Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 582

Helene picked up Claire’s call right away.

“How did it go?” Claire asked.

“I told Julian everything,” Helene said, her voice tight. “But he doesn’t believe me.”

Claire had seen that coming. Just a few words from Helene weren’t going to convince Julian so easily. Still, a little doubt must have crept in. At the very least, she’d planted a seed. Now, Claire just needed to help it grow until Julian saw the whole truth for himself.

She reached up and touched her face, her fingertips gentle. The story she’d told about the car accident was real. The accident had happened with Brian. She’d been in the car and remembered every second of it. She remembered watching Brian trapped inside, the flames closing in. She’d seen him die, and she could never forget it.

Claire closed her eyes hard and curled her hands into fists. For so many nights, all she had to do was close her eyes and the memories would come rushing back. Fear, regret, pain—it all came crashing in, every single time.

Helene must have sensed the silence. “What if Julian never believes it? Why aren’t you saying anything?” she pressed, anxious.

Claire opened her eyes, a sharp glint shining through. “It doesn’t matter if he believes it or not,” she said, her voice icy. “I never expected him to. All I need is for him to start doubting. That’s enough. You did well. For now, there’s nothing else for you to do. I’m hanging up.”

“Wait!”

“What is it?”

“You told me you’d take care of Madeline soon. When is that going to happen?” Helene’s hatred for Madeline was written all over her tone. She wanted her out of the picture as soon as possible.

“Don’t rush me,” Claire replied, her voice low and calm. “It’ll happen when the time is right. If you want her gone, just follow my instructions. Do exactly what I say, when I say it. Can you handle that?”

Helene would do anything if it meant getting rid of Madeline. Following orders was a small price to pay. “I can do it.”

As long as Madeline was gone, Helene would have another chance to get close to Julian, to be with him, to finally become Mrs. Grayson. She was desperate for that day to come.

Claire smiled, the expression barely there. “I’ll contact you if I need something. Don’t call me unless it’s absolutely necessary. The more we talk, the more risk there is. And about my identity—”

“I won’t tell anyone. Not a word,” Helene promised.

They were driving the Monroes out. That realization sent a jolt of panic through her. She still needed the Monroe family for her plans. Without thinking, she hurried out of the room. Outside, the elders had gathered, and so had Brendan and Sam.

“What’s going on here?” Claire demanded.

“Madeline, they’re throwing us out,” Drew said, rushing to her side, his face full of worry.

The Monroes had been living off the Ballard family’s wealth, eating their food, using their things. Everything here was the best, and naturally, they didn’t want to leave.

“What’s happened? Why are you making them leave? They’re my family,” Claire pleaded, looking from face to face.

Before Maxwell could reply, Brendan cut in with a mocking smile. “Wrong. They’re your family, not ours. Your identity is already under suspicion, and the Monroes have been freeloading off the Ballard family for long enough. It’s time for them to go back where they came from. Or do you want them squatting here forever?”

“That’s ridiculous! My daughter is Ms. Ballard. There’s nothing suspicious about us. I’m Madeline’s family, and I was Shelly’s husband. She was the head of the Ballard family. As her husband, I have every right to live here. What’s wrong with that?” Drew shot back, angry and defensive.

Brendan rolled his eyes. “Give me a break. You cheated on my sister, had a kid with your mistress, and then brought her into our home like nothing happened. And you have the nerve to call yourself my sister’s husband?” His voice dripped with contempt.