Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 74 She Is Not a Simple Woman

That night, when I bailed with my bags under Victor's glare, I never thought I'd be back here as his unrecognized daughter-in-law. Man, I was more jittery than the first time I met him. Victor's trash talk and that snooty look of his kept playing on repeat in my head. Coming back now, he's probably thinking I've got some sneaky agenda.

Right now, I must really be head over heels for Ethan. If it wasn't for love, no way I'd have the guts to step into Victor's crib again.

My brain was still a mess when the car stopped. Snapping back to reality, I saw we were already in the yard.

Getting out of the car, I was so nervous I didn't know what to do with my hands. Suddenly, it hit me I should've brought some gifts to hold, which would've made me feel less awkward. There was a shiny new car parked in the yard with no plates yet. It must be Victor's latest ride. I don't know much about cars, but it looked pretty sweet to me.

I never knew what Victor did for a living. Figured he must've been pretty successful back in the day, enough to act all high and mighty and look down on us regular folks.

Ethan's stepmom, Linda Windsor, came out of the house. Compared to last time, her smile was a bit wider. But I always felt like her smile never reached her eyes.

Ethan must've sensed my nerves and kept holding my hand as we walked in. The warmth from his hand wasn't just heat; it was like a comforting strength. Walking into the living room, I quickly spotted Victor lounging on the sofa.

Today, Victor was rocking a light gray knit sweater, and the soft fabric made him look a bit less intimidating. Another reason he didn't look as harsh was that he had a smile on his face.

He was chatting with a young woman sitting across from him. They were laughing and seemed to be having a blast.

Probably hearing our footsteps, they stopped talking and looked over at us at the same time.

I didn't dare to look at Victor's face, feeling super uncomfortable. Luckily, Victor wasn't as icy as he was that day at the villa. He just said casually, "You're back, have a seat."

I nervously plopped down next to Ethan and instinctively started checking out the young woman sitting not far from us.

She looked younger than me, with this spark in her eyes and a smile that screamed youth-something I, a woman who'd ditched a failed marriage, could never get back.

She wasn't drop-dead gorgeous, but her features were super pleasant. She had on a loose black linen T-shirt and beige capri pants. Her legs were crossed all elegant-like, and the part of her calf that showed looked especially long. I squinted, thinking she seemed familiar, but no matter how hard I racked my brain, I couldn't place her.

"Ethan Windsor?" She looked at Ethan straight up.

"Lacey." Linda, standing off to the side, shot Lacey Thomas a disapproving look. "How can you be so rude to address him like that?"

teeth. "Mom, you don't get how we young folks roll. We don't

It suddenly clicked why she looked familiar; she did have a bit of

right. No need to stress. Let the young

Victor. "Uncle Victor, happy birthday.

another relationship. Such a weird family

awkward person was me. Today was Victor's birthday, but Ethan hadn't told me, so I came

the sofa, smoking and barely talking. From his face, it was obvious he knew today

at me. Reading my mind, he quietly

showing up with nothing on his birthday would just make it worse. I could feel my face burning, and I knew without a mirror it must be bright red. "Sorry

I was about to lose it, a familiar

up and saw

and handed him a small gift.

me to bring I could've been here earlier, but traffic was a nightmare. Sorry about that."

up, picked up the gift, but words just wouldn't come

wouldn't acknowledge a daughter-in-law without his

had left a deep scar, making me too scared to call

what felt like forever, and the room went dead silent. I took

tone was surprisingly gentle as he

about his life abroad, showing

Jason's stories, chiming in now and then. From what she said, she

throw in a comment here and there, but mostly

room, I was probably the only one feeling out of place. Thankfully, Ethan's

a bachelor's in management from a top university. She's a rare talent. Think there's a spot for her in your company?" Victor and Linda clearly wanted Lacey

Ethan could answer, Lacey jumped in, "I don't want to get a job through connections. Mom, Uncle Victor, I'll apply to Skyline International Corporation on my own merits." Lacey shot a confident glance at Ethan and then, almost casually, at

not be as simple

me realize she wasn't just any woman; she was

and we all moved to

top-notch, but I felt so stressed I couldn't eat. Ethan must've noticed 'cause he kept piling

wanted to tell him to stop; I really didn't

from me, was watching me like I was the