15:41
Chapter 41
“Who told you to mess with Patricia? I warned you ages ago–she’s dangerous, and you’re not her match. Why do you never listen to me?”
Inside the Newton estate, Theo was seething, his glare at Kelly sharp enough to cut. He looked like he could snap any second.
If it hadn’t been for her, Patricia wouldn’t have backed him into a corner, forcing him to the civil office, and they wouldn’t be divorced now. He’d ended up marrying Patricia almost by accident, and in just two years–without even really being together–it was over. How was he supposed to face anyone after that?
But what else could he do? Just sit back and let things get worse?
He was already in his forties, nearly fifty. If this scandal got out, what would happen to the Newton family’s reputation?
Kelly slumped on the couch, her head throbbing so badly she could barely keep her eyes open. She kept replaying the same fragments in her mind, but nothing made sense. She couldn’t figure out how someone she’d personally chosen could have double–crossed her. What happened after she was knocked out?
“I was trying to help you out of this mess. Did you think I went after Patricia just for fun?” Kelly shot back.
“Were you really helping me, or just thinking of yourself? Don’t pretend you don’t know,” Theo snapped, his voice cold.
Kelly had never liked Patricia. More than once, she’d thought about getting her out of the picture. But it had to be clean, untraceable–otherwise, the Newtons would be the first suspects.
Theo slammed his hand on the table, making the glasses rattle. Grandma, watching from the sofa, saw the two of them red–faced and fuming. She finally spoke, her voice steady, trying to calm things down. “Your mother talked to me about this. I agreed to it.”
Theo stared at her, stunned. “Grandma!”
In his memory, Grandma was never reckless. How could she have gone along with this?
“Patricia’s heart was never with this family,” Grandma said softly but firmly. “We did what we had to do. If she cared about the Newtons, she would’ve helped you through this. Theo, sometimes the worst enemy isn’t a stranger–it’s the person closest to you, the one you never see coming.”
“Patricia is ruthless. We honestly had no other choice.”
If Patricia could hear them now, calling it “no choice,” she’d probably laugh herself sick.
No choice? Really?
Trying to have her assaulted, and now it was just something they had to do. Typical Newton family logic.
Theo’s anger drained away, leaving only exhaustion. Looking at Grandma’s worried face, he found
15:41 1
Chapter 41
himself thinking maybe divorcing Patricia really was for the best. Otherwise, this house would never have peace.
“From now on, don’t go near her. Don’t provoke her, got it?” He looked especially hard at Kelly, worried she’d cause more trouble.
He hesitated, then added, “Patricia and I are officially divorced. We got the papers this afternoon. She promised me that as long as the Newtons stay away, she won’t make the divorce public.”
“Are you serious?” Kelly, who’d just moments ago looked too sick to move, suddenly sat up, eyes shining with barely concealed excitement.
“It’s true,” Theo answered stiffly.
“Good, good, that’s great. I’m glad it’s over. The Newton family shouldn’t waste another second on a cripple,” Kelly said, practically bursting with relief.
She rushed around the living room, barely able to contain herself, then hurried to the kitchen to tell the housekeeper to prepare a big dinner. If she could, she’d celebrate with the whole city.
When Kelly left, Grandma’s gaze lingered on Theo. There was something she wanted to say. After a long pause, she finally spoke, voice quiet and uncertain. “You… didn’t want this divorce, did you? Did Patricia have something on you?”
