The Billionaire's Insignificant Wife novel Chapter 144

A Ray of Hope

In her room, Clarissa sat on the edge of the bed with her phone in hand.

The screen displayed dozens of news articles discussing her photos from the night before.

A satisfied smile spread across her lips.

“Perfect,” she murmured as she kept scrolling through the comments that continued to pour in.

What pleased Clarissa even more was the fact that Daniel had not issued any statement about this news.

No denial. No clarification. Nothing at all.

Clarissa interpreted this as a sign of silent agreement.

“He doesn’t object,” Clarissa whispered with a widening smile. “Or perhaps… he’s deliberately letting this story grow because he actually wants to come back to me.”

Clarissa stood and walked to her wardrobe. She pulled the doors open wide and gazed at the row of clothing with bright eyes.

Today she had to look perfect.

She had to appear beautiful. Elegant. Like the true Mrs. Blackwood.

Clarissa selected a knee-length navy blue dress with a sophisticated but feminine cut. Not too formal but not casual either.

Perfect for taking a child to school.

She dressed carefully. Makeup natural but flattering. Hair blow-dried with soft waves. Her signature perfume – gentle but memorable.

Heels not too high – enough to add height but still comfortable for walking.

Clarissa studied her reflection in the mirror with satisfaction.

“Mrs. Clarissa Blackwood,” she whispered with a smile at her own image. “Sounds right. Sounds perfect.”

She picked up her luxury handbag and phone. Then she walked out toward the dining room with confident steps.

Today she would invite Daniel to take Junior to school together.

As a family.

And the other parents would see them. Would take photos. Would spread their togetherness even further across social media.

The story of their reconciliation would grow stronger. More real in the eyes of the public.

Until it eventually became a reality no one could dispute.

Clarissa arrived in the dining room with a wide smile.

But the smile faded when she saw the empty dining table.

No Daniel.

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Only Junior sitting alone with an empty plate in front of him. Waiting for breakfast to be served.

“Sweetheart,” Clarissa called as she drew closer. “You’re alone? Papa hasn’t come down yet?”

Junior shrugged. “I don’t know, Mama. I haven’t seen Papa this morning.”

Clarissa furrowed her brow. She called to the servant who was preparing breakfast.

“Where is Mr. Blackwood?”

The servant a young woman named Iris – bowed politely.

“Mr. Daniel is still in his room, Ma’am. He hasn’t come out since last night.”

“His room?” Clarissa’s frown deepened. “You mean Alina’s room?”

Iris looked briefly uncertain. Then she answered carefully.

“Yes, Ma’am. Mr. Daniel slept in Mrs. Alina’s room last night. And he hasn’t come out yet.”

Clarissa felt anger ignite in her chest.

Daniel had spent the night in Alina’s room and still hadn’t come out by morning. Yet usually he left for work before breakfast.

“Has the Master eaten?” Clarissa asked in a stiff tone.

“Not yet, Ma’am. Mrs. Helen said the Master does not wish to be disturbed unless it’s an emergency.’

Clarissa clenched her fists at her sides. She worked to keep her expression composed in front of the servant and

Junior.

“Very well. Thank you.”

Iris nodded and returned to her work.

Clarissa sat beside Junior with her mind turning quickly.

She had to go to Alina’s room. Had to coax Daniel to come out. To accompany them taking Junior to school.

This was a golden opportunity to strengthen the narrative of their reconciliation in the public eye.

Clarissa was about to stand. But then her movement stopped.

A better idea formed in her mind.

She looked at Junior with a smile she forced into warmth.

“Sweetheart,” she called in a gentle tone. “Mama has an idea. How would you like to be the one to ask Papa to take you to school today?”

Junior lifted his head from his breakfast plate. “Ask Papa?”

“Yes. Papa will definitely be happy if you’re the one who asks. You’re his favourite child.”

