Her words left Angela speechless.
Even Trey was stunned into silence. Khloe had always been strict, but she had never resorted to physical discipline before. Still, Pete’s behavior had been unacceptable…
Trapped between Angela’s pleading look and Khloe’s icy resolve, Trey finally stepped forward and caught her arm. “That’s enough. He’s learned his lesson.”
Khloe tossed the switch to the floor. Pete scrambled behind Angela, his sobs now those of genuine shock and pain.
Angela frowned, her lips pressed into a thin line, and patted the boy’s back soothingly.
“Remember this, Pete,” Khloe said, her voice cool and commanding. “As long as I am your mother, you will show me respect. If you don’t learn this lesson, that switch will be much less forgiving next time.”
Her tone was stern, but a cold smile played on her lips. The effect was so intimidating that even Pete’s sobs quieted to silence.
Trey stood frozen, bewildered.
Without another word, Khloe left the dining room.
He instinctively moved to follow her, but Angela clutched his hand, stopping him.
“Trey…”
Her eyes welled with tears, full of a deep-seated grievance. For years, she had played the part of the understanding one, secure in his love, always appearing gentle and magnanimous.
But this-this was too much. Khloe was publicly humiliating her.
It was the old Fox family patriarch who had torn them apart all those years ago. Back then, Trey was just a student, powerless to fight back. Angela had nearly lost her university position and was forced to pivot her entire career to child development.
Out of options, Trey had brought Khloe home as a shield, a beautiful facade to placate his family.
Angela had once asked him why he chose her. He’d been honest. At first, it was her looks-presenting a beautiful wife would satisfy his family’s expectations. Later, he discovered she was an orphan, completely alone, and a brilliant finance talent being headhunted by top firms.
Having her by his side was a strategic move for his career.
But to reassure Angela, he had secretly registered their marriage after only a short time with Khloe. That way, no matter what happened, their assets would belong to Angela as well.
He had promised her that once he solidified his control of the family company, he would make their relationship public.
From the very beginning, Khloe was just a tool.
And now, that tool was daring to fight back? Angela couldn’t stomach it.
Of course, Trey’s heart ached for her. But now wasn’t the time to reveal their hand. He pulled Angela into a brief, tight embrace, his brow furrowed in frustration, before finally releasing her and hurrying after Khloe.
“Have your assistant drive you,” Khloe said evenly. “I’ve got an appointment with a realtor. I’m going to look at a house.”
Trey froze in surprise. “But there’s a major company meeting today-“
“This property is about to have multiple offers. If I don’t see it today, it will be gone.”
Khloe cut him off, her tone placid. A faint smile played on her lips, not quite reaching her eyes. “Besides, you’re always the one telling me that work is endless, and that I should learn to treat myself once in a while.”
For a reason he couldn’t pinpoint, a chill ran down Trey’s spine. He forced an easygoing smile. “Alright, then I’ll skip the office too. I’ll come with you.”
“That’s not necessary.”
Her smile widened, bright and almost girlish, as she turned and lightly tapped a finger against his chest. “I want to pick it out myself. Once I’ve made up my mind, I’ll take you to see it.”
Of course, she saw right through him. He didn’t want to accompany her; he wanted to supervise her. If the property was purchased jointly, it would ultimately become an asset for him and Angela.
Her voice was so playful it made Trey’s heart skip a beat. He caught her wrist. “So it’s a surprise for me?”
“Of course it is.”
Khloe’s smile stiffened for a second before she pulled her hand away.
“Alright. I’ll let you have your way,” Trey murmured, his voice dropping as he slid an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a casual embrace.
Khloe had no room to retreat, forcing herself to stand still and not flinch from his touch.
But as he watched her car disappear down the street, the pleasant facade melted from his face. Was it his imagination, or had she changed? Or was it just a woman’s intuition-had she picked up on something and was now acting out of jealousy toward Angela?
He tugged irritably at his tie. He couldn’t let Khloe get under his skin. It didn’t matter how capable she was, or how devoted she had been. In the end, he would only ever have one wife: Angela.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.