THE BILLIONAIRE'S VENGEFUL WIFE RETURNS-Chapter 19: FISRT OR SECOND BREAKFAST?

MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: SOULMATE, ANDREA VANZO.

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Madam, madam," Jane called in a hushed tone, hurrying after Harlow. The sight of her new mistress strolling towards breakfast in nothing but her nightdress was enough to scandalize any high-society household.

It was both insane and Barbaric...

This was unthinkable for the newlywed daughter-in-law of a prestigious family like the Hamiltons. What would her mistress say? Jane’s heart raced as she imagined the uproar. She doesn’t think Garth would be able to hold her tongue on this one.

Besides, her new madam has been really weird, first she knew her name without her introducing herself, and even threatened to know more secret about her. Now she knows the way to the dinning room even if she’s never been here before.

What does this mean? Has Harlow been here before?

Perhaps her young master and her new madam are secret lovers? Jane shook her head, it is impossible. Her young master despise the girl very much. She’s the last person Alanis wants to see.

Maybe she’s just lucky to know around.

Madam," Jane whispered urgently as they turned to another corridor. The part that led to the dining room. The other maids who walked by stared at Harlow with wide eyes. "You cannot attend breakfast like this. It’s... it’s abominable! Madam Garth will be furious."

Harlow paused mid-stride, her expression calm and unreadable, though her icy green eyes glimmered with quiet amusement. "Why are there so few maids in this mansion?" she asked, ignoring Jane’s distress. She cared less if Garth will be furious.

Infact, that is why she had worn her night dress in the first place. To poke the woman.

Jane hesitated before replying, her voice low. "Because the Hamiltons are on the verge of bankruptcy. That’s why we need your help." Jane’s words came faster, her tone pleading. "Madam, everyone knows you’ve loved Master Alanis since high school. Please, consider his plight, his family’s plight. Sign the deal and save them."

Harlow tilted her head, a sardonic smile curving her lips. "What a pity," she murmured, almost to herself.

Her thoughts drifted to the past. She remembered her wedding night vividly

The thrill of excitement, the endless dreams of a happy future, and the hope that love would grow. She’d been so naive then, a young bride blindly offering her heart to a man who didn’t want it.

Alanis had been kind enough to clarify their arrangement the very next morning. He had called her to his office, foolish Harlow thought it was spending time with him till he made those rules. The rules that hunted her to the end of her life.

Rule One: She was never to lay claims on his properties.

Rule Two: He would not return home to her.

Rule Three: Their marriage was a mere transaction, nothing more, nothing less. Love was out of the question.

He knew she loved him, yet he had demanded she unloved him. Was that even possible?

Back then, she hadn’t faltered. Desperation had blinded her, filling her with a fool’s hope. She’d cooked meals he never ate, waited by the door for nights on end, and endured his absence everyday. Just as he promised, he never returned home.

When his mother and sister mocked her for being childless, she swallowed her humiliation, even though she knew the truth, Alanis had never touched her. He was never at home to even touch her.

In her first life, she had played the role of the desperate wife perfectly. But desperation had brought her nothing but suffering. The Hamiltons had used her, manipulated her love, and ultimately taken everything from her, her children, her pride, her life.

Not this time.

Harlow’s lips curved into a bitter smile. As she entered the dining room.

"Harlow," Garth greeted with an overly sweet smile. Her sharp eyes flickered to the nightdress, a brief flash of disapproval quickly masked by fake warmth.

"You look beautiful this morning... in your nightdress." She stretched her hands for a hug which Harlow dodged.

Lia rose from her seat and walked over to her sister in law, to give her big hug. Harlow pushed her aside before she could reach her, smiling to Garth as she said,

"I didn’t have time to change," she said simply, her tone flat.

"That’s quite alright, dear," Garth said, gesturing to the table. "Please, join us."

Lia who was now embarrassed, covered it up with a smile as she walked over to where she sat. Harlow didn’t need their fakeness when she knew the end of it all.

As Harlow approached, her gaze fell on Alanis. He was seated at the head of the table, his presence as commanding as ever. He looked focused on his breakfast as usual. She could recall their first family breakfast too after their wedding, Alanis never lifted his head to look at her. It doesn’t matter if she looks at him, he never even acknowledged her presence.

She was used to it. Still in her thoughts, the man on the table raised his head to meet her gaze and Harlow’s heart skipped.

His dark eyes, framed by thick lashes, seemed to pierce through her.

This is wrong, Alanis is never meant to look at her at the table. He’s supposed to ignore her completely...

"Hello sister in law." Beside him sat George, his younger brother, who greeted her with an eager smile.

George’s eyes lingered on her in a way that made her skin crawl. She ignored him, her focus returning to Alanis.

His expression was impassive, yet for a fleeting moment, their gazes locked. He didn’t just glance at her his eyes traveled down her figure, lingering in a way that sent a shiver down her spine.

Harlow quickly turned away, she ignored him and found her way to her sit.

"Here, my dear," Garth said with a saccharine smile, pushing a plate toward her. "I remembered your father sent me a list of your favorite breakfast, toast with eggs, fish, vegetables, and... baked beans."

Harlow’s stomach churned. Baked beans. Garth knew she was allergic. In her past life, the woman had always added something to Harlow’s meals that would make her sick. And Harlow, desperate to please Alanis, had eaten it every time. The memory of suffocating in the bathroom, vomiting, and even fainting replayed vividly in her mind.

There was a time she couldn’t breath after eating the baked beans, she hurried into the bathroom to vomit it all but it was already too late. She was out of breath and passed out. When she woke up again, she was in a hospital and Alanis had accused her of pulling a stunt again.

"She’s allergic to baked beans," His deep voice cut through the air like a blade.

Alanis Hamilton was speaking up for her?