From His Wife to His Uncle's Wife novel Chapter 158

Max led them to a private room at the restaurant and ordered a table full of dishes he knew she liked.

Eleanor sat there, fidgeting with her teacup, her eyes unfocused. The silence stretched out, growing heavier by the second, until Max finally spoke up. "Did you get the verdict yet?"

"Not yet," she said, her cheeks turning pink a moment too late.

Max nodded thoughtfully. "I know your judge, you know. Next time I see him, I’ll ask about your case. Maybe get things moving a little faster."

It was the first time Max had ever come off so assertive and Eleanor stared at him, caught completely off guard. "Is that... okay?"

Max let out a short laugh. "What, you think I'm going to pull some strings for you? Relax. Your Judge Trey is all about fairness. He doesn't play favorites, not even for old friends."

"Then why..." she started.

He just shrugged. "Just checking in on things. That’s not a crime, is it?"

Eleanor instantly remembered what Max had said about getting their marriage certificate once the verdict came through. Her heart skipped a beat and she felt a twinge of annoyance. She had never actually agreed to his request.

"Don’t worry," Max said, his tone softening, "Take your time. I’m not trying to rush you. Sure, I have money, but I’m not out there making trouble or getting caught up in scandals. No secret girlfriends, no affairs. Honestly, compared to most men these days, I’m a pretty good deal. But you still get to say no. I won’t force you."

He kept saying he wouldn’t pressure her, but every word came with a confidence that left her speechless. Eleanor realized her boss was, honestly, kind of full of himself.

"Mr. Clarkson, I just want to know... why me?"

Max’s lips curled into a smile. "Because you’re beautiful. Everyone likes beautiful things. I’m no different."

His answer was so straightforward, her heart started pounding. But Eleanor had been through a failed marriage before. After that first rush of emotion, she quickly pulled herself together.

Marleigh felt a thrill but kept her face calm. "Hmm. Send me the picture. I’ll check it out. But Katie, it’s completely normal for a man Max’s age to be dating someone."

Katie blinked. "Really? Max has been single for thirty-three years."

Marleigh looked at the photo again, a satisfied smile creeping across her face. "Alright, that’s enough now. Go on, your grandma needs her rest."

Once Katie left, Marleigh opened her chat with Eleanor.

[Eleanor, dear, could you keep an eye out at the office and see if there’s a woman like this around Max?]

[It’s just a photo of her back, but thank you.]

Eleanor had just walked in the door when she saw Mrs. Clarkson’s message. She opened the photo and nearly dropped her phone. Who had taken this picture? The woman Marleigh wanted her to investigate... was her.