Share

Chapter 23

Author: Veekee
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-20 02:37:37

For the first time in several weeks, Catherine Rodriguez beamed—a sly, victorious grin that graced her lips as she took in her reflection in the ornate mirror. The morning sun streaming through the grand windows enveloped her in a gentle radiance, yet it was the news of Amelia’s vanishing that uplifted her spirits.

“She’s gone,” Catherine spoke aloud, testing the phrase on her lips. “The ideal little thorn in my side has finally removed herself from my existence.”

Beatrice, reclining on a chaise by the window, looked up from her cup of tea. “Gone, yes,” she reflected, her tone tinged with pleasure. “But is it for good? That’s what we ought to ponder.”

Catherine pivoted, her silk robe swirling around her legs as she approached. “Oh, come now, Mother. Allow me to relish this moment. Amelia has finally recognized the inevitability of her situation. She couldn’t withstand the stress, the accusations. She understood she was defeated.”

Beatrice raised an eyebrow, a subtle smirk spreading across her face. “You seem awfully sure of yourself for someone who has been outmaneuvered in the past. Remember, darling, the meek often find their strength renewed. You should be vigilant.”

Catherine laughed dismissively, pouring herself a glass of champagne from the crystal decanter on the table. “Let her attempt to come back if she dares. She’ll discover that I am no longer the feeble woman she once left behind.”

Beatrice chuckled quietly, the sound as light as it was treacherous. “Ah, to possess your arrogance, my dear. But let’s not overlook—while Amelia may be out of sight, she is far from out of mind. Ronald, for instance, is more despondent than ever. And the board? They are becoming increasingly uneasy.”

In the vast estate’s west wing, Ronald Wellington sat in his private study, his gaze locked on the same line of text he had been scrutinizing for over an hour. The quarterly reports were strewn across his desk, an outward display of the turmoil swirling in his thoughts.

He had believed that Amelia’s absence would provide clarity—that the tempest would finally subside. Instead, it had left him with a persistent emptiness he couldn’t shake. Her absence wasn’t a solution; it was a sign of the decay that had infected his life.

A knock echoed at the door. Without raising his head, he called, “Come in.”

Catherine entered, her confidence radiating. She wore a tailored dress that exuded authority and control, her every motion purposeful.

“You’re isolating yourself, Ronald,” she noted, taking a seat in the chair across from him. “That doesn’t suit a man overseeing one of the largest enterprises in the nation.”

“I’m managing the company perfectly well,” Ronald replied sharply, his tone making it clear there was no room for debate.

“Are you?” Catherine’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “From my vantage point, it seems things are beginning to slip. The board is second-guessing your decisions. The shareholders are anxious. And you, my dear husband, are... preoccupied.”

Ronald’s gaze finally met hers, his expression inscrutable. “Is there a reason for this lecture, Catherine?”

“Amelia.” Her voice cut through the silence like a whip. “She’s vanished, Ronald. You should be feeling relieved. Instead, you’re sulking like a man who’s lost something invaluable.”

Ronald’s jaw clenched, but he remained silent.

Catherine leaned in closer, her voice lowering to a whisper. “She was a burden, Ronald. A risk. Her disappearance has been a blessing. Now we can concentrate on what genuinely matters—our legacy.”

He held her gaze for a long time, his face a mask of composed indifference. “Our legacy,” he repeated, his tone emotionless. “And what exactly does that signify to you, Catherine?”

“It signifies securing the future of Wellington Holdings,” she replied smoothly. “It involves severing connections with the past—with individuals who jeopardize everything we’ve established.”

Ronald reclined in his chair, his gaze sharpening. “You speak as though Jake wasn’t part of that heritage.”

For a brief moment, Catherine’s assurance wavered. “Jake’s death was a tragedy,” she stated cautiously. “But lingering on it won’t bring him back. We must progress.”

“Progress,” Ronald repeated, his tone a quiet murmur. “Interesting. That’s precisely what Jake desired—to advance, to rectify the chaos we’ve created.”

Catherine's mouth turned into a tight line. “Don’t idealize him, Ronald. Jake acted recklessly. His death was the consequence of his own decisions.”

“Was it?” Ronald’s stare pierced hers, unwavering. “Or was it due to this family’s fixation on control?”

*******

Later that night, Catherine and Beatrice gathered in the parlor, their laughter resonating through the expansive hall as they toasted to their perceived triumph.

