HER QUEST FOR REVENGE

Isabella stepped out of the plane. She stared at the country she left years ago and sighed, slipping on her sunglasses. A car was already waiting for her. She got in silently and was driven to her house. --- “Look who we have here — my stepsister,” Angela said as Isabella walked in with her luggage. “Isabel,” her mother called, reaching to hug her. “Please step back,” Isabella said coldly. “Mom, what a stone-hearted daughter you have,” Angela scoffed.lounging on the couch. “It’s been five years, yet she hasn’t moved on.” “Angela, watch the way you speak to your elder sister,” Mr. Roland said, walking in. “Step-sister,” Angela corrected with a smirk. “Uncle,” Isabella curtsied slightly, offering Mr. Roland a polite smile. “Welcome back. You’ve changed so much. I barely recognize you,” Mr. Roland said. Isabella forced a smile. “Go take a shower and come down for dinner,” Mrs. Roland said.gently. Without a word, Isabella dragged her luggage upstairs, her face hard and unreadable. “Angela, go help your sister with her belongings,” Mr. Roland instructed. “Dad, she can—” Angela began. “Don’t make me repeat myself,” Mr. Roland warned. Reluctantly, Angela got up and followed Isabella to her room. ** Isabella sat on her bed, lost in thought. Memories came rushing in, each one more painful than the last. She stood up just as the door opened. Angela stepped in. “Get out,” Isabella said coldly. “You wish. If it wasn’t Dad who forced me, I wouldn’t even bother lowering myself to your level,” Angela sneered. Isabella laughed bitterly. “Are we talking about ‘low’ now? Five years ago, you stooped so low you seduced my fiancé. Shall I continue?” Angela rolled her eyes. “I thought you moved on. Besides, my wedding is in two weeks. Isn’t that why you’re back?” Isabella’s hands tightened around her clothes. Without another word, she shoved Angela out and slammed the door in her face. ***At the dinning table** At the dining table, the air was tense. “Dad, Mom, Raymond and his parents will be coming for dinner tomorrow,” Angela said sweetly, shooting a glance at Isabella — who continued eating, completely unbothered. “Okay,” Mr. Roland said, wiping his mouth. “I have something to announce. I’m retiring.” “But why, Dad?” Angela asked, frowning. “Honey, I thought you said the company isn’t doing well recently,” Mrs. Roland added, concerned. Mr. Roland nodded. “The company’s largest shareholder is back from the UK. She is now the new CEO. So I’m retiring… but I’m still one of the shareholders.” Angela’s eyes widened. “Wait… Dad, you sold the company shares?” “If I hadn’t, the company would have gone bankrupt,” Mr. Roland explained calmly. “The new CEO offered a very good price — enough to keep us stable for years. And like I said, I still hold shares, so the company isn’t completely gone.” Angela stood abruptly, her voice rising. “Dad, you promised to will that company to me. And now this?!” “Angela, calm down,” Mrs. Roland said gently. “You know if your dad had another choice, he wouldn’t do this.” Angela turned to her mother, eyes filled with disbelief. “Mom… even you?” Without waiting for an answer, she stormed off. “I’ll talk to her,” Mrs. Roland said, getting up to follow her daughter. Isabella shook her head and sighed, then calmly lifted her glass of water and continued eating.