The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

"My mother and grandmother have always loved collecting jade. I brought a few pieces with me when I came, and I'd like to give this pendant to you, Mrs. Everhart. I hope you won't mind accepting it."

She also gave Leonie a bracelet, the stones clear as water and just as rare. The price tag was nothing to scoff at.

She'd originally planned to give Leonie a bangle, but bracelets always seemed a little too grown-up for someone Leonie's age, so she'd changed her mind.

"This is far too generous," Mrs. Everhart said, at a bit of a loss for words. It felt wrong to accept something so valuable from someone she'd only just met.

And the fact that Gwyneth could casually give away such an expensive gem made Mrs. Everhart even more uncertain about this girl's background.

Still, Gwyneth's manner was gracious and humble, the kind of poise that can't be faked or bought no matter how much money one might have. That sort of upbringing went deeper than appearances.

"Please, you don't need to worry about it," Gwyneth replied, her voice gentle. "Compared to the Everhart family, this is nothing at all. I just hope it's not too plain, and that it won't embarrass you."

Her words were perfectly measured a subtle nod to her own family's status while still flattering the Everharts. Mrs. Everhart's already warm expression softened

even more.

"Oh, Mom, you two really don't need to be so formal," Leonie chimed in, slipping the bracelet onto her wrist without hesitation. "Gwyn, it's beautiful-thank you!"

The sparkling stones brought out the fairness of Leonie's skin, making her look even more radiant.

Mrs. Everhart could tell at a glance that the bracelet alone was worth a small fortune.

"You girls..." Mrs. Everhart sighed, a little overwhelmed, having never expected such lavish gifts. She'd been caught off guard and could only let it go for now.

"Don't stay out too late," she added, passing each of them a soft wool scarf. She wrapped one around Leonie's neck, then did the same for Gwyneth.

"It's only early spring, and the nights are still chilly. Stay warm, all right? I don't want you catching a cold."

As Gwyneth leaned in for her scarf, she caught a faint, comforting scent from Mrs. Everhart-something gentle and familiar, almost maternal. For a brief moment, she was lost in memory, reminded of the tenderness Victoria used to show her. "We know, we know, Mom! You worry too much. We're heading out," Leonie said with a laugh, looping her arm through Gwyneth's and pulling her toward the door. "Mrs. Everhart, we'll see you later. Don't worry I'll have Leonie home by nine," Gwyneth promised.

Mrs. Everhart smiled, eyes crinkling. "All right, have fun, you two."

She watched them get into the car and drive away before turning and heading back inside.

Gwyneth couldn't shake that feeling of warmth and belonging. She sat quietly in the car, lost in thought, as Leonie chattered on beside her; Gwyneth barely registered a word.noveldrama

She'd come to Greenvale to escape the people and memories of Starfall City, but now, being here, she found herself longing for the very warmth she'd tried to leave behind.

Hans parked at the end of a bustling street, and as soon as they stepped out, the savory aroma of spices filled the air-rich, but not overwhelming.

The old, cobblestone shopping street, with its rain-soaked charm and crowds of people, made Greenvale feel even more alive.

"Come join us, Hans," Gwyneth called out, her invitation sincere.

Hans shook his head with a polite smile. "I still need to check in with Mr. Everhart. Miss Langford, Miss Everhart, just give me a call when you're finished, and I'll come pick you up."

His reasons were perfectly valid, so Gwyneth didn't press him.

As soon as Hans walked away, Leonie tugged at Gwyneth's sleeve.

"Did you see that? He actually smiled," she whispered.

Gwyneth gave her an odd look. "Doesn't he always?"

Leonie's face twisted into a scowl, a

mock outrage lighting up her features. You must be kidding me That's the first time I've ever seen him smile! Usually, he's just Uncle's loyal shadow-or maybe he's just being friendlier because you're so pretty?"

She leaned in so close Gwyneth instinctively took a step back.

"He was never like this before. Always so serious-the same as my uncle. honestly thought he was about the same age, too. But when he smiles, he actually looks like one of us."