Five Years of Marriage to Mr. Bradford (by Koi Fish) novel Chapter 90

“Everyone has poured so much into the company to get where we are today, and she just lounges at home, reaping the rewards while stirring up trouble for you, Aiden, and Lucas,” Catherine cried, her breath hitching between sobs. “I tried to be friendly, to smooth things over, and to play peacemaker. But she shuts me down and snaps at me until I hit my breaking point. Why does she get whatever she wants from you? In a dumb moment, I locked her in to stall her meeting with you. I never expected a fire.”

Rebecca wasn’t impressed, betting Vance would push for forgiveness next.

“Vance, I swear I’ll never do it again. I’ll toe the line from here on out. Can you forgive me?” Catherine whimpered, her tears slashing down and drenching his sleeve.

Rebecca gave a thin smile. “You’re barking up the wrong tree. I’m the one who got hurt. Why beg him?”

“But…” Catherine peeked at her meekly. “I know you can’t stand me; you’ll never let this slide. I’m truly sorry. I’ll make it right, paying your medical bills and covering your emotional distress. That works? Can you forgive me?”

“Make it right?” Rebecca’s face twisted in amusement. “With Vance’s cash?”

Catherine’s face flushed crimson, despair spilling over, as if she were the one who had nearly died in that fire.

Vance drew in a deep breath. “Rebecca, it’s not like that…”

“Then what is it?” Rebecca fired back, sensing he was already sold on Catherine’s story.

In his book, she was a fragile angel who couldn’t hurt a fly, and her stunt was just a misguided act of loyalty, standing up for him and their friends against Rebecca, the troublemaker.

“Save it!” Rebecca shut him down. “I don’t care if it’s a rock–solid friendship or a steamy affair. Wires don’t cut themselves. Fires don’t spark out of nowhere. I want answers. Fairness. If she’s really innocent, she can hold her head high with the police. Bawling here won’t cut it. The world’s not crawling with suckers like you, Vance. That level of stupidity takes up all the spots.”

Catherine’s wild claims might fool him, but they wouldn’t work on her.

This was her first time flat–out calling him a sucker. Vance gawked at her, like he didn’t recognize her anymore.

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