The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

Chapter 1

Today marked Victoria Turner and McNeil Langford's sixth wedding anniversary. But instead of celebrating with his wife, McNeil had taken their daughter to a birthday party for his mistress.

Sitting behind the wheel of her sedan, Victoria watched in silence as her husband, their little girl, and the woman he'd hidden for six years celebrated together.

The young woman wore a bright red dress, bold and eye-catching. Their daughter was dressed in a matching outfit, the picture of innocence. McNeil stayed by their side, laughing and playing, looking every bit the proud father and devoted partner. To anyone else, they could have been mistaken for a perfect little family.

"Violet, happy birthday. This is my gift to you," McNeil said, opening an elegantly wrapped jewelry box.

Victoria's eyes locked onto the box as he slowly revealed its contents, and all the color drained from her face.

It was her mother's emerald necklace-the one McNeil had borrowed, claiming he needed it for "something important."

She remembered how, years ago, Violet Marchand had seen it around her neck and remarked offhandedly, "McNeil, I love that necklace. I wish I had one just like it."

Now, her husband was presenting the last thing her mother left her to another

woman.

"Gwyn, come here and give Violet a kiss," McNeil coaxed, gently guiding their daughter toward Violet.

the child she'd carried for nine months-had never warmed

But then-

right on the forehead, then

too?" she asked, her voice sweet and trusting.

daughter McNeil had begged her to have. After a traumatic ectopic pregnancy that nearly cost Victoria her life, she'd been terrified at the prospect of another child. The Langford family had always passed down the family name through only sons, and McNeil was their sole heir. When she confessed her fears, McNeil had promised her it didn't matter if they had a boy or a girl; their child would be

new Mrs. Langford-but she

was encouraging Gwyn to bond with Violet... Was he hoping to hand

eyes, unwilling to follow that line of

pain, all for this. For love,

just been a tool

picked up her phone and dialed McNeil's

to hear it from inside the car. She watched as McNeil looked at the caller ID-but he didn't answer.

don't answer, she'll threaten to hurt herself again." Only then did McNeil finally swipe to accept the

world away from the gentle

gaze. "Where have you

finger to his lips, signaling

only close-knit

Silence stretched between them.

tightened on her phone, knuckles