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.

she'd carried for nine months-had never warmed to anyone but her. She couldn't

But then-

kissed Violet right on the forehead, then

and trusting. Victoria's mind reeled. When had Gwyn become so close to

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;

the new Mrs. Langford-but she

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

her eyes, unwilling to follow that line of thought any

and pain, all for this.

just been a tool

stared through the windshield, then picked up her

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

don't answer, she'll threaten to hurt herself

detached-a world away from the gentle tones he

her gaze. "Where have you

a finger to his lips, signaling Gwyneth to

that only close-knit families

Silence stretched between them.

tightened on her