Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 78

I don't want you showing up at my apartment and running into Alexander.

Elena kept that to herself and sighed softly instead. "I argued with my parents recently. I thought maybe staying a few days might help smooth things over."

It sounded perfectly reasonable. Very in character.

"Alright," Nathan said without suspicion. "Stay as long as you want."

After work, Elena drove to the Hart house. Before she even stepped inside, Camille's voice drifted out, sharp and emotional.

"Why does he get to buy her breakfast? He's my husband. What is Elena even supposed to be?"

"You're right. That was Nathan's mistake," Catherine soothed gently. "Don't cry. It hurts me to see you like this."

Elena felt nothing.

She stepped into the living room and raised an eyebrow. "What mistake did Nathan make?"

Catherine and Camille both startled.

When does she arrive? Did she hear?

Nathan had made it very clear that Elena could not find out about his relationship with Camille, not until the shares were secured.

Seeing Elena so calm, they relaxed slightly.

"Why didn't you call before coming back?" Catherine asked coolly.

Elena did not bother reacting to the tone. She was not here for affection.

"The commute from my apartment is inconvenient. I'll stay here a few days. Is that a problem?"

"What kind of attitude is that?" Catherine snapped.

Richard came downstairs. "Elena, don't talk like that. This is your home. No one needs to 'welcome' you. Lyra, get the guest room ready."

"Why the guest room? Don't I have my own room?"

Elena headed upstairs.

It did not take long to understand. Her old bedroom had been turned into an art studio.

Canvases leaned against the walls. Paint tubes cluttered the desk. Even her old table had dried streaks of color on it.

Camille finally looked satisfied. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. Mom converted your room into my studio. You're barely here anyway. The guest room should be fine, right?"

Camille had no comeback.

Less than half an hour later, Nathan rushed in, still carrying a warm box from Crisp House.

"You really made the trip?" Catherine asked, her tone tight. "Is there no food here for her?"

Catherine watched Nathan actually show up, eager and attentive, and her expression darkened, matching Camille's almost exactly.

The nicer he was to Elena, the worse Camille felt.

And seeing that, Catherine's heart ached for Camille.

Watching her own husband treat another woman that way was never easy.

Nathan glanced at Camille out of habit, caught the hurt in her eyes, then quickly looked away and sat beside Elena.

"It's not far. If Elena wants it, that's what matters."

Elena slipped her arm through his deliberately. "Can you help me upstairs with the guest room? I just got my nails done, and it's hard to do anything."

She lifted her hand slightly, showing off the fresh manicure.