She Turned Her Grief Into Wings novel Chapter 35

By the time dinner ended, Mr. Winston's elated expression made it obvious the negotiations had gone exactly as he'd hoped.

The group headed downstairs together. Aiken went to pull the car around while Caden stepped to the side to take a phone call.

It was nearing May, and the evening breeze carried no trace of the winter chill, brushing comfortably against their faces.

Mr. Winston straightened his jacket and turned to her. "Ah, Mrs. Hayes, I really can't thank you enough tonight. If you hadn't been here, this deal wouldn't have closed nearly so fast."

Shera flashed a standard, polite smile. "Not at all. You secured it because your company met the Hayes Group's requirements."

"Whatever the case, I'm deeply grateful you graced us with your presence. I'll be sure to have my wife visit your boutique often."

Since he was being so amicable, Shera courteously extended her hand. "Thank you, Mr. Winston."

Mr. Winston shook it, beaming with delight.

Before they even let go, a shrill, piercing voice echoed from behind them.

"I caught you, David Winston! Fooling around right under my nose! Do you have a death wish?!"

A vicious *crack* split the air. The heavy slap landed squarely across Mr. Winston's face, instantly leaving a bright red handprint.

Before Shera could even process what was happening, the middle-aged woman lunged forward, grabbing Shera by the collar, her eyes practically bulging with rage.

"Let's see which little homewrecker has the nerve to seduce my husband!"

Shera tried to shove her away, but the sheer difference in size made it impossible. She was locked in a vice grip, completely trapped.

"Stop! Stop it right now!"

Seeing her husband try to intervene only fueled the woman's fury. Convinced he was protecting the mistress, she raised her heavy hand, aiming a savage slap right at Shera's face.

Just as Shera braced herself, expecting the inevitable blow, a powerful force yanked her sharply backward, pulling her flush against a solid chest.

Aiken, who had just pulled the car up, saw the chaotic scene and rushed over in a panic. "Boss!"

Shera's expression was unreadable. She frowned, lifting a hand to cover her stinging cheek. The evening breeze was only making it burn worse.

The woman scrambled forward on her knees, desperately trying to grab Shera's pant leg. "Mrs. Hayes, I'm so sorry! I didn't know it was you! I thought you were some mistress this bastard was keeping on the side! I am so, so sorry!"

Shera didn't say a word. She merely took a step back, completely avoiding the woman's touch.

With a single, terrifying look from Caden, Mr. Winston hurriedly dragged his wife back.

Caden's face was completely dark, his chest rising and falling violently. The look he gave Mr. Winston was so cold it could strip the flesh from his bones.

"Go home and teach your wife how to behave," he ordered in a deadly whisper.

Mr. Winston opened his mouth to beg for mercy, but Aiken brutally kicked him out of the way, quickly ushering Caden and Shera into the car.