“To Amelia’s wise judgment,” Catherine proclaimed, lifting her glass. “And to our ongoing success without her interference.”

Beatrice tapped her glass against her daughter’s, her smile as keen as a knife. “Absolutely. But let’s not become complacent, dear. Ronald may appear unconcerned now, but his allegiance to Jake—and therefore, Amelia—is a variable we must remain vigilant about.”

Catherine exhaled, leaning back into the plush cushions. “Ronald is manageable. He’s caught between remorse and pride, and I know how to exploit both. Our focus should be on solidifying our control within the company. The board is already anxious—one more misstep, and they’ll be seeking a new leader.”

Beatrice nodded, her keen eyes glinting in the muted light. “Then we must ensure they have faith in you. Organize an event, something to demonstrate your command. Perhaps a charity gala. It will remind everyone who is in charge.”

Catherine beamed, her confidence renewed. “A brilliant suggestion, Mother. And while they’re captivated by our showcase, we’ll strengthen our grip on the company's assets. By the time Amelia contemplates returning—if she ever does—it will be too late for her to reclaim anything.”

Meanwhile, in his humble home, Rodriguez sat by the fireplace, his face lit by the dancing flames. He had spent countless evenings like this, engulfed in thought, reliving the decisions that led him here.

He remembered Amelia—his strong, resilient daughter—and the hurt he had inflicted upon her by siding with Catherine. He had convinced himself it was the right choice, but now, in the solitude of his quietude, he recognized it for what it truly was: a betrayal.

A photograph of Amelia as a little girl rested on the mantelpiece. Rodriguez picked it up, his fingers gliding over the frame. “I’m sorry,” he murmured, his voice trembling. “I let you down.”

The burden of his remorse was a constant presence, a shadow looming over him. He had attempted to call her, to write to her, even to visit the places she used to go, but she had disappeared without a trace.

Rodriguez clenched his fists, a flicker of resolve igniting within him. He had lost his daughter once; he would not allow it to happen again.

Back at the Wellington estate, Catherine reveled in the triumph of her initiatives. The charity gala she had orchestrated was a remarkable success, with esteemed individuals from across the city praising her elegance and leadership.

As she interacted with the guests, her laughter rang out like a siren’s melody, drawing people into her orbit. Beatrice watched from a distance, her pride evident in her poise.

“You’ve exceeded all expectations, Catherine,” Beatrice said as her daughter came closer.

Catherine smirked, sipping her champagne. “This is merely the beginning, Mother. With Amelia out of the picture, we have nothing to hold us back.”

Yet even as she spoke, a feeling of unease lingered at the corners of her thoughts. Ronald’s icy indifference, the murmurs among the board members, the haunting presence of Jake’s legacy—all served as reminders that her success was still unfulfilled.

Amelia’s absence created a void that everyone sought to fill in their own manner—Catherine with her plots, Beatrice with her discreet manipulations, Ronald with his brooding silence, and Rodriguez with his remorse.

However, none of them recognized that the void was not truly empty. Amelia’s influence remained, guiding their actions, decisions, and destinies.

And far away, in a realm beyond their reach, Amelia was observing, waiting, and getting ready.

Her tale was far from finished.

Related chapters

  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 24

    The spacious boardroom was filled with an unusual tension, the atmosphere thick with unexpressed accusations. The gleaming mahogany table mirrored the somber faces of the directors gathered around it. Ronald Wellington occupied the position at the head of the table, his piercing glance surveying the room, challenging anyone to dispute his authority.Mr. Harris leaned forward, clearing his throat. “Ladies and gentlemen, we cannot overlook the current predicament. Public trust in Wellington Holdings has significantly declined. The media is unrelenting, portraying us as a chaotic organization, and the shareholders… they are becoming increasingly restless.”A wave of whispers coursed through the room. Mrs. Caldwell, who was typically the voice of reason, adjusted her glasses and interjected, “Let’s not be hasty. We’ve navigated scandals before. Ronald has guided us through tougher times.”“Have we really?” Harris retorted, his tone biting. “The figures speak for themselves. The stock has

    Last Updated : 2025-01-21
  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 25

