Saintess's Worthless Husband Turned Dragon Commander novel Chapter 32

CHAPTER 32 PART 1

Karen’s face was a mask of fury and betrayal. “Riley’s invitation is an honor! Do you understand that? He’s successful, accomplished, everything your husband isn’t! And you’re throwing it back in his face? You’re being ungrateful!”

“I’m being loyal,” Quinn said, her voice steady despite the trembling in her hands. “To my husband.”

“Your HUSBAND?” Karen’s voice rose to a shriek. “That worthless nobody who’s done nothing but embarrass this family? Quinn, if you don’t attend this dinner-if you insult Riley Ridge like this-I will throw both of you out of this house! Do you understand me? OUT!”

Quinn’s Saintess aura flared defensively. “Fine. Then we’ll leave.”

The declaration stunned both parents into momentary silence.

“You… you can’t be serious,” Karen stammered.

“I’m completely serious,” Quinn said, her voice carrying a conviction she’d never felt before. “If Marcus isn’t welcome at family events, then neither am I. We’re married. We’re a unit. That’s what marriage means.”

“Marriage?” Karen’s laugh was bitter. “Your marriage is a CONTRACT! A year-long performance! Everyone knows it!”

“Then everyone is wrong,” Quinn said quietly.

Brandon stepped between them before Karen could explode again. “Enough. Both of you.” He turned to Quinn with forced calm. “Riley Ridge is family. This dinner is important. If you insist on bringing Marcus-against all reason and propriety-then bring him. But there will be consequences.”

Karen’s mouth opened to protest, but Brandon shot her a look that silenced her.

“However,” Brandon continued coldly, “you will NOT use our car. You will NOT use family money for transportation or anything else tonight. If you want to parade your poor choices in front of Riley, you’ll do it on your own resources.”

“Fine,” Quinn said immediately. “We’ll walk if necessary. What’s the restaurant address?”

Karen provided it through gritted teeth, then stormed toward their car without another word. Brandon followed, pausing only to give Quinn one final look of profound disappointment before departing.

The moment they were gone, Marcus turned to Quinn with genuine curiosity.

“What’s really going on?” he asked. “This isn’t just about a family dinner.”

Quinn sighed, sinking onto the living room sofa. “Our families… they always hoped Riley and I would end up together. Growing up, everyone treated it like an inevitability, He was the perfect match-wealthy family, good cultivation potential, proper status for a Saintess.”

“But you chose me instead,” Marcus said.

“I…” Quinn hesitated. “My Saintess intuition told me you were my destined partner. Despite everything-despite Riley being the ‘ideal choice’-I knew I was supposed to marry you.”

Marcus sat beside her, close enough that she could feel warmth radiating from him. “And now Riley’s back from overseas, and your parents are hoping…”

“That I’ll realize my mistake,” Quinn finished bitterly. “That I’ll see what I ‘should’ have chosen.”

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Marcus smiled-not his terrifying smile, but something warmer, almost amused. “Are you worried I’ll be jealous?

“Should you be?” Quinn asked, surprised by her own boldness.

“Of someone your parents approve of?” Marcus’s laugh was genuine. “Quinn, I faced down the Brand family tonight. I had Aaron Jackson himself call me elder brother. Do you really think I’m intimidated by some childhood sweetheart your mother prefers?”

Despite everything, Quinn felt herself blush. “You’re not even a little concerned?”

“Not even slightly,” Marcus assured her, his dragon eyes holding hers with intensity that made her breath catch.” You’re my wife. That’s all that matters.”

The words settled something in Quinn’s chest that had been unsettled for three years.

They drove to Azure Breeze Restaurant in the Rolls-Royce that Marcus had somehow acquired-Quinn still had questions about that, added to the growing list of mysteries surrounding her husband.

“Marcus,”

Quinn said as they pulled up, her voice anxious, “Riley is… he’s a smiling tiger. Always pleasant, always charming, but manipulative underneath. My parents adore him. Everyone does.”

“I understand,” Marcus said calmly.

“I mean it. He’ll try to undermine you. Make you look bad while seeming innocent. And my family will support him because-”

“Quinn.” Marcus’s hand found hers, squeezed gently. “Anyone who tries to touch what’s mine will regret it. I promise you that.”

The certainty in his voice made her believe him.

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CHAPTER 32 PART 2

They entered Azure Breeze Restaurant-an upscale establishment favored by Grayson City’s elite-and immediately spotted the Ridge family’s private room.

The moment Quinn appeared in the doorway, Riley Ridge jumped up with exaggerated enthusiasm.

“Quinn! There you are!” He rushed forward, arms extended as if to embrace her, completely ignoring Marcus’s presence. “I’ve been waiting! When I heard you got promoted to project manager, I just had to celebrate with you properly!”

Riley was handsome in a polished, calculated way-expensive haircut, designer suit that screamed European fashion, the kind of smile that looked warm but never quite reached his eyes. He was also clearly cultivating, his aura radiating carefully controlled power that marked him as someone who’d invested serious resources into

advancement.

He grabbed Quinn’s hands before she could pull away, his touch lingering. “You look absolutely stunning. Even more beautiful than I remembered. And a Sacred Saintess now! Your divine aura is magnificent!”

“Riley,” Quinn said, extracting her hands with effort, “this is my husband, Marcus Steel.”

Riley’s eyes finally acknowledged Marcus’s existence with a dismissive glance. “Oh. Right. The… husband.” The pause before the word was deliberate, mocking. “I’ve heard… things.”

He turned immediately back to Quinn, pulling Mercedes keys from his pocket and dangling them with theatrical flair. “I wanted to pick you up personally! Drive you here in style! But your mother said you’d already left.” He laughed, the sound calculated to seem charming. “I even had the car detailed specially. Champagne leather interior, the works!”

“We drove ourselves,” Quinn said shortly.

“In what?” Riley’s eyebrows rose. “Did your… husband… manage to borrow something presentable?”

Before Quinn could respond, Riley’s parents stood up from the table-Mother and Father Ridge, both radiating the kind of old-money confidence that came from generations of never wanting for anything.

“Quinn, darling!” Mother Ridge approached with arms extended, embracing Quinn like she was already family.” Look at you! A Sacred Saintess and project manager! We’re so proud!”

Father Ridge nodded approvingly. “The Hartford bloodline continues to produce exceptional women. Your divine cultivation is clearly advancing beautifully.”

They settled Quinn into the seat of honor-right next to Riley-completely ignoring Marcus, who stood awkwardly to the side like unwanted furniture.

“Now then,” Mother Ridge said, her voice warm but her eyes calculating as they finally acknowledged Marcus’s presence, “you must be… Quinn’s current situation.”

The phrasing made it clear Marcus was temporary. Disposable.

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