Chapter 5%
Standing at the doorway was none other than my husband, James Woods, the new CEO of the Woods Corporation. James‘ gaze swept over the room until he saw me, bloodied and slumped on the floor. His eyes widened in feigned shock.
“Eleanor! What happened? Who hurt you?“}
I wiped the blood trickling down my forehead, forcing myself to my feet.}
*James, drop the act.”
My voice was cold as ice as I continued, “Wasn’t this all your plan?“}
A flicker of surprise flashed across his face before he quickly masked it. The man took a step back, positioning himself beside Regina.
“Eleanor, don’t blame me,” he said shamelessly.
“If you want to blame someone, blame yourself for not being good enough.“}
“The Woods Family is now the leader of the four major families in San Diego. If we want to grow, we need Los Angeles. The King Family is the best choice.“>
I held his gaze, my heart void of any lingering affection.
“You’ve been lying to me from the very beginning, haven’t you?“>
I rarely interfered with the company’s affairs, but James had insisted that I personally sign the contract this time. It was all a setup. He wanted me out of the picture without having to dirty his own hands, which was disgusting.
James let out a short laugh as if he was amused by my realization.}
“You’re right,” he admitted easily.”
“I only agreed to marry you because of my father.“}
“But now that he’s retired, I finally have the freedom to pursue love.“}
Love.
When I heard him mentioning it, I let out a humorless chuckle.}
*James, you do realize this is marital infidelity, don’t you?“}
Before he could respond, Regina stepped forward with an exaggerated scoff.} ‘Infidelity? Oh, please.“}
She rolled her eyes as she said, “We all know what this is about–money.“>
She crossed her arms, smirking.}
“Just name your price. I’ll pay whatever you want.”
I looked at her as if she were the biggest fool I had ever met.)
“Miss King,” I said slowly, my tone dripping with amusement.
“You may be from Los Angeles, but don’t think for a second that you can afford to offend me.“>
James‘ expression twisted with irritation.}
“Eleanor, stop trying to scare people,” he said, seemingly snapped.§
“You’re nothing but a pet in the Woods Family.”
His words were sharp, cruel.
“I’ve been married to you for years, but all you’ve done is sit at home playing chess. You’ve never done anything useful.“}
I exhaled slowly, my lips curling into a smirk.”
Oh, James.[
You have no idea what you’ve just unleashed.
