Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy) novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9

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“Alicia, you must keep your spirits up during confinement. Otherwise, it’ll harm your health.”

Khloe’s tone was light, almost careless–and that calmness only stoked Alicia’s fury.

“Khloe, don’t think you can slack off just because you’re hiding behind my brother’s company. You’re the Fox family’s daughter–in–law. Asking you to cook for me is already giving you a chance. Don’t forget–your position exists because of the Fox family.”

“Oh, right,” Khloe said, as though remembering something trivial. “I heard your husband’s numbers have been slipping badly this month.”

The words hit like a stone dropped into still water. Alicia froze, her retort caught in her throat.

It was true. Stanley had been coming home late, worn out and irritable. His performance was plummeting, and even Trey’s backing couldn’t prop him up forever.

“Khloe, what are you implying?”

“I’m not sure if Stanley ever told you, but half his sales were referrals from me. Lately I’ve been swamped, so even when he came to me, I just didn’t have the time.”

Alicia’s chest constricted.

She suddenly remembered how often Stanley had mentioned Khloe recently–how busy she was, how he hadn’t seen her in ages, how maybe they should invite her over sometime.

Half her resentment toward Khloe came from this very thing: Stanley praised her far too often. And Khloe was beautiful–too beautiful. It was only natural to suspect her husband admired more than just her work.

“Khloe, don’t spout nonsense. Stanley is capable–he doesn’t need anyone to hand him business.”

“Alicia, your husband’s probably just under pressure, which is why he hides things from you. But it’s fine. You can ask him yourself. After all, most of his clients are acquaintances of mine. He wouldn’t deny it.”

Alicia’s face went white, then red. Was Khloe mocking her? Suggesting her marriage was a sham and her husband was dishonest?

Khloe’s voice softened, but her words cut deeper than any blade. “Confinement is difficult, I know. But I’m finalizing a major deal today. If it goes through, your husband’s numbers might recover. Who knows? He might not just keep his job–he might even get promoted.”

Khloe was smiling. Alicia could hear it in her tone. To her, every syllable was steel. Khloe was warning her.

Her lips trembled. She wanted to lash out, but nothing came. Khloe had struck too close.

Whatever Khloe said afterward, Alicia barely heard. She slammed the phone down, stormed into Stanley’s room, and cornered him.

He was enjoying a rare day off, gaming to relax, when her barrage of questions about Khloe blindsided him. Within minutes, they were shouting, hurling accusations and objects, their fight loud enough to draw the servants to the doorway.

“What are you two doing? Have you lost your minds?”

Stella rushed in, quickly dismissing the servants. She pulled Alicia back, terrified that the stress would harm Alicia, especially since her body was still weak from giving birth.

Stanley’s face was ashen. He grabbed his coat and stormed out.

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“Stanley!”

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