The unwanted wife’s unexpected comeback

Chapter 103:

? ? ? ? ?

At the gaming table, Alice was outmatched by Mrs. Reyes.

As if that were not enough, Mrs. Reyes was not her only opponent; the others had subtly and unequivocally formed an alliance against her.

Tensions mounted as round after round slipped through his fingers, and his losses numbered in the hundreds of thousands.

Alice squeezed her cards tightly, realizing that she couldn't rely on her skill alone to beat them.

His eyes narrowed as he shifted his attention from the letters to Mrs. Reyes herself.

It was absurd how Mrs. Reyes seemed to win every hand.

Not even the luckiest person could have won so many times in a row.

Alicia's keen eyes soon picked up on a pattern. Every time Mrs. Reyes played a card, she would casually raise her hand to support her head, twisting her jade bracelet in a practiced, almost mechanical motion.

Once or twice it might have been a coincidence, but it always happened without fail.

And what was more revealing: the other ladies only played their cards after Mrs. Reyes made this peculiar gesture.

Before long, Mrs. Reyes was back to sweeping the table, a smug smile on her lips as she carried off the winnings.

It was a trap, plain and simple.

Alice's gaze fell on her dwindling chips, frustration simmering beneath her calm exterior. If this continued, she would be out of every penny.

said, her

she had been expecting it. She offered Alicia a sweet smile. “Miss Bennett,

Alice didn't respond immediately.

Reyes, feigning a look of understanding, leaned forward with a hint of feigned sympathy. “You've already lost enough. If you’re short on funds, we

even ventured: “Giving up for such a small loss, Mrs. Bennett? Please

taunt hit like a well-aimed arrow, but Alice wasn't about to give up that

she wasn't going to give them the

from his seat. “I need to

with a strategy. There had to be a way to turn the tables. Just as I prepared to walk away, the murmurs in

"Mr. Ward?"

door. “Randolph said he was inviting you to dinner. He knew you were coming and booked the most exclusive private restaurant. In fact, he’s

door as Caden entered. Dressed in a sleek black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs, he carried himself with an effortless elegance that spoke of a calm authority. His healthy complexion, contrasted against the dark fabric, only enhanced his striking masculinity. His deep eyes were sharp and insightful, so if he could see things no one

voice calm but authoritative. He stepped forward, his gaze fixed

back to him, she still felt the weight

Warrington, and his good looks aroused the admiration of women of all ages. They toyed with the idea of

but Caden ignored her. He walked past her, his steps determined, and sat down next

Curiosity got the better of Mrs. Reyes. “Mr. Ward, do

even looking at Mrs. Reyes,

was a stunned silence. Everyone knew Joshua was Caden's half-brother. As

sitting together so naturally, their proximity comfortable, yet somehow unsettling. The tension was palpable, although no one could pinpoint its source. Unspoken questions lingered in the air, but Caden's commanding presence silenced

leg of

as

her hand to protect the drawer, a reflex gesture that only seemed to amuse Caden even more. She was too slow. With quick efficiency, Caden reached the drawer first and opened it to look inside. His

raising an eyebrow. “Where are

crossing her arms defensively. “No one's come

smile deepened. “With your level of brilliance, even tic-tac-toe