The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

Chapter 296

Victoria had never seen Osborn like this before-not once in all the years she'd known him.

"Osborn..."

She couldn't get another word out.

Moving to his side, she reached for him, wanting to offer some comfort. But suddenly, Osborn pulled her straight into his arms, holding her tight.

Startled, Victoria instinctively tried to pull away, but then she heard a strangled sound rise from deep in Osborn's throat.

"Don't move. Just... let me hold you. Just for a minute."

His head rested heavily on her shoulder. For a man in his late twenties, he seemed heartbreakingly vulnerable, more like a boy than a grown man.

Victoria felt her eyes sting as she let him hold her close. Without realizing it, her hand found its way to his back and she began to gently pat him, soothing as best she could.

"I've never felt so useless," Osborn choked out, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm supposed to be the one protecting this family. Instead, I let three people-people old enough to be my parents-take the fall and go to prison for me. I'm pathetic." He wept as he spoke, clutching her as if she were his only lifeline.

Victoria stayed still, letting him work through it, until at last he let her go. Only then did she notice the deep bite marks on his left hand, fresh blood oozing from the wounds. Clearly, he'd shoved his hand in his mouth to keep from crying out, desperate to muffle his sobs.

She remembered her first years with the Clark family-how Jed and his wife had doted on Osborn, and how they'd welcomed Victoria with open arms.

Osborn's grandfather was always booming at him, trailing after his only grandson with a mix of affection and bluster. He'd bark out criticisms, even brandishing his cane now and then, threatening to give Osborn a good whack-though he never actually did.

the Clarks genuinely loved

really fading. Most men his age were already married, settled, carrying the weight of a family. But Osborn was still fighting, alone, against the family he'd been born into torn between guilt over living off their wealth, and

Victoria sensed something different

okay. I promise you, I won't let

of this

him rise. Now, McNeil stood so high above her-both in power and in influence that she couldn't even hope to

years sharpening now turned in

loved the most had become the one to cut her

his eyes burning with a resolve

won't have you threatened, and I absolutely won't let you beg anyone on

Clarks aren't finished yet. I'm still

After

hadn't gotten the genuine affection she deserved from

back

his voice rough: "Don't go to him. Promise

a shaky smile and gave him

won't trade my dignity for anything. Osborn, wait

away, tears streaming down her face

Osborn rushed after her.

already in

"Victoria-!"

after her down the drive, watching her car disappear, pushing