Ruthless Homecoming

Sloane slid a thick stack of termination papers across the polished mahogany table of the boardroom. She instigated a ruthless purge within the Kensington Group, methodically targeting every senior executive and director who had conspired with Gideon and Vaughn over the past three years. She tapped the glossy surface of the top folder, making it explicitly clear that her uncle was powerless to intervene.

Sloane leaned forward, locking her icy gaze onto his panic-stricken face. "Uncle Gideon, the company is not what it once was. We cannot afford to keep idlers on the payroll. I exhausted my own savings to keep this place running. If we do not cut the dead weight right now, we might have to start selling off properties and land. For instance, I heard you bought a massive plot in the northern suburbs for a new golf course."

Gideon flushed red. The moment his personal wealth was threatened, his weak spine snapped. Terrified for his own bank accounts, he signed off on the massive executive terminations without another word of protest. He proved exactly how easily manipulated the older men were. Sloane grinned. Her uncles were pathetic.

The aftermath ripped through the corporate floor in a matter of minutes. Gideon retreated to his private office, but the chaos followed him. A swarm of terminated employees cornered him against his large oak desk, waving their dismissal notices in his face.

"I do not give a damn about your excuses! I worked hard for this company for a decade. You are the one who kicked up a fuss against your niece. Why am I the one getting fired for your mistakes?" a furious former director shouted, his face twisted in rage.

Other fired executives joined the clamor, demanding immediate explanations and compensation.

"Relax, guys. Just chill for a second." Gideon rubbed his pounding temples, sweating as he did his best to placate the mob.

Deep down, Gideon remained unmoved. His position as chairman was safe, and his golf course investment was untouched.

Across the spacious room, Vaughn lounged on a leather sofa. He casually rolled a string of wooden rosary beads between his fingers, apathetic to the screaming match playing out inches away. As long as his vice-chairman title was secure, the company could burn for all he cared.

Having achieved her corporate goals, Sloane left the uproar behind. She drove out to the suburbs to reclaim her childhood home. Kensington Court, originally named Blossom Garden, was a sprawling manor built by her father to house a massive rose park. It held her most cherished memories of growing up.

It was May, and the Oakhaven air felt warm against the car windows. A sudden, sharp ache gripped Sloane's chest. Blackridge was much colder, and the roses back at Vance House had not yet bloomed when she left in the rain. Thinking about Kaelen dimmed her eyes for a fleeting second. She gripped the leather steering wheel harder, resolutely pushing the heartache away. She had signed the divorce papers. It was time to let go.

Sloane pulled through the wrought-iron gates of the estate, expecting a wave of nostalgic excitement. Instead, sudden fury ignited in her veins. She parked the car and stepped out. Her father's beautiful, sprawling rose garden had been eradicated. The vibrant blooms and intricate trellises were replaced by a sterile, manicured lawn.

Giggles echoed from the grand entrance.

Sloane turned her head. Her cousin, Chloe Kensington, and her former boyfriend, Corbin Thorne, walked out of the heavy manor doors. They chatted and laughed, oblivious to the world. Chloe paraded around in a pristine white lace dress, a diamond tiara glittering in her hair, acting exactly as if she owned the estate.

Sloane stepped to the base of the grand staircase. She crossed her arms. Sunlight bathed her figure, highlighting her commanding presence.

"Chloe. Corbin. It has been quite some time."

Chloe went pale. The color drained from her face as her eyes bulged. She stumbled down the marble steps, her high heels catching on the stone, and crashed hard to the ground in sheer shock.

"S-Sloane!" Chloe gasped, pointing a trembling finger.

Corbin stared in pure horror. He did not even bother helping Chloe to her feet.

"You are a ghost!" Corbin shouted, backing away toward the pillars.

Sloane stepped toward them, a bright, lethal smile stretching across her lips. "Feeling guilty? I am here for your lives. Are you ready?"