The unwanted wife’s unexpected comeback
Chapter 102

Chapter 102:

Mrs. Reyes let out a shrill scream.

She didn't waste a moment in fixing her smudged makeup and immediately pounced to help her son, Ted, who was sprawled across the soft grass.

Her breathing hitched as she knelt beside him, her hands quickly but gently feeling for any signs of of injury. You're okay

The grass beneath him was more forgiving than anything else, but Ted's flushed face was a storm of anger. His round cheeks, red with embarrassment or frustration, puffed out as he looked at Alicia. It's all your fault, stupid!

Alicia blinked, her eyes widening slightly at the outburst. Ted was only eight years old, his face still chubby, his brow still furrowed, but the sharpness of his words stung.

Mrs. Reyes, who had already lifted Ted to his feet, turned to Alicia with a hardened look.

Alicia, if something happens to Ted today, I won't let you go so easily, he said, with a warning voice.

Alicia responded to the boy's look with a slight smile, not of amusement, but of complicity.

He understood that disputes as petty as this could get out of control if given the opportunity.

Instead of fueling the fire, he directed his gaze to Rachel, the hostess of the meeting.

Mrs. Gray, Alicia began softly, in a deliberately calm tone, “surely you can tell me… I've done something wrong here.”

Rachel, ever composed, blurted out a soft sigh, with an expression of gentle reproach.

Miss Bennett, she said, her voice lilting like the wind brushing the trees, “why argue with a girl.”

Alicia faltered, her smile fading. She hardened as Rachel walked past her, reaching out to smooth Ted's messy hair with maternal tenderness.

I was just playing with you, Rachel continued lightly. Why didn't you play along? You really think a child could hurt you.

Alicia's smile disappeared, replaced by a shadow of disappointment that crossed her features.

She studied him. Raquel for a moment, waiting for some flash of understanding, but Raquel's attention had already been diverted elsewhere.

Rachel knelt down and gently invited Ted to play with the others. children.

Ted, before running off to join the others, gave Alicia a devilish smile and snubbed her. Wait, her eyes seemed to say.

Rachel, playing peacemaker, dissipated the tension with a gentle pat on Alicia's hand.

Miss Bennett, don't let something so insignificant bother you. discourage the spirit, okay. The girl didn't mean anything by that.

Alicia subtly removed her hand, with a soft but firm voice. If you say so, Mrs. Gray.

There was a time when Alicia felt a pang of pity for Rachel, but now, she could see that Rachel was the one who had gotten caught in this web of superficial pleasantries. Sensing Alicia's withdrawal, Raquel's face tensed slightly.

Alicia's distant attitude, in Raquel's eyes, was nothing more than arrogance. They were from different worlds, after all. Alicia was beneath her in every way. Even after Alicia humiliated Randolph, Rachel had let it go. However, Alicia continued to look over her shoulder at her.

Under Rachel's skillful mediation, the tension in the air began to dissipate as everyone slowly returned to their previous activities.

However, Ms. Reyes' makeup was running down her face, making her look like a soaked rat. Rachel, always as kind as the hostess, guided her inside the house to fix it.

Furious, Mrs. Reyes gritted her teeth. No wonder no man wants her. With that attitude, she deserves everything that comes her way.

Rachel hummed softly, her fingers working skillfully on Mrs. Reyes' face. You want to teach her a lesson

A sharp gleam lit up Mrs. Reyes' eyes as she caught the hint in Rachel's tone. She was not alone in her disdain. Do you have any clever ideas

Rachel's lips curved into a subtle smile. Oh yes I have them. But unlike her, we won't stoop to crude antics. We have class.

Later, with time to kill before dinner, Rachel set up a few tables to play cards, the perfect diversion.

Deliberately, she convinced Alicia to to join Mrs. Reyes and the others, as if the previous dispute had never happened. With a warm smile, Rachel invited her. Mrs. Bennett, you play cards.

Alicia immediately sensed the trap, having anticipated this moment.

Now, already seated at the table, there was no way for her to leave with elegance.

No, Alicia answered coldly, not wanting to be led into her game.

Raquel's eyes shone with false delight. Perfect! Mrs. Reyes can teach you. It's just a friendly game.

Alicia remained silent, sighing inwardly.

Good.

Now she understood why older men often complained that They were forced to do things they didn't want to do, because she was in their place.

She felt trapped, helpless in the face of a force that left her no easy way out.

The minutes passed and It was getting close to ten.

He looked your watch. Whether Caden would come or not

Mrs. Reyes, sensing Alicia's discomfort, leaned back in her chair, with an almost predatory smile. What's wrong, Mrs. Bennett Are you afraid to play with me

Alicia's gaze sharpened and she met the challenge. Mrs. Reyes, how much do you want to play.

Mrs. Reyes smiled satisfied. Not much. Only three thousand dollars.

The corners of Alicia's lips twitched. Three thousand dollars I should have expected the same.

Alicia had been in enough high-stakes games to know the rules of the table: one bad round and you could lose tens of thousands in an instant. And these women—smiling behind their perfectly manicured facades—were professionals at exploiting her weaknesses.

Ms. Reyes's eyes sparkled as Alicia fell silent, her laughter laced with cruelty. What's wrong, Mrs. Bennett It's too much for you. I thought Mr. Yates would have left you a lot of money after the divorce. I'm sure there's a little left over for some entertainment.

Alicia's expression remained cold, her voice firm. Then you must teach me how to play, Mrs. Reyes.

Mrs. Reyes's lips curved into a mocking smile. Oh, no problem. I'll be happy to teach you again.

As the cards were shuffled with a soft rustle, Alicia discreetly reached for her phone under the table, typing a message for Caden with quick precision.

Where These You better get your ass over here right now! I'm in trouble!

Meanwhile, Caden was still at the airport. He expected to be at the Gray family estate by nine, but fate had other plans. Just as he was about to leave, a call from his butler threw his night into disarray. Ciara had apparently arrived suddenly in Warrington and insisted that Caden pick her up personally.

It was her first time in the city and, despite the inconvenience, Caden could not refuse the elderly woman's request. .

Looking at Alicia's message, he ran his thumb across the screen and frowned. He turned to Hank, who was standing next to him. How long is the flight delayed?

About half an hour, Hank answered.

They still don't know when it will arrive.

Hank, sensing his boss's agitation, He quickly made a call to check the status.

When he returned, his expression had darkened. Mr. Ward, the flight never took off due to weather problems. Mrs. Ward's plane is still on the ground and they don't know when it will take off.

Caden let out a frustrated sigh, his patience wearing thin. I thought they said it was about to land.

Hank shrugged helplessly. Mrs. Ward isn't always... accurate.

Still, Caden couldn't stay angry with Ciara. Despite her unpredictability, he always treated her with a tenderness that few saw. Even now, his expression softened as he thought of the old woman.

He stood up, his voice low but firm. Take the car. We're leaving.

At that moment his phone rang.

Caden consulted it and saw Alicia's name on the screen.

His message was brief but sharp. : Forget it. Now I know what kind of person you really are, Mr. Ward. I swear we will not cooperate again.

Caden stared at the words, his mind racing for an answer. But for the first time in a long time, he found himself lost.

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