The Heiress Revenge

Six

Elaine

In my first life, tonight was supposed to be the dinner after my wedding with Edward. I remembered being beyond happy and hellbent on pleasing his family. I decided to give the maids and cook a three-day break so Edward and I would have a little privacy before we went for our honeymoon I had planned in a private island resort. I ordered this before I was transported to my wedding day.

"What was I even thinking to chase the maids and cook?" I washed the lobsters and crabs, sweat pouring down my face.

I heard a footstep enter the kitchen, and I didn't have to raise my head to know who it was.

Jane.

I might have changed certain events, but it remained the same. Similar events played out, and I could predict it.

"Being in the kitchen fits you. You will make a good wife." She 'complimented'

I could hear the spite in her voice. This was her dream, not mine. I have always been ambitious and readied myself to oversee and manage my family wealth. The first mistake I made was giving it all to Edward by reducing myself, so I wouldn't make him look small and pathetic.

"You think so." I entertained her pathetic try at a conversation.

"Edward is a lucky man." She smiled, but all I could think about was the image I caught of them in the directory. What were they looking for? "Let's make different dishes so you don't get overwhelmed."

My past self mistook this as a kind offer to help, but I'll find out later my meal was saltier than the sea. Previously, I never wanted to believe it was her doing, but now I am certain it was her. I don't intend to impress Edward and his family, but I definitely won't let Jane humiliate me.

I set my meal aside, aware I would have to throw it away later on. I won't act wary of her like I knew her intent.

Once I left, I made an order for the same meal and waited for it to arrive. I returned to the kitchen after Jane had left and tasted the soup; it was as salty as I predicted. I poured the contents down the sink and switched the meal.

I walked to the pasta she made and returned the favor.

***

Edward arrived with his parents, and the next minute, Grandmother arrived.

"Grandma!" I ran to her and hugged her. It was always a pleasure to see her.

"Elaine, how are you doing? You look lovely." She cooed.

I ignored Edward's parents; his mother had her signature distasteful look. They were led to the dining table, and we settled down. Edward sat opposite me with his parents, and Jane was sitting beside me with a grandmother on my right side.

Edward exchanged quick glances with Jane; I acted oblivious and plated my food, avoiding Jane's pasta.

Edward's mother cleared her throat. "I'm pleased you made these meals yourself, you will make the perfect wife. You at home while Edward manages the company is the ideal." She chuckled; her husband chuckled along with her.

"I agree. People have so many things to say these days. We hope you won't prove them right, our dear Elaine," Edward's father said.

Grandmother cleared her throat, clearly displeased with the direction of the conversation. I was particularly embarrassed I had agreed to all this in my first life. "My granddaughter will remain at the helm of affairs of the company; that's her right. Your son getting married to her won't change that," she said firmly.

"Of course, I don't intend to change that. Elaine has been in charge of things recently," Edward inputted, a bit embarrassed by his parents' zealousness.

I tried to play the docile-in-love Elaine, "Grandmother, that wasn't necessary to say. I am sure Edward will be an excellent replacement if I decide to stay back and let him lead. I love Edward and trust him."

Edward's parents beamed brightly at my words.

"You'll both make a beautiful couple," Jane commented, forcing a smile.

"Can't the wedding be sooner? Two months is a bit too far", his father said..

I shook my head. "Sadly not, but there are lots of arrangements to be made, and I want my wedding to be the talk of the country. dward will be the shine of it all."

"Honey, I agree with her. Everyone needs to know the beautiful Elaine Gregory is getting married to our dear son. I'll help with the arrangement if you need help." She beamed at me.

Edward noticed Jane's sullen expression because the discussion was directed at our marriage, so he quickly changed the topic, "Let's have our meals; it shouldn't get cold. Elaine made the lobster soup dip and her sister, Jane, helped with the pasta"

Jane beamed and walked over to their side in a bid to impress Edward and her parents. "I'll help you dish it out."

