The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback novel Chapter 182

The photo was from Anne’s fifth birthday party this year.

Anne quickly unlocked her phone, tapped through her contacts, and called Felicia.

Felicia was eating breakfast when she saw Anne’s name pop up on her screen. She picked up, already guessing who it was.

A tiny, hurt voice came through the line. “Evelynn.”

Felicia spoke softly. “I have some things to take care of this morning, sweetie. I won’t be at the hospital until later. But you can come see me this afternoon.”

Anne agreed right away.

With Felicia’s promise, her mood brightened. She didn’t want to go anywhere else now. She just wanted to wait until afternoon to see Evelynn.

Andrea stood nearby, trying to keep her frustration under control. What did this Evelynn do to make Anne like her so much? Did all her own years of effort mean nothing?

“Let’s have breakfast first,” Max said.

Anne nodded and followed her dad to the table.

Andrea joined them, too. Since Anne was set on seeing Evelynn, at least Andrea wouldn’t have to deal with her getting in the way of her time with Max. That thought made her feel a little better.

After breakfast, Max had a morning meeting to attend.

That meant Andrea had to stay at the hotel with Anne.

Andrea saw Max out while the nanny stayed in the room to watch Anne.

“Max, you’re really going to let Anne spend time with Evelynn? She’s barely known her a few days. I’m telling you, there’s something off about that woman.”

Max replied calmly, “I don’t think she’s actually bold enough to do anything to hurt Anne.”

“You spoil Anne too much, Max. She’s going to be impossible to handle when she’s older.”

Max looked at her, a little amused. “And you think you’re easy to handle?”

Andrea paused, then put on a playful tone. “Max, what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Don’t worry about Anne. I know what I’m doing.”

Andrea let it go. “Alright, fine.”

*

At ten, Felicia’s contract signing with Westfield Clinical Research went smoother than she expected.

Max clearly hadn’t gotten in her way. So why did he suddenly show up at Autumnridge? He couldn’t have come just to bring Anne to see her.

Andrea was watching her, then glanced at Jeremy behind Felicia. In the shadows of the van, Andrea’s eyes looked icy cold.

Felicia turned to Anne and said, “It’s hot out here. Why don’t you go upstairs with Uncle Jeremy and wait for me? I need to talk to Andrea for a minute.”

Anne looked over at Andrea and nodded. “Okay.”

Jeremy gave Felicia a quick look, then told the nanny which room to go to and sent them off.

Felicia didn’t say another word.

Once Anne and the nanny were gone, Felicia walked over to the van. The driver was just about to shut the door.

“Hold up.”

The driver froze, then stepped aside.

Felicia stood in the open doorway, facing Andrea, who sat there with her arms crossed, radiating smugness. Felicia’s voice was icy. “Miss Curtis, can we talk somewhere else?”

Andrea just crossed her arms tighter, refusing to move. She looked Felicia up and down, her voice cool and dismissive. “If you have something to say, just say it here.”

Felicia’s eyes narrowed. She was done playing nice. She reached right into the van and slapped Andrea across the face.

The sound of the slap cracked through the stillness of the parking lot.