Junior looked uncertain. “But Papa is busy with Alina-”

“That’s exactly it,” Clarissa cut in as she stroked Junior’s head with affection. “Papa has been looking after Alina for too long. He needs a break. And what could be better than spending time with his own child?”

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Junior looked at Clarissa with innocent eyes. “But Alina is sick-”

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“There are servants to look after Alina, sweetheart. Papa doesn’t need to be there the whole time. And besides…” Clarissa leaned closer and whispered as though sharing a secret. “…Mama is sure Papa misses you. He’ll be so happy if you ask him to take you to school.”

Junior was quiet for a moment, then a small smile began to form.

“Okay. I want to go to school with Papa.”

Junior nodded with enthusiasm. His eyes lit up imagining being dropped off at school by his father.

“Right then, let’s go find Papa now. Ask him to come with us. I’m sure he can’t refuse his favourite child.”

Clarissa watched with quiet satisfaction as Junior was already convinced.

Junior jumped down from his chair quickly. “Okay, Mama! Let’s go!”

Clarissa stood as well. She took Junior’s hand and guided him toward the staircase.

In her heart, Clarissa smiled with a sense of complete triumph.

Daniel would not be able to refuse Junior. Especially with Junior still in the midst of his amnesia recovery.

And once the three of them arrived at school together, every other parent would see them and spread the news.

The story of their reconciliation would grow undeniable.

But just as Clarissa and Junior reached the main hall, the sound of the front door opening came through. Footsteps crossed the foyer.

Clarissa turned and saw Dr. Ross entering with a medical bag in hand. Mr. Harris was guiding her toward the staircase.

Clarissa furrowed her brow. A doctor? This early in the morning?

She released Junior’s hand and walked quickly toward the foyer.

“Dr. Ross,” Clarissa called in a demanding tone. “Why are you here so early?”

Dr. Ross gave a professional smile but her eyes held no warmth. “Good morning, Mrs. Sterling. I’ve come to see a patient.”

“A patient? You mean Alina?” Clarissa crossed her arms. “What is she ill with?”

“Mr. Daniel requested Dr. Ross for a routine examination,” Mr. Harris answered briefly. His tone was formal and cool. “Nothing serious.”

“What is she ill with?” Clarissa repeated, louder.

Dr. Ross tightened her grip on her medical bag. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Sterling. I cannot discuss a patient’s condition with a third party. This is a matter of medical privacy.”

“Third party?!” Clarissa felt fury flare. “I am part of this family-”

“This way, Dr. Ross,” Mr. Harris cut in, polite but firm.

Dr. Ross and Mr. Harris walked past Clarissa toward the corridor leading to Alina’s room.

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Clarissa stood in the foyer with her fists tightly clenched. Her face flushed with barely contained anger,

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“Damn them,” Clarissa muttered under her breath. “They treat me like an outsider. When I’m the true mistress of this house.”

“Mama!” Junior called.

Clarissa drew a deep breath. She composed herself before turning back to Junior with a forced smile.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“Is Alina seriously ill?” Junior asked with a note of worry that only deepened Clarissa’s irritation.

She did not like seeing Junior’s sympathy directed toward Alina.

“She’s probably just being dramatic, sweetheart,” Clarissa said as she crouched to Junior’s level, touching his cheek gently with a smile. “Alina is already sickly by nature and may be exaggerating now to get your Papa’s attention.”

Junior looked at her with a doubtful expression. “Exaggerating? But if a doctor came, doesn’t that mean she’s really sick, Mama?”

Clarissa felt frustration growing inside her but kept her smile in place.

“Adults sometimes overreact, sweetheart. Sometimes they think a small illness is a serious one. That’s what Alina is doing right now.”

Junior still looked unconvinced. His eyes drifted toward the corridor with visible concern.

Clarissa stood with a sudden motion. She took Junior’s hand, somewhat firmly.

“Now let’s go back and finish breakfast. You haven’t finished eating. We’ll be late for school.”

Junior nodded, but the worry remained on his face. His eyes kept drifting back toward the corridor leading to Alina’s room.

