Secret Wife Real Billionaire (by Ela) novel Chapter 282

Bitterness clouded Renee’s eyes, causing her to blink. She bent her legs and buried her face in her arms.

Turning to her phone's email, she found a message from her supervisor two days prior. The Art School of Critport University had extended an invitation for her to return as an off-campus mentor, delivering a series of lectures to the underclassmen for two weeks.

It was a usual practice to invite experienced professionals for specialized courses in universities.

Renee called her supervisor. "Mr. Sylvester, I have some free time tomorrow. I can come to the school for a class. However, I have a favor to ask. Could you arrange accommodation for me on the campus?"

*********

At half past ten in the evening, all the senior executives of the KM Group received a notice from Luke instructing them to return to the company promptly for a meeting.

Initially, everyone presumed it was related to the company's well-being.

However, upon reaching the office, Marcelo simply instructed them to provide updates on their respective departmental situations.

The reports concluded, and at two in the morning, they delved into addressing departmental issues.

The executives were perplexed.

The conference room was constantly filled with the aroma of coffee. Through efficient late-night efforts and overtime work, everyone managed to clear the backlog of tasks across all company departments for the next two weeks in a single night. They also successfully planned various departmental activities for the upcoming half-month.

The executives were overtired, with even Luke stifling a silent yawn.

On the host's chair, Marcelo maintained an expressionless demeanor. He resembled a cold, mechanical figure.

Anyone observant could discern that he was in a sour mood.

“Luke, is Mr. King upset?" one of the senior executives couldn't resist asking Luke in a hushed tone.

Luke sighed wearily. "Mr. King mentioned that tonight's salary is triple the usual amount." The senior executives speculated that Marcelo must have had a disagreement with his significant other.

When the two weren't on good terms, it was the employees who bore the brunt.

The senior executives were left speechless. One of them glanced at his watch.

Well, it was eight in the morning, time to head to work once more.

Getting some sleep seemed preferable to earning triple the salary.

**********

With the first light of day, Renee prepared a few essentials for school.

Descending the stairs, she recalled the clothes she had purchased for Naomi and took them with her.

The hotel arranged for Renee by the University was adjacent to the student dormitory. The sight of these youthful faces lifted Renee’s spirits.

Nevertheless, this positive mood was short-lived.

Renee received a call from Grace.

“Renee, come back immediately," Grace scolded with frustration. "Nana is waiting for you on the sofa."

This was an issue that Renee couldn't escape.

Catherine excelled at tattling.

It took just over ten minutes to drive from Bellbanks University to the Hudsons' house.

The entire Hudson family sat in an orderly line on the sofa, with even Rocco skipping work.

Catherine sobbed in Grace’s embrace, and upon spotting Renee, her cries intensified. "Mom, Renee insulted me so badly. I don't want to go on living. She made me kneel down in front of so many people. I've lost all my dignity."

Grace glared at Renee and remarked to Naomi, "Look at the child you raised."

Seemingly oblivious to Catherine’s and Grace’s words, Renee retrieved a leather jacket from her shopping bag and asked,

“Nana, I bought you this. Do you like it?"

“Take it back." Stern-faced, Naomi brushed away Renee’s offering.

Unintentionally, the leather jacket slipped from her grasp and landed on the floor.

A tense silence enveloped the room.

Catherine observed the scene with a self-satisfied smile.

She quietly gathered the new jacket from the floor and placed it on the sofa. "Nana, I did nothing wrong last night," she stated.

“Renee, you ungrateful wretch!" Grace cried, raising her hand to slap her.

But Renee reacted quickly. She firmly grabbed Grace’s wrist and shoved her back without hesitation!

Catherine tried to help Grace but fell on the sofa along with her.

“Catherine!" Naomi called out anxiously and then turned to Renee. "How could you do that? I regret taking care of you when you were young!" she taunted.

“Nana, they started it!" Renee pointed out, feeling both sad and powerless.

“Renee, I'm so disappointed in you! Take your stuff and leave! I can't bear this anymore!" Naomi ordered, grabbing the leather jacket and throwing it on the floor.

Renee looked at the furious Naomi before her.

She couldn't remember the last time she felt any affection or love from Naomi.

“Renee! Remember, I'm carrying the King family's great-grandchild. If anything happens to me, they won't let you off so easy!" Catherine screeched. She nervously patted her stomach and was relieved to find there was no pain.

Grace was furious! She ordered the servants, "Hold this ungrateful wretch! Let me see how she leaves this house today!"

“Enough!" Rocco slammed his fist on the table. "What is this commotion? If you have nothing more to say, then shut up!"

Renee looked at Rocco in surprise.

Could this selfish man be helping her?

“Renee, I'll walk you out." Rocco stood up to escort her out.

“Nana, take care of yourself," Renee said, bowing to Naomi, only to find that the older woman had turned her face away.

Naomi was ignoring her.

Renee’s heart constricted, and she left without engaging in further conversation.

“Mom, does dad hate me now?”Catherine asked Grace with a wounded expression.