# Chapter 7: The Heiress Strikes Back
The ride back to the Stanton Mansion was filled with Yvette's indignant curses, still fuming from their encounter with the Fergusons. "That old hag is senile! If it wasn't for her age, I would've taught her a lesson!" she seethed, her voice carrying the heat of her frustration.
Nicole, ever the composed one, simply smiled and waved her hand. "Forget it, Yvette. Don't stoop to her level. We won't be seeing them anymore anyway." The words tasted sweet on her tongue—a promise of freedom from three years of misery.
As the two women entered the mansion, laughing and chatting, they were met with an unexpected sight. Grant Stanton, the eldest brother who was rarely seen due to his demanding business empire, sat on the sofa reading the newspaper. His presence commanded the room—serious, noble, and impossibly aloof.
But Nicole knew exactly how to break through that cold exterior. She bounded over like an excited child, wrapping her arms around him from behind. "Big Brother! You're finally back! Why did you disappear after sending me home?"
Grant's stern features softened instantly. He allowed her to wiggle around him, his cold aura melting away in the warmth of their reunion. "There was an important meeting I had to attend," he explained, his voice carrying the characteristic tenderness he reserved only for his little sister. "I rushed back as soon as it was over. Here, your gift."
It was a ritual Nicole had grown to love over the years. No matter how far or how long his business trips took him, Grant always returned with a souvenir for her. This time, it was a limited-edition custom-made handbag—eight digits in value, not yet available in the country, and most importantly, unique to Nicole. He had also thought to bring Yvette a custom Chanel perfume, having heard she would be visiting.
Yvette's cheeks flushed as she accepted the gift, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you."
But Grant's eyes never left his sister. He knew what she had endured during those three years of marriage, and his heart ached for her. All he wanted was to give her the best—always.
Nicole, however, was sharp enough to catch Yvette's reaction. A knowing smile played on her lips as she mentally calculated the possibilities of a future match between her best friend and her brother.
"Your second brother is in a laboratory abroad, involved in a confidential scientific research project," Grant continued, oblivious to Nicole's scheming. "He can't come back right now. Your third brother is at a film festival and will return in a few days. For the next couple of days, you can shadow me at the office..."
Nicole made a bitter face, but she knew resistance was futile. She nodded in reluctant agreement.
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**Late that night, Nicole's peaceful sleep was shattered.**
"Holy sh*t!" Yvette's voice screamed through the phone, frantic and breathless.
Nicole groggily picked up, her voice still thick with sleep. "What's wrong?"
"Go online right now! The Fergusons still haven't stopped slinging mud at you! They're saying you stole something from them after the divorce! They're giving you until tomorrow to return it or they'll screw you over—and it's already gone viral!"
Nicole's heart plummeted. She immediately pulled up the trending hashtag: #FergusonsExWife. The Ferguson Corporation had released an official statement accusing her of having no character, claiming she had stolen valuable jewelry after the divorce.
"Valuable? They even dare to show off a mere $10 million jewelry set? Do they think you've never seen money before?" Yvette seethed through the line.
The comments section was a cesspool of hate. Netizens had dug up Nicole's social media account, twisting every happy memory she had posted over the past three years into ammunition against her.
*[Peaceful times? I think she's just pretending!]*
*[She deserves to get kicked out of the family!]*
*[They should just call the police. She's not only a clown but also a thief!]*
Nicole stared at the screen, her jaw tightening. She remembered that jewelry set. Eric kept it locked in his safe—she never even knew the password, let alone stole it.
A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "Haha! Eric Ferguson doesn't even have the basic decency after our divorce and wants to hurl mud at me? Does he think I'll put up with this crap?!"
She immediately dialed Grant's number. "Grant, I remember that K's entertainment company is under my name. Who's managing it now?"
Grant paused, his voice dark—he had just learned of the news himself. "Dominic Young. I'll get him to handle the viral hashtag right away."
"No need," Nicole cut him off, her voice ice-cold. "I'll handle this myself."
*Don't they want a confrontation? Do they think I'm scared?*
The hashtag spread like wildfire overnight. By morning, Nicole had become a rat everyone mocked—the disgraced ex-wife who stole from the wealthy Fergusons.
At 8:00 AM sharp, Nicole logged onto her social media account. With steady fingers, she posted a single photo accompanied by a statement.
After hitting send, she looked out the window at the beautiful morning sky. A bitter, self-deriding smile crossed her lips.
"I was really so blind to marry Eric Ferguson..."
But the heiress was done being blind. And she was about to show the world exactly who they were dealing with.
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## Reader's Impressions & Star Rating
This chapter was a masterclass in contrasts—the tender warmth between Nicole and her brother Grant versus the cold, calculated cruelty of the Fergusons. Nicole's character development shines through as she transitions from a woman who once tolerated abuse to one ready to fight back. The cliffhanger is perfectly executed, leaving readers desperate to see what she posted. Grant's presence signals that Nicole has powerful allies, and I loved seeing the protective older brother dynamic. The rapid escalation from a peaceful family reunion to a full-blown social media attack keeps the tension high and the stakes personal.
**⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 4.9 / 5 Stars**
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## Next Chapter Prediction
Nicole's explosive social media post will likely include evidence that proves her innocence—perhaps receipts, security footage, or a counter-accusation that exposes the real skeletons in the Fergusons' closet. Meanwhile, Eric will realize he's messed with the wrong woman, especially when the Stanton family's resources come into play. Grant will unleash his full power to protect his sister, and the Fergusons won't know what hit them. Expect Nicole's third brother to make his dramatic entrance soon, adding another layer of family firepower to the brewing war.