Chapter 2

"Who the hell do you think you are? Did I give you permission to come in?" I snapped.

I swatted the camera out of his hand and grabbed the reporter by the collar, shoving him toward the door.

"Get out!" I shouted.

"Stop!" A slender hand shot out in front of me, stopping me cold.

Raelynn's brows drew together, her face all business.

"Briella, I might be easygoing, but that doesn't give you the right to act out on my turf!" she snapped.

"Is she for real? Briella's actually throwing a fit in Raelynn's place! Does she seriously think she owns the place now?" someone in the crowd jeered.

"She must think she's Mrs. Elliott or something. That's hilarious," another person chimed in.

I glared at Raelynn, clearly annoyed.

"Step aside. Outsiders aren't welcome in my house, and that includes you," I said coldly.

Raelynn stepped in front of the reporter, her frown deepening.

She said, "Briella, I know you've had issues with me, and honestly, I couldn't care less.

"It's my moving day. If you want to drop by to say congrats, you're still my guest.

"But if you keep making trouble and picking fights in my place, don't blame me for showing you the door myself!"

She was rocking a black dress, a white shawl draped over her shoulders, and killer heels. She looked absolutely ethereal, and the moment she spoke, her crisp voice had everyone eating out of the palm of her hand.

The cameras went wild, flashes popping nonstop as they zeroed in on us.

"Oh my god, that's Raelynn! Her vibes are off the charts," someone shrieked.

"Where else can you find a woman who's this classy and still has boundaries? I'm gonna stan her for life, no question," another fan wailed.

"If I were Raelynn and some loser tried to pretend to be me and stir up drama at my new place, I'd have my bodyguards mess up her sorry face and toss her out!" someone else snarked.

Raelynn kept her composure, but a hint of triumph played at her lips.

She shot me a look, chin tilted up in challenge.

"For old times' sake, Briella, do yourself a favor and don't make a scene," she said, her voice cool as ever.

My hand landed hard across her face, leaving a bright red mark. I slapped the deed against her chest and yanked her by the collar.

I shouted, "Take a good look. This is my place, not yours. I haven't even settled the score with you for stealing Kate's spot at school, and now you're here trying to play the victim in my estate?"

"You're just my husband's assistant. Who said you could come into my home and make a scene?" I snapped.

Raelynn shrieked.

She doubled over, clutching her face, her heels wobbling dangerously as her words came out shaky.

"Help me!" Raelynn cried.

"Seriously, have you got no shame?" someone in the crowd yelled.

Out of nowhere, someone gave me a rough shove, almost messing up my nails.

The person snapped, "You come barging into someone else's house just to cause drama. Is clout-chasing your only move? I've put up with you for way too long! If I wasn't trying to keep Raelynn's housewarming classy, I would've dealt with you ages ago!

"And now you're calling Raelynn your husband's assistant? Don't think for a second we're scared to put you in your place!"

I planted my feet, clutching my phone, and snorted, full of disdain.

"Fine by me. The cops are already on their way. If any of you think you're tough enough, just try me!" I shot back.

Raelynn's expression flickered for a split second.

But before she could say anything, the reporters jumped in.

"Ha! You're just here to cause drama and chase clout. When the cops get here, they're coming for you, not us! Get out now! Raelynn's place isn't for lowlifes like you!" one of them shouted.

As soon as the words left his mouth, someone grabbed my arm and yanked me toward the door.

I stumbled, my balance thrown off, and nearly crashed to the floor.

"What's going on here?" A crisp voice rang out, cutting through the noise.

At the sound, I snapped my head up.

"Oh wow, that's the new housekeeper at the estate!" someone blurted out.

"Wait, I remember her! She's that boss lady who made it all the way from the mountains. We even did a big story on her at our paper!" another person added.

As Amani Medina walked over, I finally felt a glimmer of hope.

"Amani! Hurry! Tell them the truth!" I called out.

Amani was a college student I'd been sponsoring for years.

She was so talented that the moment she graduated, I hired her as the housekeeper for my new estate, with a fat paycheck, of course.

I knew she'd have my back and set the record straight.

"Amani..." I called out.

Raelynn's face changed in an instant.

I shot Raelynn a cold glare and quickly reached for Amani's hand.

"Amani, set the record straight. Whose house is this, really?" I demanded, my voice like ice.

"Ma'am..." Amani said, her voice hesitant.

She struggled to pull her hand out of my grip, finally breaking free and forcing a weak smile.

"Sorry, but I don't recall ever inviting you here," she said, her tone icy.

"Amani?" I froze, completely caught off guard.

But Amani was already at Raelynn's side, fussing over her and tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She looked genuinely worried as she asked, "Mrs. Elliott, are you okay?"

"Mrs. Elliott..." Amani said softly.