Return of the Crowned Heiress novel Chapter 203

But Kayla had no other choice.

For now, Shawn was the best tool at her disposal. Desperate and cornered, he could be wielded like a blade.

She tossed the bundle of cash—100 thousand—onto the sand at Shawn's feet. With a cunning tone, she coaxed, "Look at yourself. How are you any different from a rat scurrying through the gutter? Don't forget who ruined your life—Felicia!"

"This money is yours," she continued, her voice dripping with manipulation. "But remember, this isn't just for me. It's for you. Your right hand is useless now. Your debts are piling up, and I'm the only one who could give you a helping hand in times like this."

Shawn wasn't listening anymore. He was on the ground, clutching the bills like a lifeline, his eyes wild with greed.

"Do you hear me?" Kayla snapped impatiently.

"Yes, I heard you!" He finally looked up, his face twisted with rage. "Don't worry, I won't let Felicia get away this time. Even if it kills me, I'll drag that brat to hell with me!"

The venom in his voice pleased Kayla. She allowed herself a satisfied smirk.

Kayla had outplayed Felicia yet again. The pawn Felicia thought would drain Kayla dry was now her sharpened and ready weapon.

"Good. Don't disappoint me."

Feeling triumphant, Kayla didn't notice the shadowy figures lurking just beyond the beach, hidden in the pitch-black darkness.

Lance and his three lackeys were crouched in silence, their eyes fixed on Shawn.

Lance wasn't just any thug. Protected by the powerful Chavez family, he operated in the gray areas of society, excelling in loan sharking and ruthless debt collection. His methods were as varied as they were brutal.

Shawn might have thought he was hidden, but Lance had been tracking him all along. The only reason Shawn wasn't already a bloody mess was because Felicia had specifically instructed Lance to keep tabs on him and not to act. At least not yet.

One of Lance's men whispered, "Mr. Thompson, isn't that Kayla? Shawn's sister? What's she doing here?"

Lance shot him a sharp look. "How would I know?"

Pulling out his phone, Lance suddenly switched gears. The hard-edged man transformed in an instant, donning a syrupy, servile tone that made his lackeys do a double-take.