    Four years had passed since Amelia walked away from them, leaving a number of questions unanswered, but she seemed to remain as real as the shadow that refused to grow fainter with the passing of time.The imposing structure of the Rodriguez estate stood tall, exuding an aura of restless triumph. The great living room sparkled in the soft light of the afternoon sun, with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and gilded furniture. The delicate clinking of fine china punctuated the air as Beatrice poured herself a cup of tea, her movements exact, calculated. Across from her, Catherine leaned back on the velvet couch, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips as she crossed her legs.The estate had finally returned to its state of tranquility- or their version of tranquility, at least. Amelia was gone.Beatrice stirred her tea with languor, watching the golden liquid swirl inside the porcelain cup. "I must say, dear," she began, her voice like silk, "I had my doubts, but this turned out bette

    Last Updated : 2025-02-09
  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 26

    The Rodriguez home was tense as the silence thickened to make the very weight of the shifting balance in grudges both old and alliances new heavy even upon its walls. Beatrice stood very still at the door, inside their big estate home, gazing at what faced her. Evening air that fanned slightly stood still around the moment filled with energy - undecipherable."Who-who are you?" The voice of Beatrice barely rose above a whisper, yet held in it years of unanswered questions.The man standing on the threshold didn't say a word. His eyes, dark as coal, roamed over her in a slow, deliberative look that weighed her with quiet precision, as if he had seen it all before. He didn't say anything; he didn't have to; his presence was enough to convey the gravity of the situation.Behind him, the merest movement might be glimpsed—another figure, shrouded, a shape out of reach andrange of the porch light. Instantly, she felt the chill down her spine; she knew this was no ordinary caller, and though

    Last Updated : 2025-02-09
  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 27

    The weight of night had fallen, and there she was in the study pacing round and round. The atmosphere felt thick. It was like the moving shadow of the dancing candles from outside reflected the extent of darkness which she had plunged her life into. Day and night, every moment was directed toward this event, and that was the result.The knock on the door had been slow, a tap almost, as if whoever it was on the other side of the door took their time to savor the moment. She had known he would come-she knew that someone from her past would find a way to break through the walls she so carefully built around herself. And she knew she had to face what was coming, head-on.As the door creaked open, Beatrice's eyes narrowed. The man who stood before her now was one she had not seen in many years, a man whom she had erased out of her memory!."You," Beatrice exclaimed-cold and detached-while observing the man. She neither smiled nor betrayed any hint of surprise; instead, she acted as though

    Last Updated : 2025-02-10
  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 28

    The halls of Wellington Holdings hung in silent turmoil, a tempest brewing, waiting to erupt from beneath their tranquil surface. Since Jake's death, the company had lived in a frail balance, and while Ronald showed his usual icy exterior, people who worked close enough with him knew something had changed. Something was missing, and though no one dared mention it, that absence was felt.Jake had been more than just a vice president. He was a force that balanced the company, someone who stood firm between Ronald and the chaos brewing beneath the surface. And now, with him gone, the cracks in Wellington Holdings were widening.But today, the tension wasn't about the company's market performance or its internal power struggles.Today, it was about Jake's final wish.Ronald sat at his office desk, his fingers interlaced as he stared out the floor-to-ceiling window. The view of the city below was amazing, but his mind was elsewhere. The knock on his office door was sharp and deliberate."C

    Last Updated : 2025-02-10
  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 29

    The city never slept, but within the walls of Wellington Holdings, a suffocating silence loomed over its empire. In the office lights, long shadows stretched as Ronald Wellington sat behind his mahogany desk, his fingers interlocked in deep contemplation. The world moved on, yet there was something in the air tonight-charged, unsettling.Standing across from him, Ethan was posed with well-practiced ease, but his eyes flickered with the barest hint of hesitation. He had seen Ronald in many moods-indifference, cold precision, calculated fury-but this silence was different."You keep staring at me like that, Ethan. You got something to say or you just waiting for me to read your mind?" Ronald's voice sliced through the silence cold and sharp.Ethan adjusted a cuff and spoke in his professionally even tone. "Sir, if I may say so, with all respect, I believe this is about the announcement."Ronald leaned back in his chair; his face showed nothing. "Who is it, Ethan? Who's going to be appoi

    Last Updated : 2025-02-11
  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 30

