The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

"We're all women here. I think I should be the one to talk to her—it'll go over better that way. You guys only ever try to throw money at a problem, but for women in this field, it's all about passion. Most of us do this because we love it, not for the paycheck. If you want to win her over, try appealing to her ideals. That'll get you further than just talking about money."

Violet glanced knowingly at Curtis. "Mr. Garcia, wouldn't you agree?"

Curtis thought back on his recent interactions with Victoria. From what he'd gathered, she came from a comfortable background. The idea of offering her money for her intellectual property made him uncomfortable. Was he really supposed to just buy her out?

Truth was, as CEO, he should have taken care of this before everything went sideways. If he had, maybe the game's disastrous collapse could have been avoided.

“Let's let Violet give it a try," he said finally, grasping at what felt like a last-ditch hope.

It was all he could do try whatever might work, however unlikely.

Victoria continued coming and going from work as usual, outwardly unfazed by the upheaval of recent days, as if none of it had anything to do with her.

That evening, she didn't ask Yasmine to pick her up. When work ended, she set off down the bustling city streets alone, blending into the rush of people under the newly lit streetlamps. The skyscrapers in the distance sparkled, their lights casting a brilliant glow across the sky above Starfall City.

She passed shopfront windows filled with displays, shivering a little in the lingering chill of spring, pulling her coat tighter around her. Eventually, she came to a stop in front of a bridal boutique.

Inside, rows of white wedding gowns glittered under the lights, reminding her of the dress she'd once designed-a dress that had embodied all her hopes for marriage and her dreams for a good life.

Victoria reached out, her fingers brushing the cold glass. Just then, a newly engaged couple walked in, faces radiant with happiness.

She watched them quietly as they browsed the gowns. A shop assistant noticed her lingering outside, opened the door, and a wave of warm air spilled out.

"Would you like to come in and have a look, miss?" the assistant offered kindly. Victoria felt caught out, like a child who'd been caught sneaking candy. She hesitated, flustered, but soon collected herself, replying softly, "No, thank you." She turned away, her figure seeming smaller, more fragile than before.

In the distant square, fireworks were blooming in the night sky. Down below, families strolled with their children, laughter and joy lighting up their faces.

Just then, her phone buzzed in her pocket, pulling her back to the present. Victoria glanced at the screen. It was Gwyneth.

She looked out at the children running and playing in the square, her heart unexpectedly touched, and answered the call.

"Mommy, where are you? Can you come home?"

Victoria breathed out, her breath turning to mist in the cold air.

It was the first time Gwyneth had called her not for a game, but just to reach out.

"I can't come home right now, sweetheart. Is something wrong?"

She continued walking, feeling empty inside, but hearing her daughter's voice filled her with a sudden warmth.

On the other end, Gwyneth glanced at Violet, who sat beside her and pressed a finger to her lips in a hush gesture. Gwyneth nodded and spoke cautiously.

"The game... I can't find it anymore. Mommy, can you help me play again?"

After the game had launched, Violet had helped Gwyneth sign up, and she'd been loving it—this was the game she'd always dreamed of. Using the skills her mother had taught her, she'd even made it to the top of the leaderboard, and the joy of it had been overwhelming.

But then, out of the blue, the game was gone. When she asked Violet about it, Violet had told her to call her mom. Gwyneth didn't really understand why, but she did as she was told.noveldrama

Victoria paused, taken aback. She'd expected someone to come looking for her about the game, but not Gwyneth.

After a moment, a trace of sadness softened her voice. "Gwyn, there's nothing Mommy can do about that. Tell Violet calling me won't help."