The unwanted wife’s unexpected comeback

Chapter 12:

? ? ? ? ?

Caden's gaze shifted to Hank, his eyes hard as steel. The silence that followed was suffocating, seeing into every corner of the room like a thick fog.

Hank could feel the tension tightening in his chest, and a chill ran down his spine. Swallowing, he straightened his posture and stammered,

"I'm sorry, Mr. Ward. It was my mistake. You have full authority to handle this as you see fit."

Caden's lips moved in a slight, scornful smile.

“Hmm, no end-of-year bonus for you, Hank. Good thing, since I’ve been thinking about upgrading my car.”

Despite the cold comment, Hank kept his composure and obediently launched into his brief report on the day's failed meeting.

He lowered his voice as he got to the fine details.

"Mr Joshua Yates, however, sent some rather generous gifts and deposited a hefty sum into our account. He said it was just a small gesture to ensure that Lilliana's future is safe and sound."

Joshua's obvious attempt to secure a favor made Caden chuckle quietly.

It also reminded him of the look on Alice's face before she left that morning. What could she be up to now?

A glint of anticipation flashed in Caden's eyes as he finally spoke again.

"This woman, Lilliana..."

I have paused deliberately, giving Hank a meaningful look.

Hank, ever attentive, obediently acknowledged.

«She made her debut in show business thanks to the financial support of her family. For a while she remained unnoticed, but last year she hit the jackpot with a hit song and shot to fame overnight. Since then, her popularity has continued to grow. I will compile all the details about her career and send them to you by email shortly.»

Caden remained impassive, almost bored.

"Since you've already bought your ticket, I won't waste the opportunity. Tell Joshua: I'll make sure his precious lover is well taken care of."

Now that she had the ring, Alicia took Monica out for a lavish dinner at one of the city's finest restaurants. The two clinked crystal glasses together merrily, the crackling sound echoing throughout the room.

Monica wrinkled her nose in disgust.

“I would never have imagined that Lilliana would stoop so low as to become someone’s mistress.” She rolled her eyes before adding: “And getting pregnant before getting married? If her fans find out, there will be a full-blown scandal!”

Alicia took a measured sip of her drink and a slight, knowing smile curved her lips.

“She's playing with fire,” he mused quietly. “And she'll get burned in the end. She got pregnant too early. When she gives birth, it will be impossible to hide it. Sooner or later, she’ll slip up.”

However, Monica was still seeing things with indignation, her eyes shining.

those two bastards

since left any desire for revenge behind.

but Lilliana drugging me is a different story. I won't

her shirt sleeves, as if

some of

need.” Alice gave a small laugh, shaking her head. “I have my

friend so composed in the face of adversity, couldn't help but sigh in admiration. It reminded her of the

with Caden, you were so alive, with your

immediately

would have been in for a big surprise. Caden's expression must have been

couldn't help but smile

funny, Alice?” Monica's eyes narrowed

her composure, suppressing the mischievous smile that had threatened

just seemed funny to me while I was eating,

Monica blinked in confusion.

you eating with

could respond, her phone buzzed in her hand. She looked

"Nice photography skills."

snorted, rolling

message appeared

"Satisfied with the size?"

I could imagine

her lips and quickly typed

small. Honestly,

message appeared on

than my pathetic brother. “It took me two minutes to break what he couldn’t

and her eyes widened as she realized the double

skipped a beat and a

the words remained in her mind. Her pulse quickened in irritation as

Ward. I've had

lounging in a dimly lit booth at a chic

glow of his whiskey glass reflected off his sharp features and

Hopkins, his ever-inquisitive friend, raised an eyebrow from across the

now?

and setting it

married woman," he replied lazily, as if he were talking about something as trivial as the

his eyebrows

are you

didn't bother to respond, instead opting to

Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, giving him a raw, magnetic appeal

side. His aloof nature made him seem untouchable: cold,

by curiosity, Gerry leaned slightly

wife was charming enough to get through that… peculiar condition of