Revenge Wears My Ring novel Chapter 78

His tone suddenly shifted, and his expression grew grave. “But there’s something even stranger that happened at home today.”

“What is it?” Queenie lifted her tear-streaked face, her eyes still shimmering.

Julian lowered his voice, a trace of unease slipping in without him even noticing. “My brother’s assistant, Hugo, showed up out of nowhere.” He hesitated, then continued, “Right in front of my father, Desiree, and Gwyneth, he said… ‘Mr. Boyd hopes Mr. Locke won’t make things difficult for Ms. Fletcher.’”

“What?!” Queenie jerked upright in Julian’s arms, her eyes wide with shock, momentarily forgetting her tears. “He stood up for Gwyneth? What does that mean? Does that mean Gwyneth is actually your—” She couldn’t bring herself to say “sister-in-law,” not when Desiree was still officially holding that title in the Locke family.

“Impossible!” Julian snapped, cutting her off with the ferocity of a cornered cat. His certainty was absolute, almost obsessive. “Gwyneth only has eyes for me. Her heart is all mine. Other men? Please, with her pride, she wouldn’t even give them a second glance—even if that man is my own brother.”

The idea that Gwyneth might love someone else was unthinkable to Julian. But a different, darker suspicion, the kind that fit his twisted logic, quickly wrapped itself around his mind like poisonous ivy.

His gaze turned cold and calculating, a crooked smile curling at the edge of his lips. “Queenie, what if my so-called ‘peace-loving’ brother isn’t actually interested in Gwyneth at all?”

Queenie stared at him, confused. “Not interested in her? Then what is he after?”

“Her shares,” Julian said, his eyes gleaming with greed and malice. “Gwyneth inherited a massive portion of the Fletcher family’s shares—her mother left them to her as a dowry. No way my dear brother would let all that land in my hands.”

The boldness of this idea made Julian’s own voice heavy, as if the truth was finally settling in.

“He’s taking advantage of the fallout between Gwyneth and the Locke family, pretending to help her, winning her trust—just so he can get close enough to control her shares.”

The more Julian thought about it, the more convinced he became. His voice turned cruel and sure. “Hah, so that’s my mysterious brother’s real game. He’s been biding his time for this.”

Queenie listened, stunned, but soon enough a spark of greed and vengeance lit up in her eyes too.

If Julian’s theory was right,

Gwyneth was nothing more than a pawn for Bennett.

Gwyneth—first used by Julian, now a chess piece for Bennett.

What did she have besides a wealthy family to compete with Queenie?

With this thought, Queenie felt a little better.

In the darkness of that room, they sealed their unholy alliance.

Julian believed he’d seen through Bennett’s scheme, not realizing Gwyneth was no longer his to control.

Meanwhile, in Bennett’s hospital room—

Hugo stood respectfully by the bedside. “Sir, the message has been delivered. Mr. Locke’s face… was quite a sight. Ms. Fletcher has already left the Locke house safely.”

Bennett opened his eyes slowly. Though his gaze was icy and impenetrable, a faint, blood-tinged smile tugged at his lips.

Hugo looked at him, an uneasy feeling stirring in his chest.

If Gwyneth ever found out Mr. Boyd was actually Ben, he couldn’t imagine how she’d react.

Honestly, Hugo was beginning to look forward to it.