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."

just messing around with Mr. Kaufman," Laird

your bridge is broken. That's not nothing-get it

fired up? This

this before, not even with someone he truly

leaving." His expression was nonchalant, trying to play

from the auction hall. They'd gotten turned around and ended

entrance.

greeted him softly,

Gwyneth in surprise-she knew Marcus, but hadn't expected Gwyneth to

met Marcus before. "Mr. Green,"

Gwyneth, his eyes

almost lost his composure. But then

Marcus finally remembered.

Gwyneth. He was about to tell Marcus to get in the car so they could leave, but the familiar ease between Marcus and Gwyneth caught him

know her?" he asked, suspicion flaring. This little

is Gwyn-McNeil's daughter,"

of his life in Starfall City. Everything from before

Gwyn-was she someone important to

at Connor

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

but not

Gwyneth said, right in front of Leonie and Hans, and without warning, threw her arms around Connor's neck, hugging him tightly. She was too excited-after all these years, she'd never expected to find Max in Starfall

dreaming of Gwyneth as his girlfriend. Now, with her soft warmth pressed

was going