“Junior,” Clarissa called again in a firmer tone. “Breakfast now.”

Junior sat back down at the dining table. He began eating with noticeably less appetite.

Clarissa sat beside him but did not touch her own food.

Her plan to have Daniel take Junior to school had fallen apart completely.

Daniel was shut inside Alina’s room. A doctor had come to examine that woman. And Junior was showing concern for Alina that only made Clarissa more agitated.

But Clarissa did not give up.

“I don’t need Daniel today,” she told herself as she watched Junior eat with diminished enthusiasm. “I can take Junior to school on my own. Can meet the other parents. And make them believe that Daniel and I are already back → together.”

Clarissa picked up her phone and opened I*******m. Thinking through her next strategy.

If she couldn’t demonstrate togetherness with Daniel in person today, she would make the public believe it through other means.

“Phase two,” she whispered with a cold smile. “Time to destroy Alina’s credibility in the eyes of the public. Make

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everyone see her as an intruder who doesn’t belong. A weak woman who is nothing but a burden to Daniel.”

Clarissa looked at Junior as he ate with calculating eyes.

“And I’ll start at Junior’s school. With the parents who have already read about me and Daniel. Who already believe we are a family that should be together.”

Clarissa set her phone down and began eating her breakfast with a thin smile on her lips.

Today would be a productive day.

Even if things hadn’t gone according to the original plan, she would make the best of what she had.

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In Alina’s room, Daniel stood beside the bed watching Dr. Ross examine Alina.

Dr. Ross carefully removed the bandage from Alina’s hand. She checked the wounds from the rose thorns.

“The wounds are beginning to dry,” she said as she made her notes. “No signs of infection. That’s good.”

She applied a fresh, thinner bandage.

“But Mrs. Blackwood’s mental state remains concerning. She is still unresponsive to external stimuli.”

Dr. Ross took out her small torch and checked Alina’s pupils again.

“Pupils responding normally. But there is still no eye contact. No focus on objects or people.”

She put the torch away and looked at Daniel.

“The medication I prescribed yesterday will help stabilize her mood and reduce anxiety. But the full effect will take several days to build. In the meantime, Mrs. Blackwood remains in a severe dissociative state.”

Daniel nodded with a tight jaw. “What needs to be done?”

“Make sure she eats and drinks regularly. Ensure she is not left alone for too long. Talk to her even when she doesn’t respond. Verbal stimulation can help maintain her connection to reality.”

Dr. Ross closed her medical bag.

“And Mr. Blackwood, I must emphasize again – Mrs. Blackwood genuinely needs professional psychiatric care. This condition can persist indefinitely if not treated properly.”

Daniel looked at her with cold eyes. “I told you yesterday. No outside psychiatrists. You handle her.”

Dr. Ross swallowed. “Yes, Sir. I’ll come again tomorrow for a check-up.”

“Come every day until she recovers,” Daniel ordered. “And if there is any change whatsoever – good or bad- inform me immediately.”

“Understood, Sir.”

Dr. Ross walked out quickly.

Daniel sat on the edge of the bed. He looked at Alina lying with her eyes open, staring at the ceiling.

“You have to get better, Alina,” Daniel whispered as he touched her cheek gently. “You have to come back to me. I can’t lose you.”

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Alina did not react. Her breathing remained shallow and steady.

Daniel kissed Alina’s forehead gently. He stayed beside her without knowing that Clarissa was already setting her plan in motion to erode Alina’s standing further and further.

Meanwhile, Emma sat on the floor of her apartment with her laptop open in front of her.

Bills were scattered around her. The termination letter from the firm. Notifications of a dangerously low bank

balance.

But what Emma was staring at right now was her email inbox.

Still no reply from Adrian Lawson.

Three days had already passed since she sent that email.

Emma felt the last of her hope beginning to fade.

“Please,” she whispered at the laptop screen. “Please reply. We need your help. Alina needs your help.”

She refreshed the inbox for what felt like the hundredth time.

