The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

Chapter 614

She never cared for loud rock concerts. Instead, she preferred the opera, symphony performances, and piano recitals—a trait she shared, quite astonishingly, with Hawthorne.

The woman gave an awkward smile. Beyond her understanding of clothes, she knew little else, but she tried to make small talk anyway. She simply couldn't stand the feeling of being completely ignored by Hawthorne.

Before meeting Mrs. Everhart, she used to think a man like Hawthorne would be best matched with a woman like herself: someone with a touch of old-world charm, who could also support his career.

Of course, she'd seen the vice president who worked alongside Hawthorne, but that woman always struck her as far too much of a power player-surely not Hawthorne's type.

Yet after meeting Gwyneth today, she had to admit defeat.

The difference between them was stark: age, education, the way Gwyneth carried herself, her poise, her effortless grace. It all brought to mind those lines-softly blossoming, radiant in her prime, a woman worthy of a happy home.

She fell short by more than a little.

While Hawthorne and Gwyneth chatted quietly together, the woman wisely stepped aside and kept her distance.

a perfect match, any third

clothes, Hawthorne naturally reached for Gwyneth's hand as they walked to the car. She took the passenger seat, and he leaned over to fasten

surrounded her. Gwyneth could see the fine stubble along his jaw and

almost brushing, it seemed they could both hear

break the silence. "Are you afraid of

Gwyneth's nerves, he couldn't

this the first time she'd seen him; her composure had even surprised Hawthorne himself, since no one else ever managed to remain so calm around

he was never the approachable type-anyone struck by

"I'm fine."

turned her face to the window, hoping the fresh air would cool the heat rising in her

was just that, whenever she faced him,

face: brows like distant hills,

he reached out and gently turned her face toward

"Gwyn-"

to say something else. Instead, all she got was a quiet, "Never mind," before his lips pressed down