The Real Heiress Rules the World (Sloane Rivers) novel Chapter 98

Chapter 98 The Houston Family Banquet

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Madam Rivers snorted, slamming her cane hard against the floor. “Care? What you’re doing is abuse! Can’t bear to part with her? You were about to starve her in the attic. If I hadn’t come today, you’d have driven her to death.”

Marshall shot a look at Helen and nudged her forward.

Helen caught on, her eyes misting up as she stepped into her role. “You’re right, Ma’am. We were wrong. We’ll change, truly. Sloane is our biological daughter–blood is thicker than water. She belongs with us. Thank you for caring so much.”

Samantha, still stewing with jealousy, knew better than to let Sloane leave with the main family. She burst into fake tears. “Please don’t go! I’ll give up everything—I just want us to live peacefully as a family.”

Standing in the center of it all, Sloane watched this ridiculous tug–of–war–two sides acting out their selfish little dramas, each driven by personal interest. Her heart was filled with nothing but contempt.

She turned and looked first at Madam Rivers, then at Marshall and Helen. Finally, she broke the silence. “Enough. This is my life. I’ll decide what happens with it.”

Madam Rivers immediately leaned forward, hope gleaming in her eyes. “Sloane, listen to me. The main family has the best resources. We can give you the life you deserve—and no one will dare lay a finger on you again.”

Marshall panicked. “Sloane, sweetheart, tell me you’re staying here with us. You’re not going anywhere.”

Sloane’s heart was cold. She saw right through all of them. This wasn’t love–it was greed in disguise. But what exactly was Madam Rivers after?

After a brief pause, Sloane looked at Madam Rivers with a gentle–yet distant–smile. “I appreciate the offer, Grandma. I’ll come visit when I have time.”

A flicker of disappointment crossed the old woman’s face, but she quickly masked it with a warm smile, “Of course. No pressure. The main family will always welcome you.”

She raised a hand, and one of the bodyguards stepped forward carrying several ornate gift boxes. Inside were the latest luxury designer pieces, rare gemstones, and priceless accessories.

Marshall and Helen paled. They stared, wide–eyed, as the gifts were unveiled. The main family was clearly going all out. What did they see in Sloane that was worth all this?

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7:59 Thu, Sep 4

Chapter 98 The Houston Family Banquet

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Madam Rivers gently patted Sloane’s hand, eyes soft yet full of intent. “These are all gifts from Grandma to you.”

Then her tone shifted, suddenly bright with excitement. “By the way, Sloane, the Houston family’s annual banquet is coming up. You’ve heard of it, haven’t you? Only Stonebridge’s most elite families receive invitations. Politicians, business tycoons–everyone who’s anyone will be there.”

She smiled meaningfully. “The main family received three invitations this year. Come with me. It’s a good chance for you to broaden your horizons.”

Sloane was genuinely surprised. No one in Stonebridge didn’t know about the Houston banquet–it was the ultimate power stage. With only three slots for the entire Rivers main house, even the most accomplished descendants had to fight tooth and nail for a seat.

And Madam Rivers was offering one to her?

Something wasn’t right.

Marshall and Helen’s expressions turned a sickly mix of red and green. Helen muttered under her breath, “She’s taking that country girl? When Samantha tried everything to win her favor, she didn’t even get a handshake. Now this mutt gets it all handed to her. Unbelievable.”

Samantha’s face went pale, then flushed red with fury. Her jealousy burned like acid in her chest.

Even Adrian, who had only recently earned the main family’s recognition after years of climbing the legal world, couldn’t contain his frustration. A chance like this going to Sloane- someone they’d spent years dismissing—was a slap in the face.

Sloane saw it all. The hatred. The envy. The forced smiles.

And she smiled right back, perfectly poised. “Thank you, Grandma. I’d love to.”

Madam Rivers beamed, eyes nearly disappearing into her smile, “Then it’s settled.”

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