Divorce Failed! My Wife's Secret Identities Shock the World novel Chapter 52

If the night turned into a full-on fallout, nobody would save face.

And it would all be because Anya had decided to stir the pot. She didn't have much talent, but her spite ran deep.

If it weren't for Andres's sake, Michael would've kicked the Morales family out on their asses a long time ago.

He forced a grin, trying to loosen the mood. "Alright—since everyone's stepping back, let's call it done. We don't get nights like this often. How about we play a game?"

Michael's idea was a mystery box draw.

Someone had prepared a bunch of small boxes—each with a gift inside and a slip of paper with a "challenge."

"As the mastermind," Michael announced, "I'll open the first one."

All the boxes were tossed into a big container. He rummaged around, convinced he'd found the best one.

He opened it.

It was cash. He counted it, pleased with himself. "Ten grand. Not bad, boys—classic lucky start."

For a normal household, ten thousand dollars could cover months.

For Michael's circle, it wouldn't even pay for a decent dinner.

Still, the little win gave him a buzz.

Quinn dug out the slip of paper from under the cash, unfolded it, and burst out laughing. "Mr. Perez—money like that isn't free. The note says you have to call every man here ‘Dad.'"

The room erupted.

Michael fanned himself dramatically with the bills and snapped, "Whoever wrote that, come out so I can make you beg for forgiveness."

Landon looked delighted. "Go on, Michael. I'll accept you as my son."

Michael shot him a look. "Go to hell."

Landon laughed. "You suggested the game. Don't be a sore loser."

With everyone chanting and heckling, Michael had no choice. His face dark as a storm cloud, he went around the room and muttered "Dad" to each guy.

He acted furious, but he didn't really care.

They were friends. No one was going to hold it against him.

The room went strangely quiet.

Anya, a bandage on her cheek, looked like she might crack a tooth.

Because the person sitting directly in front of her was Maeve.

Sarah clicked her tongue like she was sympathetic, but her eyes glittered. "Wow. Who wrote that? That's so insulting."

Way worse than barking.

Quinn glanced at Maeve.

Maeve sat there like she'd been born on a throne, pen in hand, waiting for Anya to kneel.

Other people might not understand what was happening.

Quinn did.

That slip of paper had Maeve's fingerprints all over it.