She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 61

Chapter 61

Chapter 61

The heavy door gently closed with a soft click.

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The moment the door shut, the timid, helpless look on Laylah’s face, on the verge of tears, vanished like a receding tide.

She stayed where she was, her back to the door, her shoulders steady, and her posture now taut and alert, a stark contrast to before.

She didn’t move right away, but stood quietly for a few seconds, making sure the person outside was really gone. The living room was absolutely silent; the only thing she could hear was her own heartbeat pounding in her ears.

Then, she suddenly turned around, not bothering to put on shoes, and darted back to the master bedroom.

She quickly shut the bedroom door behind her, leaning against the cold door as she took a few quick, shallow breaths. Keeping up that calm facade in front of Emily had taken a lot out of her.

Only now did she notice the cold sweat soaking the back of her thin shirt.

She hurried over to the messy bed, pulled out her handbag from under a pile of crumpled blankets and clothes. Her fingers shook with anxiety as she unzipped it and started rummaging inside.

The first thing her fingers brushed against was the small black velvet box. She hesitated, but left it where it was and kept digging, finally finding the pure black business card with gold lettering… and her phone.

The phone screen lit up, showing an unread text from an untraceable number with no caller ID.

The message was a single line, no greeting, no signature: [Hope you liked the gift this morning. No need to thank me.]

Laylah stared at the message, her pupils contracting sharply. ‘Gift? What gift? Was it the reporters at the door? Or… those anonymous photos Emily got?”

A chill crawled up her spine. What is this mysterious guy really after? Not only did he find someone to take the fall and clean up the evidence, but he also delivered those photos straight to Emily and brought the reporters right to the door!

‘Does he have any idea how dangerous this is? If Beckham or the Lucero family start digging and find him, won’t I be dragged down with him?”

Fear coiled around her heart like icy vines. Without hesitation, she dialed the number on the business card.

The phone rang three times before someone picked up.

It was that same hoarse, emotionless voice. “Hello.”

“It’s me!” Laylah spoke in a low, urgent voice, her tone rapid, anxious, and accusatory. “What the hell are you up to? Are you out of your mind? Why did you send those photos to Emily without any name?

19:37 Mon, May 11 d

Chapter 61

“And what was with the reporters at the door? Beckham’s definitely going to get suspicious and start investigating like crazy! If he tracks you down, what happens to me?”

There was a two-second pause, and then a soft, almost mocking chuckle came from the other end.

“Ms. Stein, take it easy,” the man replied, his voice steady and unhurried. “I told you that I’d wipe every trace clean. The source of the photos, the reporters’ informants, that conveniently bribed security guard downstairs…

“Every possible lead that could point to you has been severed, or replaced with a perfect fall guy. Even if Beckham turns the world upside down, all he’ll ever uncover is the ‘truth’ I want him to see.”

His tone was calm, but carried an unsettling confidence and icy ruthlessness.

“As for why I did it…” The man paused, his tone unhurried. “Don’t you think things are moving along a lot faster this way?

“Emily saw the ‘evidence’ with her own eyes, heard what she believes is the ‘truth, and got put on the spot by the media.

“Do you really think she’ll still doubt your innocence or feel sorry for you? No, she’ll be more eager to officially bring you into the Lucero family, to silence all the gossip and prove how responsible they are.

“Beckham might get suspicious and might try to push back, but with the media breathing down his neck, the family watching, and his mom already making it official in public, how long do you think he can really hold out?”

There was a playful edge to the man’s voice. “You should be thrilled, Ms. Stein. You’re closer to your goal than ever before. So you should thank me for giving you a boost, instead of grilling me about it.”

Laylah was left speechless by his words. He was right: without those photos and the reporters, Emily’s attitude. wouldn’t have changed so fast, and the engagement wouldn’t have been locked in so quickly and firmly.

But… the sense that someone else was pulling all the strings, making her move forward like a puppet, left her seriously on edge.

“I-I’m worried…” Laylah’s voice trailed off

“Worrying is pointless,” the man cut her off, a trace of impatience in his voice. “Stick to your script and play your part. Right now, you’re the ultimate victim, the picture of innocence.

“If Emily tells you to wait, just wait. If she says you’re getting engaged, then get ready to be the most stunning bride. Everything else? Leave it to me.”

His words left no room for argument, and he was clearly in charge.

“But- Laylah hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper.

“No buts,” the man interrupted, his tone icy. “Ms. Stein, this partnership is about getting what we both want and you trusting my arrangements without question.

19:37 Mon, May 11

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