And this time –

Her eyes went wide.

There was a new email.

From: [email protected]

Subject: Re: Urgent Legal Help Needed

Emma opened it with trembling hands.

Ms. Carter,

I apologize for the delayed response. I’ve been out of the country handling an international case and just returned yesterday.

I remember you from Lincoln High. I’m interested in hearing more about your friend’s situation, but I need to know more details before I can commit to taking this case. I’m willing to meet with you to discuss it.

Can you come to my office tomorrow? Address below.

If the situation is as serious as you described, we need to act quickly.

Regards,

Adrian Lawson

“Emma stared at the email with tears beginning to fall down her cheeks.

“Oh my God,” she whispered. “Oh my God, he replied. He actually replied. And he’s willing to help us.”

Emma’s hands were trembling as she typed her

response.

Mr. Lawson,

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Thank you so much for responding. Yes, I’ll be there tomorrow at 2 PM. I’ll bring everything I have – documentation, recordings, photos.

Please help us. My friend is in real danger. And I don’t know how much longer she can survive in that house.

Thank you,

Emma Carter

Emma pressed send with still-trembling fingers, then closed the laptop and wept – but this time not from despair.

This time from relief.

There was finally hope. Finally someone willing to help.

Emma picked up her phone and called Richard.

“Uncle Richard?” she said the moment the call connected. Her voice trembled somewhere between tears and laughter. “He replied. Adrian Lawson replied to my email. He wants to meet tomorrow. He wants to hear everything.”

Silence on the other end. Then Richard’s voice, equally unsteady.

“Thank God. Thank God, Emma. This… this is what we’ve been waiting for.”

“I’ll bring everything I have,” Emma said quickly. “Rachel’s notes. The recording of your call with Alina. The photos Mrs. Helen managed to send before her phone was confiscated. All of it.”

“I’ll come too,” said Richard. “I’ll be at that meeting. Adrian needs to hear directly from me about Alina’s condition.”

“All right. We’ll meet at his office tomorrow at two.”

They ended the call with hearts full of hope.

Emma looked at the bills scattered around her. The financial troubles were still there. The pressure of living

without a job remained.

But now there was a reason to hold on for Alina’s freedom.

And that was enough to make Emma rise and fight again.

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Whispers and Wounds

In the penthouse, Margaret sat on the sofa with a glass of wine and a tablet in her lap.

The screen displayed various news articles about Clarissa and Daniel that had been circulating since the night before.

A thin smile formed on her lips as she read headline after headline.

Blackwood Family Reconciliation? Model Clarissa Sterling Hints at Reunion with Billionaire Ex-Husband

What Is the Status of Daniel Blackwood’s Marriage to His Second Wife?

“Good,” Margaret murmured as she kept scrolling. “Clarissa has finally done something useful.”

She picked up her phone and opened Clarissa’s I*******m. She looked at the viral posts from the night before.

Photos of Junior sleeping. Captions ambiguous but suggestive. Comments flooding in that supported Clarissa and questioned Alina.

Margaret’s smile widened.

“Perfect timing,” she said as she sipped her wine. “While Daniel is preoccupied with the troubled Alina, Clarissa has begun building a public narrative. And Daniel is too blind to see the danger in this strategy.”

Margaret set down the tablet and picked up her phone.

There was a message from Linda – the servant she had recruited as a spy.

Margaret read it with a furrowed brow.

Ma’am,

There was an emergency in Mrs. Alina’s room last night. Mr. Daniel called Dr. Ross. I don’t know exactly what happened, but the servants are saying Mrs. Alina hurt herself with rose thorns. Her hands were bleeding. Mr. Daniel was furious and shouted at all the staff.

Dr. Ross arrived around 11 PM last night. I don’t know exactly how serious Mrs. Alina’s injuries were, but Dr. Ross looked frightened when she came out.

