The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback novel Chapter 1102

The next morning, Felicia woke at six o'clock sharp. Anne was still fast asleep beside her. The first thing she did was grab her phone and open her messaging app. A text from Darin sent late last night awaited her: Jeffrey leaked the news.

Reading the name, Felicia wasn't particularly surprised. Jeffrey inserting himself into this mess was likely just a calculated move to disgust and provoke Max. Furthermore, given how quickly Darin had unearthed the culprit, it was obvious Jeffrey hadn't even bothered trying to cover his tracks.

She navigated back to the news portal. The initial explosive leak had vanished entirely, scrubbed from the internet. In its place stood BlueMarble's official clarification statement. In the flawlessly crafted PR text, the message was loud and clear: Max and Felicia's relationship was remarkably stable, and the rumors of a divorce were entirely fabricated. The statement also took the opportunity to clarify that Jeremy was merely her esteemed mentor, firmly denying any romantic involvement between them. It ended with a ruthless warning that any further slander would be met with immediate legal prosecution. With such a terrifying, iron-clad threat looming over the public, not a single tabloid dared to continue fanning the flames. Even the anonymous online gossip forums had gone dead silent.

Felicia locked her phone and tossed it onto the nightstand. Leaning back against the headboard, she lowered her eyes, a heavy silence settling over her as her mind spun with complicated thoughts. An indeterminate amount of time passed before she finally stirred, carefully tossing the duvet aside and padding into the bathroom. Once Anne woke, Felicia helped the little girl wash up and get dressed for the day. By the time they descended the stairs, Max was already seated on the living room sofa, watching the morning news. Seeing them, he rose and walked over.

"Good morning, Dad," Anne greeted cheerfully.

Max offered a warm smile. "Did you sleep well last night?"

"Mom stayed with me, so of course I slept great," Anne replied proudly.

Max lifted his gaze, his dark eyes locking onto Felicia. "Let's eat breakfast."

Following the meal, Felicia announced she needed to return to the Ross estate. She had already explained the situation to Anne, who had afternoon tutoring sessions and couldn't tag along.

"I will drive you," Max offered immediately.

"There is no need," Felicia declined smoothly. "Stay here with Anne. Dean should be arriving any minute to pick me up."

Max stared at her, his gaze turning profoundly intense. Right on cue, Felicia's phone rang. It was Dean, calling to announce he was waiting outside the estate gates. After kissing Anne goodbye, Felicia headed for the exit, with Max silently escorting her to the front gates via a golf cart.

Max fell silent.

They didn't exchange another word until they reached the grand entrance of the estate. Dean was parked just outside the gates. Spotting Felicia, he stepped out and respectfully opened the rear passenger door for her. She climbed inside without a backward glance. Dean quickly circled the hood, slid into the driver's seat, and steered the car smoothly away. Max stood motionless at the gates, watching the taillights fade into the distance.

Roughly forty minutes later, Felicia arrived at the Ross estate just as a heavy downpour finally broke from the clouds. Stepping into the elegant living room, she found Jeremy seated on the sofa. She wasn't surprised by his presence, having recognized his car parked in the driveway outside. Darin and Greg were sitting with him, engaged in a quiet conversation.

"You are back," Darin noted as she entered.

Felicia walked over, offering Jeremy a polite nod. "Jeremy."

He returned the gesture with a gentle dip of his head.