She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 53

Chapter 53

Chapter 53

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Inside the Breeze Suite at Cloudscape, the atmosphere was warm and lively. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft golden glow, and the rich scent of red wine lingered in the air.

Beckham sat at the head of the table, speaking fluent Averonian with Colin from Aegis as they discussed the details of their partnership.

A relaxed smile rested on his lips, but his eyes stayed sharp and focused as he occasionally lifted his glass. Only Laylah, seated beside him, knew he had already consumed most of the spiked water.

Her heart pounded in her chest, but her expression remained calm, her smile gentle and composed.

Beneath the table, her fingers curled tightly, her manicured nails pressing into her palm-the sting helping her stay grounded.

“Mr. Lucero, your grasp of market trends is truly impressive,” Colin said, raising his glass. His deep brown eyes were full of admiration.

“Compared to the other Eldranorian companies we’ve worked with, your team is by far the most professional.”

Beckham gave a slight nod and lifted his glass in return. “You flatter me, Colin. Your company’s expertise in precision medical devices is what makes this partnership possible.”

His voice was steady, though he seemed to reach for his water glass more often than usual.

Laylah’s gaze briefly flicked to the glass before she looked away. She picked up the serving spoon and placed a piece of ginger salmon lettuce wrap onto Colin’s plate, her voice soft.

“Colin, you should try this. The fish was flown in today-it’s very fresh.”

“Thank you, Ms. Stein,” Colin said with a smile, then turned his attention to her. “Do you enjoy cooking?”

“I just like experimenting in the kitchen when I have time,” Laylah replied, lowering her gaze with a shy smile.

“Beckham’s always busy with work and social events, so… at least at home, I can make sure he eats well.”

As she spoke, her eyes drifted toward Beckham, soft and full of quiet affection.

Beckham had been wiping his fingers with a wet wipe. At her words, his hand paused.

He looked up at her, his gaze deeper than usual, lingering on her face for a few seconds-something unreadable flickering beneath the surface.

The look made Laylah’s heart skip. For a moment, she thought he had figured it out, and her back went rigid.

But he quickly looked away, turning back to Colin. “Laylah is very attentive.”

Mon, May 11 ď

Chapter 58

His tone was flat, revealing nothing, but it still made Laylah breathe a quiet sigh of relief.

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Then came a faint, bitter feeling-he only spoke like that when they needed to play the role of a loving couple.

She pushed the thought aside and continued playing the gracious hostess. She poured wine for both men, adding small comments about local culture and guiding the conversation to lighter topics.

At the same time, her attention never wavered. Beckham seemed to be speaking more slowly, and his words were no longer as crisp as before.

Time passed in a blur of clinking glasses and easy conversation.

With every minute, Laylah’s nerves tightened.

She noticed every subtle change-how he loosened his tie, how his breathing grew slightly heavier, how a faint haze occasionally passed through his eyes, as if focusing took more effort.

Each detail pricked at her nerves. The drug was working.

She kept her composure.

Her smile softened, warmer than before, and when Colin cracked a joke about Aegis watches, she covered her mouth with a light laugh, glancing at Beckham as if inviting him to share the moment.

Beckham gave a faint smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. He picked up his water glass and took another sip, his throat moving as he swallowed.

Laylah’s nails pressed deeper into her palm.

Soon, the dinner began to wind down on a warm and friendly note. Colin was clearly pleased, giving Beckham a firm handshake.

“Mr. Lucero, I’m looking forward to working together. I believe this will be a win-win partnership,” he said with a broad grin.

“Absolutely,” Beckham replied with a nod. His voice remained steady, though there was the faintest hint of rasp if one listened closely. “My team will be in touch soon to finalize the details.”

“Great. I’ll head back to the hotel-I’ve got a flight to Brighton tomorrow,” Colin said, then turned to Laylah with a polite nod. “Ms. Stein, thank you for your hospitality. You’re a wonderful hostess.”

“You’re too kind, Colin. Safe travels,” Laylah replied with a graceful smile.

They watched as Colin and his assistant left, the heavy wooden door closing slowly behind them.

The moment it shut, Beckham’s posture faltered ever so slightly.

He reached for the table to steady himself, pressing a hand to his forehead as his brows drew together. The flush on his face deepened, no longer subtle.

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Chapter 53

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“Beckham.” Laylah rushed to his side, supporting him. This time, she could feel the tension in his muscles- and the heat radiating through his shirt. He was burning up.

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