Chapter 474

Gwyneth could hardly contain her excitement after getting McNeil's permission. "Mommy, Daddy said I can stay here!"

She was still holding the phone, McNeil's call hadn't ended yet.

"Alright," Victoria replied, her voice flat. McNeil stayed on the line, listening, until the call finally ended.

Seated in the helicopter, he felt as if he'd turned to stone.

If Victoria had refused to keep Gwyneth, and Gwyneth had begged and cried, at least he'd have an excuse to argue with Victoria—maybe even plead his case. But Victoria had become as emotionless as a machine, agreeing to whatever he decided, no matter what it was.

McNeil pressed a hand to his chest, forcing down the bitter taste rising in his throat.

The bodyguard looked on, unsure what to do. Once McNeil had regained his composure, he spoke coolly: "Let's go."

The helicopter landed on the rooftop of the Starfall City villa, just as a violent storm had swept past during the night. He'd narrowly avoided the worst of it, but the moment he stepped out of the aircraft, sheets of rain began to pour.

By the time he entered the villa, he was drenched. Xenia, the housekeeper, was surprised to see him.

"Sir, let me make you some ginger tea to warm you up," she offered immediately.

It was the dead of winter, and McNeil looked like a drowned ghost. He gave a faint nod and collapsed onto the sofa, every movement mechanical, as if he were just going through the motions. He didn't even seem to realize he should go upstairs, shower, and change out of his wet clothes.

Xenia returned with the ginger tea, only to find him still sitting there-soaked through, unmoving. She set the tea down quietly, not daring to press him.

He'd left on such good terms with Miss Gwyneth, apparently heading out to find Mrs. Langford. Xenia had thought the couple was finally reconciling, maybe even planning to settle down in Evermore City. But to her shock, McNeil had returned alone, with no sign of Gwyneth.

sensed something

silent-until a furious pounding erupted at the front door, someone shouting

home or not?

disoriented, half-convinced he was hearing

it too. She frowned but made no move to

louder, more insistent,

on earth is going on?" McNeil's voice was

McNeil's expression

She's been

lodged in her

see that woman

in," he

things, he realized, he needed

finally heard Xenia call her in. When she saw McNeil, her face was a complicated mess of

"You're back."

over two hours. As she

with a distant, unrecognizing gaze, as if she were a stranger. The look chilled

leave me without a word? Do you have any idea how long

looked at her, and for the first time, something flickered in his

"You're not my wife."

clothes. There was a sharp,

City saw it. We're married in every way that

let out a cold laugh in front of

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255