Blimey, My Kid's the Heir to the Billionaire Boss!

Sadie shot back, "If it wasn't for your sneaky plans, how would Barbara have ended up in Joe's room? And without you backing her, would she have dared to pull that stunt? This mess is all on you!" She let out a mocking laugh, "You thought you were playing matchmaker for Joe and me, but look who ended up with the prize. How's that feel now?"

"Ugh, you little" Amanda snapped, her hand flying up to slap Sadie.

Sadie caught her wrist in a flash, her eyes narrowing. "Just 'cause you're Joe's mom and an elder, I've been putting up with you. But don't think for a second that means I'm a pushover." With that, Sadie shoved her away.

Amanda stumbled, almost hitting the floor, but the maid behind her caught her just in time.

"Sadie, how dare you!" Amanda yelled, fuming. "You're in my house, acting all high and mighty? Think I'll let you off easy after this? Without my say-so, you're not going anywhere."

"I get it," Sadie smirked. "Talking sense to you is pointless now. But what do you think Joe will do?"

Amanda froze, the implication hitting her hard. She knew Joe too well; he couldn't handle this kind of betrayal and might just bolt or kick Sadie out.

"If you don't want Joe to ditch the Louis family for good, you better think fast," Sadie continued, lounging on the sofa. "I don't want to hurt Joe. Even without love, he's still my best friend, and he's innocent in all this." Thinking about Joe, Sadie felt a pang of guilt. She'd wrestled with this decision for a long time, knowing how much this ugly truth would hurt him. She didn't want to hurt Joe, but she had no choice. Some things had to come out eventually. She couldn't keep taking the fall for something she didn't do.

"You manipulative witch!" Amanda screamed, lunging at her again.

"Stop!" A booming voice cut through the chaos.

"Duke Louis, perfect timing," Sadie looked up at Craig standing in the doorway and sighed, "Duchess Louis is losing it. Maybe you should take her to her room and calm her down." "Sadie, you're definitely Tristan's sister," Craig said, giving her a long look. "What a move!"

"Thanks for the compliment, Duke Louis. I'm just playing the hand I was dealt," Sadie said, lowering her head humbly. "The real mastermind here is Duchess Louis!"

Amanda was seething, but Craig shut her down with a roar. "Enough! Amanda, to the room. Now." Craig stormed out, Amanda throwing one last venomous look at Sadie before hurrying after him.

The room was a mess, and Sadie didn't want to stick around, so the servants moved her to another room.

Annika and Arya followed her, checking every corner to make sure there were no hidden cameras before they relaxed.

"Ms. James, do you think Duke Louis can talk some sense into Duchess Louis?" Arya asked, curious. "She usually acts so high and mighty, and Duke Louis always caves to her."

"Duke Louis lets her have her way with the small stuff, but he calls the shots on the big things," Sadie said, frowning. "Besides, they're out of options now. Joe's a wreck over this and probably about to lose it. If I don't leave, he's definitely running away."

"Joe's totally innocent in all this," Arya sighed. "Anyone would be crushed by this."