Chapter 49
The door shut with a soundproof thump, sealing away the outside world.
Zachary’s restraint shattered. “You’d rather be Harrison’s whore than come home to
“Garyneth, we could start over. I’ll marry you, as long as you—”
“As long as I play nice with Bella? Gwyneth’s bitter langh cut through his plea like broken glass. “Have you lost your mind, Zachary! Going back to you now would make me just as bad as a homewrecker.”
Bella crept forward, her eyes red and swollen like a frightened rabbit. “Gwyneth, you’ve got it all wrong about Zachary He only wants to protect you. Why can’t we just get along! My health is failing. When I’m gone, Zachary will be yours.”
Gwyneth let out a bitter laugh. “Even dying animals have the decency to slip away quietly. But you?! You’re clinging to Zachary like some stubborn vine choking a tree. Enough with the act–we both know you’ll never let go of your golden ticket.”
1..” Bella’s voice broke, her words catching in her throat. “How could you think that of me? I never wanted to come between you and Zachary
“Of course not. You weren’t breaking up a family, just cozying up to join it. Well, I’m done with this whole twisted dynamic. Build your perfect little life. Just stop rubbing it in my face. Each word hit like a gunshot.
Gwyneth closed the distance between them, staring down at Bella’s pitiful display. Those crocodile tears might fool Zachary. He’ll come running every time you play the damsel in distress. I can’t even tell who’s more pathetic–the actress, or the fool who believes her performance?”
“Gwyneth, you…” Bella’s knees buckled, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she clutched her chest. The dramatic collapse cut her words short
Zachary lunged forward to catch her. “Gwyneth, you know about her asthma. His voice cracked with fury. “Was this really necessary?”
Afrost settled over Gwyneth’s features. “You brought this on yourself, Zachary. You know I don’t coddle strangers. Why bring Bella here! If you hadn’t tried playing both sides, she wouldn’t be catching my temper today”
Zachary stumbled back like he’d been slapped. “Strangers Thirteen years, he thought bitterly Just last week I was lining up deals for her. Now she tear me apart in public. Perfect.
Blind with rage, he scooped Bella into his arms and shoved past Gwyneth. Their shoulders collided–a brief contact that sent unexpected pain radiating through her. She felt a twinge of unfairness. Even after she walked away, it seemed their humiliation of her would never end.
“Now I
that we’re on the subject, Zachary,” Gwyneth drawled, “didn’t you beg for another chance? Well, here’s your opportunity.”
“What do you mean?” Zachary froze mid–step.
Belis’s arms instinctively tightened around his neck, her stomach dropping. She never expected him to actually stop for Gwyneth.
A humorless laugh escaped Gwyneth’s lips. “Dump Bella properly, and maybe I think about it. How’s that for an offer!”
The air went still. Both Zachary and Bella’s expressions darkened.
Zachary didn’t spare Gwyneth another glance. He simply tightened his hold on the trembling Hella and marched toward the Rolls-Royce The car’s tires screeched in protest as he sped away.
Gwyneth remained rooted in place, her smirk never wavering. “Predictable”
She slid into the waiting car where Harrison sat motionless in the backseat, eyes closed in exhausted slumber.
