From His Wife to His Uncle's Wife novel Chapter 98

Antique shops were notorious for their so-called treasures. Unless you had experience and a sharp eye, you were almost guaranteed to get ripped off.

Jessie, who had been the one to rave about the shop to Peter, looked utterly mortified. She’d shopped there a bunch of times and never thought she’d end up recommending something fake.

She couldn’t help herself and spoke up. “Marleigh, are you sure there’s a mistake? This jade bracelet looks so real. The color and the way it catches the light... it’s beautiful.”

Max just chuckled. “That’s exactly the problem. The color is way too perfect. Real jade never looks this even. See?” He picked up the Imperial Green bracelet he’d given his mom. “Real jade has softer, more natural shades, and the color shifts here and there. When you compare this to yours, the difference is obvious.”

A man nearby nodded in agreement. “Max is right. I’ve been collecting jade for over ten years, and that one on the left is clearly meant to trick beginners.”

Peter’s face darkened. He hadn’t expected to embarrass himself so badly. He quickly took back the bracelet and bowed a little. “Marleigh, I’m truly sorry. I should have checked more carefully. I’ll bring a new gift tomorrow to make up for this.”

Apologizing like that made things sound way too serious.

Marleigh’s impression of Autumn and Peter dropped fast. What had been a nine out of ten was now barely a passing grade. She smiled politely and shook her head. “There’s no need. We’re here to enjoy ourselves, not to exchange gifts. Really, for my birthday in the future, I’d rather you all just come and not worry about presents.”

Everyone else started to panic. “No, Marleigh, you can trust us. We’d never bring anything fake!”

Peter’s family looked even more embarrassed. Olga, his daughter, pouted and looked like she was about to cry. This party was turning into a nightmare. It felt like everyone was picking on her dad.

“You’re all just being mean! Stop bullying my daddy!” she suddenly yelled.

Without warning, the sweet little princess stomped over and crashed right into the waiter who was holding Max’s gift. The waiter, caught off guard, lost his grip. The fancy box dropped straight to the floor.

Every single person in the room stared in shock. The sound of jade shattering rang out, sharp and clear.

Just then, George made his way through the crowd, leaning on Hunter’s arm. His tone was stern. “What’s going on here, Max? Why all the noise?”

Hunter’s eyes narrowed when he saw Peter. What was his family doing here?

Max gave a cold smile. “Nothing much, Dad. The Imperial Green set I spent months getting from Harborview for Mom just got smashed. By them.”

He paused and added, “They’re Clarksons, descendants of the Main family.”

George’s eyes went icy. Main? The descendants of that woman?

He glared. “Who let them in?”