Shredded Vows: The Billionaire’s Secret Heir novel Chapter 27

At the mention of her mother, a flicker of genuine fear crossed Lydia's face. She glared at him, swallowing her panic. "You're despicable."

"Why did you join Nexus Design Studio? And what a convenient coincidence that you were sent here on assignment." He stepped closer, forcing her to stumble backward in alarm.

Gideon had no intention of letting her retreat. His dark eyes remained fixed on her. "How did you even get hired?" He loved watching her squirm.

His sheer presence was overwhelmingly suffocating.

With every step he took, she backed further away. "Why do you care?" Finally, she hit a dead end, her back pressing against a massive potted plant.

Gideon’s hand shot out, roughly hauling her against him by the waist. His gaze dropped to her swollen lips. "Why do I care? We're legally married."

"Oh, so you do know?" The reminder sparked a blaze of fury in her chest. "You actually remember that I'm your wife?"

Just then, Summer pushed the door open and walked right into the intimate scene.

Gideon's lethal glare snapped to the doorway.

Summer froze, her hand gripping the doorknob as she stared in absolute disbelief. The next second, she yanked the door shut and scrambled away.

Being caught in such a compromising position left Lydia thoroughly humiliated. Her throat went dry. "Let me go!" She was terrified Dave would barge in next.

Inhaling her intoxicating lily scent, Gideon stared at her bruised mouth. Unable to resist the memory of last night, he crashed his lips down against hers once more.

She fought wildly against his chest. "Are you insane? We're in your office!"

"It's my building, and you're my wife," he muttered against her mouth.

"Lunatic!"

Only when he had taken his fill did he pull back, though his heavy hand remained clamped around her waist, a cold darkness returning to his eyes.

Gideon sneered, ensuring his words cut deep. "Kissing you is purely physical. It doesn't mean I forgive you."

"You must get paid a fortune to stick your nose in so much business," Lydia retorted. She had seen this woman in the tabloids before and harbored zero respect for her.

Summer’s face darkened even further, but Lydia didn't let her speak. "As you just said, you're merely his assistant. Not his wife. Stay in your lane. And for the record, he grabbed me. I didn't throw myself at him."

As Summer stood speechless and fuming, Lydia hit the elevator button. Her eyes accidentally flicked down, noticing the box in her own hand.

It was a deep brown sandalwood box, polished by time. Summer had seen it while they were abroad, though she had never known what was inside.

It was fiercely guarded; no one but Mr. Gray was ever allowed to touch it.

Yet now, this heavily guarded treasure was casually sitting in this random woman's hands?!

Summer's eyes widened in sheer, absolute disbelief.

The elevator chimed open. Lydia stepped inside, leaving Summer rooted to the spot, her mind spinning uncontrollably over the mysterious box.