The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback novel Chapter 18

“I’ll finish up the files today and get the handover done as soon as I can.”

Max didn’t say a word. He just shot her a cold look and headed straight for the dining room. Once he was gone, Felicia let out a long breath. She walked over to the sofa and glanced at the stack of papers she’d tossed in the trash. Sitting down, she pulled the trash can onto the coffee table, fished out the documents, then put the can back where it belonged.

She flipped through the files. They were all useless, outdated paperwork. This was probably just a way to make her life harder, nothing more. With the files in hand, Felicia went back to her room, only to find the door was still locked. She headed to the dining room to find Marian.

Marian glanced at Max, who didn’t say anything, which was basically a silent go-ahead. So she walked over to Felicia and unlocked the door, but not before shooting her a glare sharp enough to cut.

Felicia went inside and grabbed her phone. She saw a bunch of missed calls from Ava and her dad. She called Ava back right away.

“Why didn’t you come home last night? You didn’t answer your phone. We were so worried,” Ava said.

Felicia came up with some excuse on the spot. She didn’t want them to worry. “I’ll come home tonight.”

Ava didn’t push her. “Okay, then.”

After hanging up, Felicia changed her clothes. She’d have to return the jacket another day. With her files and suitcase in hand, she was ready to leave for the office.

Just as she reached the living room, Amaris’ respectful voice sounded. “Madam, Mr. Hawthrone is still having breakfast.”

Felicia stopped in her tracks. Tatianawas standing there in a cashmere coat, looking every bit the part of someone born to command a room. She slipped off her coat, and Marian quickly stepped up to take it.

Tatiana spotted Felicia, who straightened herself and walked over.

“Mrs. Hawthorne,” she greeted.

The last time Felicia had called her “Mom” in private, Tatiana had shut her down cold. “That’s fine when others are around, but don’t call me Mom in private. I haven’t accepted you as my daughter-in-law.”

Max came out from the dining room just then. “Mom, what brings you here?”

Marian, always ready to stir things up, chimed in. “She probably thinks having a baby means she can boss everyone around now. She even talks back to Mr. Hawthrone.”

Tatiana’s expression grew even darker. She glared at Felicia. “How dare you!”

Amaris brought over some tea and snacks. “Madam, please, don’t get upset. It’s not worth it.”

Tatiana turned her glare back to Felicia. “This is your last warning. If you cause any more trouble, once that baby is born, you’re out.”

Felicia finally lifted her eyes, and for a second, all her feelings flashed across her face. “You’re right, I was never cut out to be Mrs. Hawthorne—”

Before she could finish, Tatiana picked up her mug and threw the tea right in Felicia’s face.

At that exact moment, Max came down the stairs and saw everything.