The Billionaire's Discarded Wife Strikes BackChapter 1 The Price of the Ring
Every mistress knows the unspoken rule: never outshine the legitimate wife.
But the canary my husband kept in a gilded cage had forgotten her place. Not only did she flaunt the diamond ring that symbolized Mrs. Gilbert's position—she dared to attend the family banquet at the old estate.
Someone had warned the little bird not to overstep. She didn't care. She flashed the diamond under the chandelier lights, her voice carrying across the room.
"She's washed up. A withered flower from yesterday. Mr. Gilbert gave me the wedding ring."
"Titles don't matter. Whoever Mr. Gilbert dotes on is the real treasure. She's just a used rag—damaged goods no one else would touch."
My mother swayed, her face draining of color. I caught her arm before she could collapse.
"There's no true love in a marriage of convenience, Mother," I said quietly. "He lacks propriety, bringing a mistress to a family banquet. For that, he'll pay a heavy price."
"But the gossip..." she whispered.
"A few whispers are nothing compared to the Gilbert fortune." I met her eyes. "If their son is incompetent, then I, the dutiful daughter-in-law, will simply take the reins."
——
She searched my face for the naive girl who had worshipped Jesse Gilbert ten years ago. She found only ice.
Around us, the guests cast probing glances, hungry for a scene. They wanted screaming. Hair-pulling. A laughingstock.
I denied them the satisfaction. I turned away.
"Only what you hold in your hand is real," I told my mother. "Go to the back parlor and rest."
Seeing the absence of sorrow in my eyes, she finally exhaled. "As long as you have a plan. I believe in you."
When I turned back, Jesse Gilbert was approaching. Joanna Fox clung to his arm like a decorative parasite.
She extended her hand toward me, the enormous diamond catching the light.
"Hello, Miss Tessa Matthews."
The room fell silent. My maiden name—a calculated slap in the face.
This banquet, organized by Old Mr. Gilbert, was attended by every significant relative and business partner. Everyone here knew I was the rightful Mrs. Gilbert.
A mocking smile played on Jesse's lips as he looked past me to my mother.
"Mom, meet my new secretary. Bold, isn't she? No stage fright, no matter how big the occasion."
"Her nerve is impressive," he continued. "Daring to come to a place like this."