The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

Gwyneth couldn't help but worry, her mind spiraling toward the worst-Mom was probably fighting with Dad again, all because of Violet.

But Dad was already back. Weren't they supposed to head over to Grandpa's place now?noveldrama

Right now, Gwyneth was actually a little annoyed with her mom and secretly wished she wouldn't have to see her at all.

She knew that as soon as Mom came home, Dad would follow, and any plans to visit Violet would be off the table.

"They're here," someone said.

McNeil gripped Victoria's hand tightly, making it clear he had no intention of letting go.

"Get in the car. Don't give the kids a reason to laugh at us," he said under his breath.

Victoria had no choice but to follow him into the car.

Gwyneth watched as her parents walked over, hand in hand, and only then did she climb back into the car herself.

"Daddy-!" she called out the moment McNeil got in the back seat, immediately scrambling between her parents and wedging herself right in the middle.

Only then did McNeil finally let go of Victoria's hand.

True to form, Gwyneth became a little chatterbox, her words tumbling out non- stop as the car pulled away.

A few times, Victoria caught her daughter about to bring up Violet again, and quickly steered the conversation elsewhere.

If she hadn't been there, Victoria suspected, Gwyneth would mention Violet every other sentence.

That thought made Victoria laugh at herself how ridiculous would it sound if anyone heard about this? After all these years raising her daughter, the girl only ever seemed to think about someone else's mom.

As a mother, Victoria felt like she'd failed—and the worst part was, she had no idea where she'd gone wrong.

The old family home was about a twenty-minute drive from McNeil's place. The whole way there, Gwyneth's lively chatter filled the car.

Victoria's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from a number that seemed oddly familiar.

"Victoria, did you send in that job application? It's Ailie."

Ailie?

Victoria typed back immediately: "Yes, that was me."

"No way, it's really you? Oh my God, I thought I must be dreaming! The name, the school, the major—all matched up, but I was scared to ask in case I got it wrong." Ailie had been her classmate back at Northriver University in Starfall City, and the president of their student council-a woman known for her bold, no-nonsense style.

Back in college, Victoria and Ailie had gotten along well, but after Victoria left for overseas, things changed. Her mother had wanted her to study music and art, but Victoria had secretly gone off to Stanford to study fluid mechanics, eventually earning a master's in mechanical engineering.

For those years, she'd thrown herself into her studies and lost touch with most friends back home.

"No mistake, it's me. Are you handling interviews?" Victoria replied, her tone much calmer than Ailie's excited barrage.

People who'd been through a lot, Victoria thought, always seemed more reserved than those who'd had an easy ride.

"Oh, no, I'm actually in venture capital, not HR. But honestly, with your skills, don't bother applying for assistant positions-I'll recommend you straight to Mr. Garcia. With your background, you won't be just a manager for long. If he's smart, he'll give you half the company just to keep you around. And when that happens, maybe I'll finally get to ride your coattails!"

Ailie's words were a bit over the top, but the admiration was genuine. Even back in college, Victoria had made a small fortune thanks to her sharp instincts in the stock market and her knack for finance. Ailie had profited by following her lead, and had always joked that if Victoria were to get married, maybe she should consider women, just so Ailie could stick around for life.

So much had happened since then-friends drifted apart, life changed-but now,

by some twist of fate, she and Ailie had reconnected.

"I'm not quite as impressive as you remember," Victoria replied, deflecting the compliment with a modest smile.

"When are you coming in tomorrow? I'll be waiting for you at the office."