Secret Wife Real Billionaire (by Ela) novel Chapter 114

Chapter 114 Her mother

In the study, Renee raised her concerns to Marcelo. “You’re pushing Ivan so hard with his studies. Aren’t you worried it might affect his work?”

If Ivan truly didn’t want to study, he could just endure these months.

Gazing towards the guesthouse, Marcelo replied, “If he doesn’t get into a top university, he’ll retake the entrance exam. Time is precious for professional e–sports players.”

His approach was strict.

Too strict, Renee thought.

“But isn’t it too much for him? Only six months left and he said his grades are unsatisfactory…”

Renee found it challenging to sympathize with him, she had always been an exceptional student during her school

days.

“He’s never studied seriously before. Now, he needs to de

Renee pitied Ivan. He was miserable.

to double his efforts. It’s only fair,“Marcelo replied indifferently.

Then, she remembered something. “I’m inviting Freddy out for dinner in two days. I won’t be home for dinner.”

Freddy was in the city for à month. Since Renee had promised to treat him, she wanted to get it done sooner.

Marcelo beckoned on her to come closer.

Leaving her laptop, Renee approached him, curious. “What is it? Need some help?”

As she neared, he grasped her wrist, guiding her into his arms.

She found herself seated on his lap, feeling the warmth of his skin and the definition of his muscles through the fabric.

Marcelo, with a light smile, teased, “Inviting an employee out to dinner?”

Renee then recalled Freddy jokingly calling her his boss.

“He…was just joking.”

“Or is he interested in you?“His expression grew

ense.

She felt a chill. She struggled to recall if she had invested in Freddy’s venture through her private account or under the Venus Private Foundation.

Using the foundation’s name linked her too closely with it.

She initially planned to use the foundation’s name, but did things change later?

In a rush for cross–border investment, did she write a personal check instead?

Was that what she did?

“Yes, I’m technically his boss. Well, not exactly. I’m the major shareholder, involved only in dividends, not orations. Over time, I’ve reduced my shares to 45%, and he owns 40%.”

With his current stature, Freddy could buy out Renee’s shares or start his venture. Yet, he remained grateful for Renee’s early support, generously sharing profits with her each year.

“You own the Venus Bar and a top international fashion studio. Mrs. King, how much wealth haven’t you disclosed to me?“He asked, smiling.

“Um…Nothing more, “She replied earnestly, batting her eyelashes “These are minor compared to your wealth.”

Marcelo playfully pinched her cheek. “Flattery won’t work on me “Then what do you want?“She retorted, her tone light.

He laughed. “Just curious. I’m not after your money.”

His interest was in knowing how capable his wife was.

JUS

That afternoon, Grace was playing cards with a group of ladies.

“Mrs. Hudson, your daughter knows Freddy? You’ve kept that quite a secret,” remarked one lady. Grace, surprised, replied, “Catherine knows Freddy? I had no idea She’s not one to brag.”

Her words carried a hint of pride.

The lady clarified with a nuanced expression, “Not Catherine. I meant your adopted daughter, Renee.”

“I can’t believe you haven’t heard such a big news. Oh, I forgot. You missed Freddy’s show.” The woman to Grace’s left filled her in on the eventful happenings at Freddy’s fashion show.

“How is it possible for Renee…to be acquainted with Freddy?” Grace was so astonished that she accidentally nudged the card.

She had nearly forgotten about her adopted daughter, Renee.

The women at the same table exchanged glances.

“Are you truly clueless? What a shame. Securing a dress made by him is quite difficult as you have to wait in line. If Renee is still considered your daughter, you might persuade her to get you one of Freddy’s designs.”

This woman’s words dripped with sarcasm, taunting Grace for losing Renee, who was quite an asset.Everyone aware of the situation knew that Grace always publicly and privately demeaned and insulted Renee.

Grace’s behavior was harsh.

“I, I’m not feeling well. I can’t continue the card game today.” She was afraid that she would lose control of her emotions if she

stayed any longer.

She returned home, her mood stormy. Before her anger could erupt, Catherine’s aggrieved expression caught her attention.

“Catherine, what’s the matter?“Grace asked, softening her tone.

With quivering eyelashes, Catherine appeared quite pitiful. She questioned Grace, “Mom, did you know about Renee’s close relationship with Freddy?”

“I’ve only just found out. She never mentioned it to us.”

Grace’s irritation flared up at the mention of Renee. Clearly, Renee had not been forthcoming. Knowing someone like Freddy, a renowned designer, and keeping it from her family seemed like a deliberate act of defiance.

“If it weren’t for the fact that you and Dad raised Renee, I would have been the one receiving Freddy’s respect. But now, even when I try to borrow a dress from him, I get rejected… “Catherine clung to Grace, and cried pitifully, “Mom, is it that destiny just favors Renee too much?”

As fate would have it,Catherine was scheduled to appear on a red carpet later in the month.

Coincidentally, Freddy was hosting his first–ever show in the country at the same time. Catherine’s team thought it would be a great publicity move to have her wear one of Freddy’s exclusive designs, so they reached out to his studio.

To their dismay, when they requested a dress under the guise of being the fiancée of the King family’s grandson, Freddy’s team outright dismissed them.

+25 BONUS

Grace’s attention was swiftly drawn back to Catherine’s words.

Indeed, if the Hudson family hadn’t adopted Rence, she wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet Freddy.

If it weren’t for the fact that Renee had grown up with the Hudson name, it should have been Catherine who knew Freddy. And Grace wouldn’t have to endure seeing other mothers take their daughters to Freddy’s show, while she and Catherine didn’t even have an invitation.

The more Grace pondered, the more she sympathized with her disadvantaged daughter.

“Destiny should be favoring you, not her. Renee is nothing.” Grace reassured Catherine, “Don’t worry, my dear. You want a dress from Freddy, right? I’ll get it for you. We won’t just borrow one; we’ll get a custom–made dress.”

Freddy was setting up a new branch office in the city.

On the day of the dinner, as a major shareholder, Renee paid a symbolic visit to Freddy’s studio to oversee operations.

Freddy, finishing up his work, attempted to broach the subject of Renee’s marital life several times, but she deflected each time, saying, “It’s a basic rule for employees not to gossip about the boss.”

Freddy, slightly disappointed, conceded, “Okay, but Renee, I’ve heard about the rumors concerning Vivian and your husband. Don’t take it to heart. Very few men are good.”

“Freddy, remember, you’re a man too,“She gently reminded him.

Freddy didn’t argue. “That’s why I’m not married. But, isn’t your husband upset about you having dinner with me tonight?”

“What would he have to be upset about?” Renee responded, but she couldn’t help picturing Marcelo’s stormy expression when she mentioned having dinner with Freddy.

It was as if she was betraying Marcelo.

Freddy pretended to be serious. “The last time I saw your husband, he glared at me like I was some intruder. Looked like he wanted to banish me from the country. Good thing he’s not joining us for dinner, or my digestion would surely suffer.”

Renee couldn’t help but laugh. “Really? That exaggerated?”

After spending time with Marcelo, Renee had come to understand his somewhat territorial nature. His possessiveness was just as much a part of his strong character as his need to maintain his private space.

“It’s not an exaggeration. I’ve never seen a man as visibly jealous as he is.

Jealous?

Could Marcelo actually be jealous?

No way.

Renee was still pondering this when Freddy’s assistant interrupted, knocking and entering.

“Mr. Lynn, a woman claiming to be Grace, who says she’s Renee’s mother, is asking to see you.” Freddy turned his gaze to

Renee.

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