    The air was heavy in the conference room at Wellington Holdings. Weight hung over the polished mahogany table where board members sat, waiting. There was no arrogance of corporate culture in the air, only an unease that none of them could quite put their finger on.Ronald Wellington sat at the head, his pose commanding, staring on towards the double doors as if he was waiting for a ghost to walk right through them. To his right sat Catherine Rodriguez, poised in a crimson blazer, the fingers of one hand interlocking tightly into the other on the table. Next to her, her mother Beatrice sat her lips painted in a thin line.The air was thick with uncertainty, whispers buzzing like insects between the minor board members. Even Charles Wellington, who seldom showed interest in these affairs, sat forward in his seat, furrowing his brow.This was supposed to be a straightforward announcement: a name would be called, and a new president would be crowned. But something in the silence before th

    Last Updated : 2025-02-11
  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 31

    The room was thick with air, stifling under the enormity of Amelia's declaration."I went back to reclaim what is mine."The conference room remained mired in heavy, stifling silence. The weight of Amelia's statement continued to hang heavy in the air, immobile and dense. Faces once so certain of their rightness now twisted with outrage, shock, and disbelief.Ronald Wellington didn't budge, his scorching blue eyes locked onto Amelia. His stance was rigid, but there was a menacing piercingness to his look—a warning, a threat. In front of him, Catherine's rage was contained by a thread, her fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white.Beatrice, however, was the first to get her words out. She leaned forward, her immaculately manicured nails tapping on the table, her face deliberately composed despite the rage simmering beneath the surface."This is absurd," she said slowly, her voice restrained but laced with venom. "There is no way Jake would leave all his money to. to you."Am

    Last Updated : 2025-02-14

Latest chapter

  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 32

    The corridors of Wellington Holdings buzzed with tension. News of Amelia's return had already spread like wildfire within the company. Employees grumbled under their breath, directors scrambled to make adjustments, and even the most seasoned board members were left dazed.Amelia sat in Jake's vintage grand office, her fingers running along the rim of the desk in a soft caress. The air was heavy with the scent of expensive wood polish and leathered wear, a bitter reminder of the heritage she now possessed.This room yelled Jake Wellington.But it belonged to her now.She took a deep breath, letting reality seep in. Jake never questioned her, not even when no one else did. He left her this kingdom, not out of charity, but as a provocation."Make them beg, Amelia. Make them regret the day they underestimated you."His voice lingered with her, a past echo.A. rap at the door broke into her daydream. She didn't have to ask who it was."Care to come in?" she suggested.Marson did, his usual

  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 31

    The room was thick with air, stifling under the enormity of Amelia's declaration."I went back to reclaim what is mine."The conference room remained mired in heavy, stifling silence. The weight of Amelia's statement continued to hang heavy in the air, immobile and dense. Faces once so certain of their rightness now twisted with outrage, shock, and disbelief.Ronald Wellington didn't budge, his scorching blue eyes locked onto Amelia. His stance was rigid, but there was a menacing piercingness to his look—a warning, a threat. In front of him, Catherine's rage was contained by a thread, her fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white.Beatrice, however, was the first to get her words out. She leaned forward, her immaculately manicured nails tapping on the table, her face deliberately composed despite the rage simmering beneath the surface."This is absurd," she said slowly, her voice restrained but laced with venom. "There is no way Jake would leave all his money to. to you."Am

  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 30

    The air was heavy in the conference room at Wellington Holdings. Weight hung over the polished mahogany table where board members sat, waiting. There was no arrogance of corporate culture in the air, only an unease that none of them could quite put their finger on.Ronald Wellington sat at the head, his pose commanding, staring on towards the double doors as if he was waiting for a ghost to walk right through them. To his right sat Catherine Rodriguez, poised in a crimson blazer, the fingers of one hand interlocking tightly into the other on the table. Next to her, her mother Beatrice sat her lips painted in a thin line.The air was thick with uncertainty, whispers buzzing like insects between the minor board members. Even Charles Wellington, who seldom showed interest in these affairs, sat forward in his seat, furrowing his brow.This was supposed to be a straightforward announcement: a name would be called, and a new president would be crowned. But something in the silence before th

  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 29

    The city never slept, but within the walls of Wellington Holdings, a suffocating silence loomed over its empire. In the office lights, long shadows stretched as Ronald Wellington sat behind his mahogany desk, his fingers interlocked in deep contemplation. The world moved on, yet there was something in the air tonight-charged, unsettling.Standing across from him, Ethan was posed with well-practiced ease, but his eyes flickered with the barest hint of hesitation. He had seen Ronald in many moods-indifference, cold precision, calculated fury-but this silence was different."You keep staring at me like that, Ethan. You got something to say or you just waiting for me to read your mind?" Ronald's voice sliced through the silence cold and sharp.Ethan adjusted a cuff and spoke in his professionally even tone. "Sir, if I may say so, with all respect, I believe this is about the announcement."Ronald leaned back in his chair; his face showed nothing. "Who is it, Ethan? Who's going to be appoi