This morning Mr. Daniel did not go to the office. He is still in Mrs. Alina’s room. Dr. Ross came again this morning for an examination. Mrs. Alina’s condition appears to be causing serious concern.

Margaret set her phone down with a thin smile that shifted into something more deeply satisfied.

“Self-harm,” she whispered with quiet gratification. “Better than I anticipated.”

She picked up a small remote from the desk drawer and pressed several buttons.

The tablet screen changed to display the feed from the hidden camera installed in Alina’s room.

– Margaret knew Daniel would never find these cameras unless Mr. Harris told him. But that man would not speak.

He was far too afraid of the fury Daniel might direct at him.

The screen showed Alina’s room from a high angle near the ceiling.

Alina lay in bed in the same position as several hours before. Unmoving. Her bandaged hands clearly visible above the blanket.

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Daniel sat in the chair beside the bed. He looked at Alina with an expression that was difficult to read – a mixture of worry, frustration, and something that resembled fear.

“Linda turns out to be quite useful,” Margaret murmured as she watched the screen. “Her information is accurate. Even details I can’t see from the camera.”

Margaret picked up her phone again. She typed a reply to Linda.

Good work, Linda. Your reports are very helpful and accurate.

Continue monitoring closely. Document everything – every incident, every medical visit, every sign of mental instability. If possible, take photos discreetly. But be very careful.

Report to me daily. Don’t let Daniel or anyone else suspect you’re watching.

Your loyalty will be rewarded generously.

Margaret pressed send and set her phone down with a satisfied smile.

She stood and walked to the large window overlooking the city. She stared at the Blackwood Enterprises building in the distance as she sipped her wine.

“Keep hurting yourself, Alina,” Margaret whispered coldly, with deep satisfaction. “Keep proving that you are unstable. Unfit to be Daniel’s wife. And unfit to be the mother of the Blackwood heir.”

Margaret stared at her own reflection in the window glass. Eyes full of determination.

“And when the evidence is sufficient, I will show it to everyone. I will prove that I was right from the beginning. That that woman is dangerous to our family.”

She turned back to the tablet still displaying Alina in the bed.

“And Daniel will have no choice but to admit the mistake he made in choosing you. He will have to accept that I – his mother – have always known what is best for him.”

Margaret smiled coldly as she raised her wine glass in a gesture like a toast.

“To your downfall, Alina Hayes. May it come quickly and permanently.!

At Junior’s school, Clarissa walked into the drop-off area with Junior at her side.

Several parents had already gathered near the gate. Some were dropping off their children. Others stood chatting while waiting for the bell.

The moment Clarissa stepped out of the car, several heads turned.

Whispers began.

“That’s Clarissa Sterling…”

“Yes, that famous model. Daniel Blackwood’s ex-wife…”

“Have you seen the news? Looks like she and Daniel Blackwood are back together…”

Clarissa pretended not to hear. She smiled gently as she guided Junior toward the gate.

But inside, she was deeply pleased.

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The news had spread. People already knew. And they had already begun to believe.

“Clarissa!” a voice called from the side.

Clarissa turned and saw Amanda – one of the more active mothers on the school committee.

A middle-aged woman with a blonde bob and a designer bag in hand.

“Amanda,” Clarissa greeted with a warm smile. “Good morning.”

Amanda moved closer with a wide, excited smile.

“Oh my God, Clarissa! I just saw the news about you and Daniel! Are you two really back together?!”

Clarissa smiled gently but did not answer directly. She glanced at Junior, who was talking with a classmate a few

meters away.

“It’s… complicated,” Clarissa said in a tone that came across as humble. “I don’t want to announce anything too quickly. What matters right now is Junior. He needs stability.”

“Of course,” Amanda said with a quick nod. “But from the photos you posted… it all looked so sweet. Daniel reading stories to Junior. You all looked like the perfect family.”

Clarissa smiled with eyes that glistened very slightly – perfect acting.

“I only want what’s best for Junior. And for Daniel too. We both love our son. And maybe… the love we have for each other hasn’t truly disappeared.”

