RedNovelChapter 248 McNeil said nothing, and his silence was far more intimidating than any words he could have spoken.
Violet pressed her lips together, a note of stubborn defiance creeping into her voice.
"No one can take Gwyn's mom away from her. Even if someone tried, your dad would never allow it." As soon as she finished, Violet glanced at McNeil, hoping he would contradict her. But McNeil simply helped Gwyneth into the car, then took his place in the driver's seat without a word.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtSitting in the back with Gwyneth, Violet could feel the car accelerating, the speed creeping higher and higher. It was as if McNeil had a storm raging inside him, and he was trying to burn it off with the engine's power.
He'd meant to drive Gwyneth home, but when she refused to go, he had no choice but to bring her to the office. That evening, McNeil was hosting Grace and Owen for dinner on behalf of the company. Grace and Owen arrived at the restaurant first; when McNeil and Violet walked in, they found both of them holding Gwyneth's hands, one on each side. Grace's eyes lingered on the three of them, shining with unconcealed envy.
"Mr. Langford, seeing the three of you together-you really are the model family for Starfall City's business world." People like Grace and Owen, seasoned veterans of politics and commerce, rarely kept their first spouse by their side once they'd made it to the top. Scenes of family harmony, especially with a child present, were almost unheard of. But watching Mr. and Mrs. Langford with their daughter, it was obvious they weren't just putting on a show. If a couple was only pretending, surely the child would sense it-she wouldn't be clinging to them so naturally, looking so happy.
Owen nodded in agreement, adding with a grin, "Mr. Langford, couples as young and devoted as you and your wife are a rare sight in Starfall City." Violet blushed, glancing shyly at McNeil. When he showed no sign of correcting the misunderstanding, she let it drop.
Both Owen and Grace, old hands from Evermore City's political circles, sensed something was off. This "Mrs. Langford" was far too cautious, and every tsomeone mentioned "husband and wife," she looked away, almost uncomfortable.
To break the tension, Violet turned to Gwyneth.
"Gwyn, say hello." Instantly, Gwyneth transformed into a little angel. "Hello, Uncle! Hello, Auntie!" Then, turning to Violet, she piped up, "Miss Violet, I want that one. I can't reach- can you help me?" With that simple request, Gwyneth unwittingly exposed the truth: Violet wasn't Mrs. Langford.
Owen and Grace exchanged startled glances. Owen excused himself to use the restroom, murmuring an apology, and shook his head as he left the table.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmMcNeil stayed a few minutes longer before following him out.
They met in the restroom, where Owen cut straight to the point. "Mr. Langford, this isn't right."
He sighed, lowering his voice. "The representative conference in the capital is coming up soon, and I've already recommended you to the higher-ups. But bringing a child out like this, with someone other than your wife, isn't a good look. In both politics and business, a harmonious family is the bare minimum. You know why so many men keep up appearances with their wives even when there's no love left-it's about reputation, about not giving anyone an excuse to question you."
He looked McNeil in the eye. "You're still young, with a bright future ahead of you. If you're not ringing your wife to Echo City's conference next month, how am I supposed to explain that to the board?" McNeil listened patiently, then replied coolly, "Senator Owens, I know where the boundaries lie. I won't put you in a difficult position." Owen clapped him on the shoulder. "Just be careful, son. Don't throw away your future for a moment's temptation."
When they returned to the table, Gwyneth was perched on Violet's lap, demanding bites of this and that, the picture of a happy mother and daughter. Owen sighed as he sat down again. He and Grace exchanged a few whispered words, and then the four of them quietly continued their meal.
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