  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 28

    The halls of Wellington Holdings hung in silent turmoil, a tempest brewing, waiting to erupt from beneath their tranquil surface. Since Jake's death, the company had lived in a frail balance, and while Ronald showed his usual icy exterior, people who worked close enough with him knew something had changed. Something was missing, and though no one dared mention it, that absence was felt.Jake had been more than just a vice president. He was a force that balanced the company, someone who stood firm between Ronald and the chaos brewing beneath the surface. And now, with him gone, the cracks in Wellington Holdings were widening.But today, the tension wasn't about the company's market performance or its internal power struggles.Today, it was about Jake's final wish.Ronald sat at his office desk, his fingers interlaced as he stared out the floor-to-ceiling window. The view of the city below was amazing, but his mind was elsewhere. The knock on his office door was sharp and deliberate."C

  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 27

    The weight of night had fallen, and there she was in the study pacing round and round. The atmosphere felt thick. It was like the moving shadow of the dancing candles from outside reflected the extent of darkness which she had plunged her life into. Day and night, every moment was directed toward this event, and that was the result.The knock on the door had been slow, a tap almost, as if whoever it was on the other side of the door took their time to savor the moment. She had known he would come-she knew that someone from her past would find a way to break through the walls she so carefully built around herself. And she knew she had to face what was coming, head-on.As the door creaked open, Beatrice's eyes narrowed. The man who stood before her now was one she had not seen in many years, a man whom she had erased out of her memory!."You," Beatrice exclaimed-cold and detached-while observing the man. She neither smiled nor betrayed any hint of surprise; instead, she acted as though

  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 26

    The Rodriguez home was tense as the silence thickened to make the very weight of the shifting balance in grudges both old and alliances new heavy even upon its walls. Beatrice stood very still at the door, inside their big estate home, gazing at what faced her. Evening air that fanned slightly stood still around the moment filled with energy - undecipherable."Who-who are you?" The voice of Beatrice barely rose above a whisper, yet held in it years of unanswered questions.The man standing on the threshold didn't say a word. His eyes, dark as coal, roamed over her in a slow, deliberative look that weighed her with quiet precision, as if he had seen it all before. He didn't say anything; he didn't have to; his presence was enough to convey the gravity of the situation.Behind him, the merest movement might be glimpsed—another figure, shrouded, a shape out of reach andrange of the porch light. Instantly, she felt the chill down her spine; she knew this was no ordinary caller, and though

  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 25

    Four years had passed since Amelia walked away from them, leaving a number of questions unanswered, but she seemed to remain as real as the shadow that refused to grow fainter with the passing of time.The imposing structure of the Rodriguez estate stood tall, exuding an aura of restless triumph. The great living room sparkled in the soft light of the afternoon sun, with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and gilded furniture. The delicate clinking of fine china punctuated the air as Beatrice poured herself a cup of tea, her movements exact, calculated. Across from her, Catherine leaned back on the velvet couch, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips as she crossed her legs.The estate had finally returned to its state of tranquility- or their version of tranquility, at least. Amelia was gone.Beatrice stirred her tea with languor, watching the golden liquid swirl inside the porcelain cup. "I must say, dear," she began, her voice like silk, "I had my doubts, but this turned out bette

  • Perfect Marriage Revenge    Chapter 24

    The spacious boardroom was filled with an unusual tension, the atmosphere thick with unexpressed accusations. The gleaming mahogany table mirrored the somber faces of the directors gathered around it. Ronald Wellington occupied the position at the head of the table, his piercing glance surveying the room, challenging anyone to dispute his authority.Mr. Harris leaned forward, clearing his throat. “Ladies and gentlemen, we cannot overlook the current predicament. Public trust in Wellington Holdings has significantly declined. The media is unrelenting, portraying us as a chaotic organization, and the shareholders… they are becoming increasingly restless.”A wave of whispers coursed through the room. Mrs. Caldwell, who was typically the voice of reason, adjusted her glasses and interjected, “Let’s not be hasty. We’ve navigated scandals before. Ronald has guided us through tougher times.”“Have we really?” Harris retorted, his tone biting. “The figures speak for themselves. The stock has

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status