The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

"Alright, I'll definitely go."

Just then, Yvette's assistant managed to get her on the line.

"Miss Yvette, Mr. Everhart would like you to come to his office."

Mr. Everhart looked visibly displeased-though no one seemed to know why.

When Yvette hung up, her face was practically glowing. She immediately shared her plan with her grandfather, who agreed without hesitation to personally arrange a meeting with Hawthorne that very day to discuss their engagement.

She could hardly wait. Even though Gwyneth and Hawthorne weren't involved, who could say there wouldn't be a second or third "Gwyneth" down the line? She was nearly thirty-not exactly young anymore. Hawthorne had never made their relationship official, and as the years slipped by, her sense of security dwindled.

She knocked on the door. Hawthorne was sitting in a leather chair, watching as Yvette approached with careful poise, his gaze cool and unreadable.

"Hawthorne, you wanted to see me?"

Yvette was convinced her grandfather would talk Hawthorne into an engagement that very evening. In her mind, she was already the future Mrs. Everhart, the lady of the company. It was time, she thought, to stop calling him "Mr. Everhart❞—that just sounded too distant now.

But when she called him "Hawthorne," his brow furrowed tightly.

Hawthorne's tone was so cold it could've frozen the air, but Yvette

Did you just

she was so happy about, and frankly, he didn't care to ask about Gwyneth right now-he'd settle all that later, when he visited Yvette's family in the

"I did."

shall we go

voice colder than ever.

gift for her grandfather—after all, it was his first time meeting the family, and he would want to make a good

you then. Honestly, you and my grandfather are practically family

the first time he felt an intense dislike-whatever she was

then, someone knocked-the person Hawthorne had scheduled a meeting with had arrived. Yvette took the hint and left,

her, her

het

of

as she returned to her own

workday wrapped up, Hawthorne headed home early. Sure enough, he found Gwyneth there, completely absorbed in her art,

and suddenly presented a vibrant bouquet right in

today!" Gwyneth's surprise was written all over her face-it was barely past four. Watching her cradle the flowers, Hawthorne couldn't help but

I've got plans tonight. Thought I'd come home for dinner