Chapter 7
He narrowed his eyes at the shut door, stared for a few seconds, then turned and left with heavy steps.
At six sharp, the assistant returned.
Kathy was dressed in fine clothes and jewelry, but her makeup was minimal.
To cover the wound on her forehead, she used heavy concealer and wore a forehead ornament with a crystal pendant.
Even dressed down, her naturally striking features still made her stand out–like the brightest star in the crowd.
Justin wasn’t in the car. Kathy didn’t ask, either.
She planned to show her face at the event, give him the appearance he wanted, and leave early with an excuse.
The research topic only needed a final round of sorting.
She could submit in two or three days.
The sea of suffering finally had a shore in sight.
As her car pulled up to the hotel, a familiar Maybach parked just ahead.
Kathy stepped out just in time to see Justin helping someone from the car.
Luciana.
Their eyes met. Luciana immediately clung to his arm, a silent claim of possession.
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Chapter 7
Kathy’s expression didn’t change. Instead, she lifted her left hand and slowly ran her fingers over the ring on her finger.
“So it’s a game of disgust now? I can play that, too,” she thought.
Their silent tug–of–war didn’t escape Justin’s notice.
He patted the back of Luciana’s hand, then walked inside without sparing Kathy a glance.
The Garrett family was one of the top families in New York.
When Justin had married Kathy, the party had stunned even the most powerful circles.
Everyone knew she was the one he treasured.
But now, it seemed that treasure was being replaced.
The glances and whispers in the crowd didn’t escape Kathy’s eyes.
She suddenly understood what Justin was trying to do.
He was flaunting his mistress, slapping the wife in public–sending a clear message that without him, Kathy was nothing.
But did she even want what he had to offer?
A faint sneer flickered in her eyes.
Every step Justin took to push her into the mud would one day come back like a boomerang–and strike him right where it hurt.
She straightened her back and walked alone into the banquet hall, graceful and proud.
The entire night, Luciana stuck to Justin like a butterfly among flowers.
Chapter 7
Plenty of people were thinking the same thing. “Is he planning to make the mistress official?”
Some got curious and tried to sound Kathy out.
Yet, every single one hit a wall.
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Justin never once looked her way, but his peripheral vision never left her.
A low, bitter fire burned slowly inside him.
How could she be so calm?
No matter how he flaunted Luciana, her gaze remained cool, even disdainful.
She never used to be like this.
She used to look at him with warmth, shyness, and a flicker of vulnerability.
When had that smile and light vanished from her eyes?
Justin grew restless.
Women should be gentle and obedient–stay home and wait to be loved
As long as her position was secure, what did it matter if he played around outside?
Clearly, he hadn’t taught Kathy well enough. Hadn’t broken her pride. Hadn’t crushed her spirit into dust.
And now, she was rebelling–moving out of the house.
Butterfly or swan, if those wings were meant to flee from him, he’d have no problem tearing them off, one feather at a time.
Chapter 7
Lost in thought, he didn’t notice until his arm was tugged.
“Justin, dance with me again, will you?”
Luciana’s sweet tone was calculated.
She’d had the opening dance with him.
At an event like this, that meant everything.
He was about to refuse but saw Kathy glance over and change his mind.
Sure. Just don’t tire yourself out—I’d feel bad.”
His fingers brushed a stray hair behind her ear, voice low and tender.
