The Doormat Wife’s Ultimate Glow-Up novel Chapter 414

At seven in the evening, Reese finally set aside the last stack of files. She rubbed her tired eyes and reached for her phone, dialing Matthew’s number. Now that the box was in Roman’s hands, she figured the rest was up to the police. For the first time in days, it seemed like she and Matthew could finally get a decent break.

But the call rang and rang. No answer.

Her heart started to pound. Reese frowned, anxiety twisting in her chest. She hurried through the halls to the parking garage, got into her car, and drove straight to the military hospital.

When she pushed open the door to Matthew’s room, everything was quiet. The bed across from his had signs of someone moving in, but both beds were empty. Reese’s confusion grew. She stepped back into the hallway, found a nurse, and asked about Matthew. When she heard he had checked out and left, her worry spiked.

Somewhere across town, Matthew was driving toward an old, abandoned factory on the west side.

Inside the factory, Nathaniel watched Derek, who was tied tightly to a pillar in the middle of the room. He checked his watch, then signaled to his men, who were already getting into position.

“Stay alert,” Nathaniel said. “As soon as Matthew hands over the box, take him down. If he tries anything, kill this one on the spot.”

“Yes, sir,” his men replied, all of them itching for action.

Outside, Matthew’s car rolled to a stop. He got out, grabbed the metal box from the passenger seat—just like Hank had described—and walked toward the factory.

The place was poorly lit, with one bright bulb hanging over Nathaniel’s chair. Derek sat nearby, covered in bruises and barely conscious.

“Matthew, I knew you’d show,” Nathaniel called out, grinning as soon as he spotted the box. People always made the same choice. When it came down to what they wanted most and the women they loved, they picked themselves every time.

The man flipped the lid. Inside, everything looked perfect—the red velvet, the ledger, the agreements, the lists. Even the old paper looked real. He skimmed through a few pages, then gave Nathaniel a nod. “It’s real.”

Nathaniel’s smile widened. “Bring him over.”

Two men came forward, untied Derek, and dragged him toward Matthew.

Matthew moved in, ready to catch him, but before he could reach Derek, Nathaniel whistled sharply.

Suddenly, more men rushed out from the shadows, weapons ready. They surrounded Matthew and Derek, guns pointed straight at them.