The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

Chapter 552

With everyone teasing her, Gwyneth could only smile shyly, relieved that none of them tried prying into whatever was or wasn't going on between her and Hawthorne. She let out a quiet sigh, grateful she didn't have to waste her breath on explanations nobody would believe anyway. As if anyone would really buy that she and Hawthorne were nothing but a walking disaster together.

After a few glasses of wine, Gwyneth felt her head start to spin. She rarely drank -her godfathers and mentors had always treated her like a precious gem, warning her about the dangers of the world. "You can be wild, you can be bold," they'd said, "but never let your guard down with alcohol. No matter how tough you think you are, it only takes one careless moment for someone to take advantage."

It was only because they'd mentioned Hans was coming to pick her up that she'd allowed herself a drink. Even then, her tolerance was embarrassingly low.

She left the restroom, her steps unsteady, as though she were walking on clouds. Her head was fuzzy, and the world tilted a little as she made her way down the hall toward their booth.

"Gwyn?"

She'd barely taken a few steps when, out of nowhere, a strong arm snaked around her waist, pulling her into a man's chest.

A heavy cloud of cologne hit her nose, making her eyes sting with tears. When she finally got a good look at who it was, she shoved him away immediately.

"Bill Crawford?"

Of course it was him. No matter how many times she'd blocked his numbers, Bill had a way of popping up like a bad penny. Running into him here of all places- what were the odds?

rosy flush across Gwyneth's cheeks. The dim golden light only made

The relentless calls over the past couple of weeks had left her on edge. She knew all about his reputation-Greenvale's notorious playboy, never lacking

for me. I should

she wanted was to put as much

had no intention of letting her go. He grabbed her wrist, pulling her firmly into the circle of his arms. Startled, Gwyneth pressed her hand against his chest, keeping him at arm's

was strange. There'd been a time when they were close—nothing as far as kissing or sleeping together, but hugs and playful touches had never bothered her before. Now, even the thought of his hands

curling his lips. "Let me guess-you think just because Leonie hooked up with Ethan, you can set your

a monk.

he doesn't even like

wasting your time."

moment he'd spotted her,

Who I'm interested in now is none of your business.

even dating a minor

Why bother working yourself to death at some company when you could have everything you want? Whatever Hawthorne's paying you, I'll triple it. Plus, I'll throw in an extra five grand a month for living expenses. What do you

hard, across the face. His eyes darkened instantly, a storm