The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 17

The Irvine family villa felt extra quiet at night. Rachel, wrapped in a silk nightgown, curled up on the living room sofa, waiting for Peter to come home.

Back when she was younger, she was delicate, graceful, the kind of woman Jon adored and spoiled. She never had to worry about anything. After Jon passed, she married Peter. He took over Jon’s company, grew it even bigger, and Rachel’s life only got more comfortable. She put a lot of effort into staying youthful, and it showed. She still had that charming glow, the kind that turned heads.

The door swung open as the maid let Peter in.

Rachel’s face lit up. She hurried over, took his jacket, and smiled. “You’re home late. Everything okay?”

Peter wasn’t anything like Jon. Where Jon had been solid and dependable, Peter was all charm and style, the kind of guy who attracted attention without even trying. Years as a CEO made him even more attractive, and Rachel couldn’t help but be drawn in by him.

“I had a work dinner tonight,” Peter said.

Rachel caught a whiff of perfume on his suit. That scent was all too familiar—it belonged to his new secretary.

Her smile faded. “Were you with that secretary again?”

Peter’s face tightened. “Rachel, you’re always imagining things. Doctor E still won’t see Jessa. She’s upset. Maybe you could help cheer her up. I’m exhausted. I’m going upstairs.”

He started toward the stairs.

Rachel called out, “I might know how to get Doctor E to help.”

Peter stopped in his tracks and turned back, wrapping his arm around her. “You’re incredible. You always come through for me. Rachel, you’re my everything.”

He knew exactly how to make her feel special, and Rachel melted a little, leaning into him, eyes sparkling. “I want something in return. Fire that secretary.”

Peter didn’t hesitate. “Sure. I’ll let her go tomorrow.”

From the kitchen, Fiona called out, “Don’t go, Ella. She’s still obsessed with Peter, acting like a lovesick teenager. There’s no saving her.”

Ella stayed calm. “I’m busy,” she said, ready to hang up.

But Rachel added, “Ella, when you were born, your dad made a bottle of wine for you, to open when you grew up. I’ve dug it up. Come home, okay?”

Ella’s lashes fluttered. Rachel always knew her weak spot.

…

Ella made her way to the Irvine villa. Peter and Jessa weren’t around. Rachel really had prepared a feast, and sitting right there on the table was the bottle of wine.

The label read Ella, scrawled in her father’s handwriting. The writing was a little awkward, but it was his. He hadn’t gone to college like Peter, but he’d built everything he had from nothing.