Bad Husband novel Chapter 200

Third Person POV

Blake’s fingers drummed against his desk like raindrops on a roof. Tap–tap–tap. The afternoon sun cut through the tall windows, making dust motes dance in the air. He’d been staring at the same intelligence report for ten minutes, but his mind kept wandering.

Ava sat beside him, hands twisted together in her lap. She kept glancing at Tyler, then back at Blake, then at the floor. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife.

Tyler stood across from them, holding a file like it might bite him. His face looked like he’d rather be anywhere else.

“Alright,” Blake said, finally tossing his pen down. “Just rip the band–aid off. What’s Jackson been up to?”

Tyler let out a long breath. “Boss, it’s bigger than we thought.” He dropped the file on the desk with a thud. “Jackson’s been making house calls. Every Shadow Creek elder, one by one.”

“House calls?” Ava leaned forward. “What kind of house

alls?”

“The kind where you show up with expensive wine and smooth talk. Tyler shook his head. “Working them over, real systematic–like.

Blake’s jaw tightened. “And?”

“Most of them are on board. But there’s a catch.” Tyler paused, like he was delivering bad news about a married to Sophia first. Make it official before they’ll back him for Alpha.”

Ava’s hands clenched. “Of course they do. Can’t have their golden boy without daddy’s approval.”

Blake laughed, but there was no humor in it. “Smart move. Use my reputation to prop up their boy.”

terminal illness. “They want him

“It gets worse,” Tyler continued. “Word is, about eighty percent already signed on. And Jackson? Ate it

up

with a spoon.”

Blake stood up, walked to the window. Outside, ravens pecked at something in the grass. “Power and a pretty wife. What more could a guy

want?”

That’s when Sophia looked up from her book. Her eyes went distant, like she was listening to something only she could hear.

“He’s reaching out,” she said, voice carefully neutral.

Blake spun around fast enough to make his chair creak. “Now?”

Sophia nodded slowly, like she was still processing. “Says he’s got good news. Wants to meet up.”

“Right now?” Ava was already standing.

“Half hour.” Sophia blinked, coming back to the present. “Told him I can’t wait to hear it.”

Tyler gathered his papers. “This could be our shot.”

Something sharp flickered in Ava’s eyes. “Time to put on a show.”

Blake walked back to his desk, planted both hands on it. “Right. Give him exactly what he expects to see.”

Tyler headed for the door. ‘I’ll get everything ready.”

Forty–five minutes later, Blackwood Manor’s main hall looked like a family drama waiting to happen. Sophia sat on the couch with a photo

C

album, sighing dramatically every few pages. Ava stood by the fireplace, holding a teacup like it personally offended her. Blake paced the center of the room like a caged wolf.

The sound of horses outside made them all tense up.

“Showtime,” Blake muttered under his breath.

Sophia slammed the album shut. “Dad, I’m getting real tired of every decision around here going through Ava first.

Blake’s voice boomed across the room. “Sophia, you need to get it through your head that Ava’s family now!”

Sophia shot to her feet, eyes already getting watery. “Family? How long has she even

been here? I’m your actual daughter!”

Ava set her teacup down with shaking hands. “Maybe… maybe I should just go. I’m obviously not wanted here.”

Blake moved toward Ava, hand finding her shoulder. “Don’t you dare. You’re my Luna, Lucas

mom. That’s not changing.”

“And what about me?” Sophia’s voice cracked. “Do I even matter anymore?”

Perfect timing. The door burst open.

Jackson rushed in, taking in the scene like he’d stumbled onto Christmas morning. His face cycled through shock, concern, then barely hidden

satisfaction.

“Sophia? What’s going on?”

Sophia practically threw herself into his arms. “Jackson, I…”

Blake’s expression went ice–cold. “Family business. Nothing to do with you.”

Jackson held Sophia tighter, addressing Blake over her head. “Alpha King, maybe I could take her outside? Get some fresh air?”

Ava played her part perfectly, voice barely above a whisper. “I should check on Lucas.” She turned and walked away, shoulders hunched like someone had just kicked her.

Blake watched her go, then looked back at Jackson. His voice softened just a notch. “Yeah. Maybe that’s best. Let things cool down.”

Jackson stroked Sophia’s back. “Come on, let’s take a walk.”

Sophia nodded, wiping her eyes as Jackson led her out.

The door closed. Blake stood there for a beat, then let himself smile.

The garden pavilion sat tucked between old oak trees, sunlight filtering through leaves like scattered coins. Jackson guided Sophia to a stone bench, all gentle touches and concerned looks. He had no clue the storm brewing inside her head had nothing to do with the scene they’d

left.

“You okay?” He settled beside her, taking her hands. “That looked rough.”

Sophia forced her lips into a smile. “Thanks for coming.”

You lying piece of garbage, she thought, but/kept smiling.

Jackson squeezed her hands. “I knew Ava would cause problems. She’s ripping your family apart.”

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