “Cheating scandal?”

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