The Best Revenge It Wasn't Even Your Child novel Chapter 81

"I think maybe I should just stay behind."

Catherine hesitated, her voice soft. "I'm still not fully better. What if something happens..."

Lance’s eyes locked onto hers, intense and unwavering. "There is no 'what if.'"

His voice left no room for argument. There was a trace of irritation in his expression.

Catherine had no choice but to nod. "Okay."

She drove home to pack.

Solenia in early summer was nothing like Cabinda with its dry, chilly spring.

Catherine rolled her small suitcase behind her, arriving at the airport an hour later.

The flight was at four. By the time the gate was about to close, Lance finally showed up, Adelina by his side, looking perfectly unhurried.

"Catherine, you should switch seats with me. Go sit in economy," Adelina said, her voice just loud enough for Catherine to hear as she deliberately fell a few steps behind Lance.

It seemed like Adelina had decided last minute to come along, so her ticket wasn't booked with theirs. By the time she tried, business class was already full.

Before Catherine could say anything, Adelina had already moved ahead, slipping her arm through Lance’s.

"Lance, I heard Solenia's roast duck is amazing. You have to take me once you have time."

Lance was rolling a black suitcase, Adelina’s pink purse perched on top. He caught the bag’s strap with his long fingers so it wouldn’t fall.

"After I finish work," he said simply.

Adelina let out a proud little laugh. "Of course I know you’re busy. You make it sound like I’d throw a fit and keep you from your job."

Lance smiled, gently freeing his arm from hers and resting his hand on her back to guide her toward the boarding gate.

"You’re always so considerate."

Catherine followed behind, her eyes lingering for a second on Lance’s broad shoulders and narrow waist before she looked away.

Lance and Adelina headed straight for business class. Catherine made her way to economy, found her seat, and slipped on her headphones.

The suitcase rolled straight into Catherine’s legs. Off balance, she stumbled, barely catching herself before she hit the floor.

She grabbed the wall to steady herself, the other hand pressed protectively to her stomach.

Her gaze met Adelina’s in the mirror.

Adelina only glanced at her, then pulled out her lipstick to fix her makeup. She finished quickly and walked out.

"Lance, have you been waiting long?" Adelina called out sweetly.

Lance’s voice came from just outside. "Not long. The company car is here, you..."

"Catherine said she’ll come on her own later. Let’s go," Adelina cut him off, tugging him away. "Come on, we shouldn’t keep the driver waiting."

Their voices faded down the hallway.

Catherine leaned against the wall for a moment, catching her breath. Then she straightened her hair in the mirror, grabbed both suitcases, and headed out of the airport.

She stood in the taxi line for over an hour. When she finally got to the front, it hit her. She hadn’t even asked what hotel they were staying at.