The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

Chapter 530

Gwyneth had dozed off on the couch in Hawthorne's villa without even realizing it. By the time she woke up and sat up, the sky outside had already turned dark.

She jolted upright, startled. She'd only planned to tidy up a bit before heading back to the office, but now it was already six in the evening. Everyone must have gone home by now. Glancing at her phone, she saw five or six missed calls, all from Leonie.

Today had been her first day working at Hawthorne's company, and knowing Leonie's anxious nature, she could imagine her worrying that her uncle might have eaten her alive.

To be honest, Gwyneth herself sometimes felt the same way. The way Hawthorne looked at her made her feel like prey-like he could swallow her whole at any moment.

Knowing Leonie was just concerned about whether she and Hawthorne would get along, Gwyneth quickly called her back.

The phone had barely rung once before Leonie picked up, clearly having been waiting on edge.

"Gwyn, did my uncle give you a hard time at the office today? Did he make you do anything weird, or throw you into some impossible assignment? I'm telling you, he doesn't talk much, but he's incredibly strict-especially when it comes to work."

Gwyneth thought about it for a moment. Aside from his prickly way of speaking, Hawthorne hadn't really come off as the villain Leonie made him out to be.

To be fair, she reflected, Hawthorne reminded her of one of those fearsome tigers inked onto a scroll and hung up on a wall-imposing, sure, but mostly for show.

told Leonie as

I worked this morning, but I didn't go in this afternoon. Actually, there's something else I won't be staying at your place anymore. I've rented an apartment right next to the

but she also had a tendency to gossip, and

the villa yet-not until she got back her grandmother's painting. If she moved out, she might never get another chance. Hawthorne guarded that painting like it was a precious treasure-well,

to figure out how to

But I finally found someone willing to keep me company! I thought we could

a girl at that—Leonie wasn't ready

just because I'm

you ever want to go camping.or watch the sunrise, just call me. I

brightened instantly. "I knew you

so natural-like a flower that had grown up in a sun- drenched garden, sheltered from

she found Leonie's sweetness both endearing and a little

really had anyone in her life she could act that way

up, Gwyneth sat quietly

at the door. The butler stood in

Langford, dinner is