I dished out my soup to Grandmother, "Have this."

"I am sure it tastes splendid," she said. Not sure my original meal will beat a five-star restaurant, but sure it will taste splendid.

"Jane cooks well too." Edward, as usual, complimented her to boost her ego.

I chewed on the soft lobster meat and raised my head. "Jane's culinary skills reign supreme. I am sure her pasta tastes..."

I was cut off by Edward's mother, spitting out the spoon of pasta she put in her mouth. Jane appeared horrified by the reaction.

"What's wrong?" she asks.

"Do you wish to have us dead?" his mother spat out angrily.

"Why would I wish that?" She gasped, horrified.

"Have a taste yourself!" She pushed the plate away. Her husband had a similar reaction and spat his mouthful into a tissue.

Edward had a taste and pushed the plate away.

Jane had a taste quickly, her expression anxious. She gasped, "How come it's so salty?"

"Let me see." I pretended to taste and gasped.

"Oh my goodness, Jane. How is it this salty? You probably slipped in too much without being aware." I feigned sympathy and continued. "Thank goodness we have one good meal; you can help yourselves out."

Edward's parents took a sip, and they nodded their heads in approval, "This is delicious. I wouldn't expect less from my future daughter-in-law." Jane almost forgot where she was and let her jaw drop to the floor.

She sent a look at me, and I knew her brain's gears were shifting. My meal was supposed to be the salty one.

I excused myself and walked to the kitchen, and like I expected, Jane walked into the kitchen; she was right behind me.

I poured a juice for myself and sipped; I turned around to see her. "Oh, Jane! Do you want some?" I offered, but she had her arms crossed, her green eyes burning.

"You can cut the pretense now; what did you do to my meal?"

"Woah, woah, woah. Where is this coming from?"

"You did something to my meal?"

I relaxed against the counter, crossing my arms. "Why would I want to make your meal salty?"

"To convince others, you are the better cook." She said spitefully.

"You are being immature and blowing things out of proportions, Jane."

At that moment, Edward walked in and took my hands in his. He appeared to have heard our discussion and for the first time that night, he cast her a look of disapproval. She scoffed and walked out on us.

"My parents would love for you to walk us out," he said.

"Sure." I smiled and followed him.

***

Grandmother remained after Edward took his family home, and Jane angrily stormed off from my home. Finally, some peace.

I poured some tea from Grandmother and relaxed on the couch.

"Your actions and words are mismatched," Grandmother commented out of nowhere. She was wise beyond her years; she might be able to see through my actions.

"How so, Grandmother?"

"I heard about Alexander being elected at the board of directors, and I am certain you must have reached out to him. I am glad you did. I am worried about Edward; his family sounds too eager about the company," She said.

"I need you to trust me and whatever decisions I take, Grandmother."

She smiles at me and squeezes my hand. "I'll always support whatever decision you make, wrong or right. I just need to make sure you'll be happy and safe afterward. I promised your parents I'll take care of you till my dying breath."

Alexander

I swung my golf club hard enough to make the shot and turned to Gideon; he handed me my bottle of water.

I took a long sip. "How is your reunion with your girlfriend going?"

"You should try minding your business."

"Well, I am currently managing yours, so that will be a little hard to do. Besides, I want to make sure you are not doing stupid things for love."

"I am not..." I paused and sighed, aware I was not fooling anyone.

"Go on and lie."

I sat on the floor, exasperated by his audacity. "Elaine will like you very much."

"So she keeps you on your toes too?" He chuckled.

"I might need you to check something for me. Check on these two," I showed him Edward and Jane pictures.

He scrunched his face. "I know the man, Elaine's fiancé, but who is she?"

"Her lesser-known stepsister."

"Why?"

"Elaine might be in danger over her inheritance."

He bulged his eyes, "What? She thinks these two are behind it?"

"She didn't say so, but I believe it. I can't let any harm come to her; I won't live with myself."

He nods, "I'll get the best private investigators I know."