“Oh Clarissa!” Amanda touched Clarissa’s arm with sympathy. “I always knew you two would end up back together. You’re a perfect match. And Junior clearly needs both his parents.”

Clarissa lowered her eyes as though embarrassed. “Thank you, Amanda. Your support means a great deal.”

Two more mothers approached – Aurora and Viona.

“Ms. Clarissa, we heard the good news!” Aurora called enthusiastically. “You and Mr. Daniel are reconciling?!”

Clarissa raised her hand with a gesture of modesty. “Please, don’t spread the news too quickly. I don’t want outside pressure. This isn’t only about the two of us – it involves Junior too.” 1

“But from your photos it’s so obvious you’re back on good terms,” Viona said with a smile. “And honestly, I always suspected it. You two are soulmates. The first marriage is always the most meaningful.”

“And Daniel’s second wife…” Amanda lowered her voice while glancing around as though sharing a private secret. “I heard she was only under contract? That it wasn’t a real marriage?”

Clarissa pretended to hesitate before answering. “I… I don’t know much about Daniel’s situation with… that woman. I don’t want to speak badly about anyone.”

“Of course, of course,” Aurora said quickly. “You’re too kind, Clarissa. But we all know the reality. She’s not a real wife. Just some business arrangement or something like that.”

Viona nodded in agreement. “And now Daniel has realized you’re the right woman for him. The mother of his child. The real Mrs. Blackwood.”

Clarissa smiled gently but did not disagree.

Silence as agreement.

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“Actually…” Clarissa began in a quiet, seemingly genuine tone of concern. “…I’m a little worried about the situation at home. Daniel mentioned that Alina isn’t well.”

The three mothers immediately leaned in closer. Eyes brightening at the hint of new gossip.

“Not well?” Amanda echoed with undisguised curiosity.

Clarissa nodded with a concerned expression. “Yes. I don’t know the medical details because it’s not really my place to know. But… she’s been frequently unwell. And Daniel is very burdened having to look after her.”

“Oh no,” said Aurora with a sympathetic tone – though her eyes gleamed with the hunger for gossip.

“I feel sorry for Daniel,” Clarissa continued in a voice that sounded genuinely caring. “He already carries enormous responsibility with the company. With Junior. And now he has to care for a wife who… well… requires a great deal of medical attention.”

“That’s tough,” Viona said, shaking her head. “A man like Daniel needs a strong partner. Someone who can support him. Not someone who becomes a burden.”

“Exactly,” Amanda agreed. “I mean, I don’t intend to be unkind. But if that woman can’t handle the pressure of being Mrs. Blackwood, perhaps it’s simply not her place.”

Clarissa said nothing. She only smiled thinly and gave a slow nod.

Letting them draw their own conclusions.

“And Junior must feel so much more at ease with you,” Aurora added. “You’re his birth mother. No matter how long you were separated, the bond between mother and child never truly breaks.”

“Junior is still very attached to me,” Clarissa said with a soft smile. “And I’m deeply grateful for that.”

“Of course,” Viona said. “A stepmother and a birth mother are different. No matter how hard a stepmother tries, she can never replace the real one.”

Clarissa nodded with glistening eyes – as though moved by their support.

“Thank you,” she whispered in a slightly trembling voice. “You have no idea how much your support means to me.

The school bell rang.

Junior ran over. “Mama! I’m going in now!”

Clarissa bent down and embraced him tightly. “Be careful at school, sweetheart. Mama loves you.”

“Love you too, Mama!” Junior called back as he hugged her with equal warmth.

Several parents watched the moment with smiles.

“Look at that,” Aurora whispered to Amanda. “Their bond is so strong.”

Junior released the hug and ran toward the gate with his friends.

Then suddenly he stopped. He turned. And called out in a voice loud enough for everyone in the drop-off area to hear.

“MAMA! I LOVE YOU, MAMA!”

Clarissa waved with a wide smile. “Mama loves Junior too!”

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