The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

Gwyneth seemed to have said something similar before-or maybe Connor had overheard it in a private room.

If he really thought about it, Connor could probably piece together that Hawthorne and Gwyneth were connected.

"It's just a coincidence," he muttered.

He had no interest in whatever Laird was saying.

But Laird stepped right in front of him, blocking his way. "You really don't recognize the guy with that woman? Hans-that's Hawthorne's personal assistant."

With no intention of sparing Connor's feelings, Laird shattered his illusions. "Mr. Kaufman, stop kidding yourself. That woman is Hawthorne's new wife."

Connor's fist landed squarely on Laird's nose before he could finish. Blood oozed between Laird's fingers as he clutched his face in shock.

"You son of a "

Laird swallowed the rest of his words. He couldn't afford to cross Connor. With Connor agreeing to compete, Laird stood to make five million dollars a year off him.

And there was more: rumor had it Connor's uncle was a lifelong bachelor. Beyond Connor's own value, he was the only heir to the Green family's fortune in Starfall City.

"Max-"

The cold, authoritative voice cut through the tension just as Connor was about to throw another punch. He glared at Laird, furious that he'd had to hear the truth like this.

Connor looked up. No one called him Max except his uncle.

Marcus strode over, motioning for his assistant to check Laird's injury. Laird had met Marcus before and, reading the room, quickly echoed Connor, "Uncle."

with Mr. Kaufman," Laird insisted, trying to play

bleeding. I'd say your bridge is broken. That's not nothing-get it looked at," Marcus replied coolly,

fired up? This isn't like

never lost his temper like this before, not even with

expression was nonchalant,

the auction hall. They'd gotten turned around and ended up retracing their steps, only to run into

entrance.

greeted him softly,

glanced at Gwyneth in surprise-she knew Marcus, but hadn't

had also met Marcus before. "Mr. Green," he

"Hans." But when he looked at Gwyneth, his eyes took on

he'd almost lost his composure. But then he remembered Victoria was nearly forty now, still

Marcus finally

gaze darkened when he saw Gwyneth. He was about to tell Marcus to get in the car so they could leave, but the familiar

know her?" he asked,

Gwyn-McNeil's daughter,"

in Starfall City. Everything from before

this Gwyn-was she someone important

at Connor in disbelief.

could still see traces of the boy he once was, but Gwyneth barely noticed her mind was full of Hawthorne, and after she'd hit Connor's car, all she wanted was to get this mess over with and

at her, but not a

her arms around Connor's neck,

dreaming of Gwyneth as his girlfriend. Now, with her

was going on