The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

She had two precious twins-a boy and a girl-as well as Gwyneth, if Gwyn still counted her as a mother.

"See, I told you, Gwyn really is adorable."

Victoria lowered her head, her expression calm, but something in her heart quietly softened.

"Yes. She was even cuter when she was younger, just like little Celia."

That old fox always had some scheme going, pulling every string he could for both the older and the younger one-as long as there was money involved.

She'd taken them all in. Her daughter was her flesh and blood, a bond that would never break in this lifetime. As for McNeil, he could do whatever he wanted; Victoria didn't interfere, didn't care, and certainly didn't bother herself with him. "Vicky, make the most of it. At least you still have a chance to choose in this life." Victoria knew her aunt was talking about Edith. Edith had never had the chance to choose whom she loved-or even the chance to grow old.

"Auntie, you should get some rest. When you're feeling better, I'll take you out for a walk. It's been years since you've seen the world outside."

Victoria changed the subject, and Emily didn't press her further about things that only brought sorrow.

When Victoria stepped out of Emily's room, McNeil was already in the kitchen, making food for the twins. Gwyneth was there, helping him-whether out of genuine interest or just the novelty of it, Victoria couldn't tell, but Gwyneth seemed more attentive to her little brother and sister than she ever was to her games.

McNeil, worried Gwyneth might get bored, had even brought her a tablet loaded with games. To his surprise, she'd rather help with the babies.

It was almost comical: a six-year-old playing "big sister" to two infants, all seriousness and focus.

Watching Gwyneth march out with a tiny apron tied around her waist, carefully carrying a plate, Victoria couldn't keep the smile off her face.

"Mommy, here you go! You can go rest-I've got this."noveldrama

But Gwyneth shook her head, a sweet grin on her face.

"No, this is the fruit animals I made for Chris and Celia. Aren't they cute? I made one for you too, Mommy!"

Victoria took the plate from her and gently ruffled her hair.

"They're still too little, sweetheart. They'll have to wait until they're bigger to eat things like this."

Gwyneth gazed at her handiwork. "How long until they get teeth? Can't we just give them pretend ones?"

Victoria burst out laughing.

"No, honey. When they're older, their teeth will come in all by themselves. No pretending allowed."

Gwyneth just said, "Oh," still clutching her fruit plate as she went off to find the babies.

"I want to show them the animals I made-see if they like them."

She bounced away before Victoria could remind her that the twins were sleeping, but seeing Gwyneth so happy, she let it go.

Better this than having her glued to games all day.

Victoria turned around and found herself face to face with McNeil. He'd been watching her the whole time.

For a moment, he looked like he expected her to say something, but Victoria just walked right past him, not even glancing his way.

McNeil stood there awkwardly, still

plate of fruit. He'd

tion of acknowle cape

holding

no

Victoria some, but

him.

He watched her search around the kitchen, and finally, unable to resist, he pointed

at a half-scooped-out pineapple sitting on the counter.

"That's the fruit tower Gwyn made for us. She dug out almost all the insides, said

it was for Chris and Celia."

Victoria just replied, a touch coolly, "I see."

She picked out a few pieces of fruit she wanted and quietly slipped out of the kitchen.

McNeil stared after her, wanting to say something more, but in the end, he just let it go.

"I've got something to take care of tonight, won't be home for Just look after Gwyn and

that's all. Don't worry abet

McNeil looked up, but before he could get out one of his usual lines, Victoria cut him off with a gesture.

"We're just co-parents now, McNeil Not even friends. Please don't speak to me as if you're my partner-my personal life is none of your business."