The Ex-Wife He Can’t Have novel Chapter 42

Beside him, however, Sylvia's expression had turned deeply sour.

Watching Killian stand so close to Mallory, laughing and talking with such clear respect, ignited a flare of jealousy.

A wave of indescribable resentment surged through her.

"Ms. Vaughn." She stepped forward, deliberately hooking her fingers through Killian's to interlock their hands.

Mallory rolled her eyes dismissively, having absolutely no intention of entertaining her.

"I happen to be interested in philanthropy as well. Perhaps you should try pitching to me?" Sylvia said with a smug smile.

"No need. Having Mr. Quincy's support is more than enough."

Sylvia's smile widened mockingly. "You might be a little confused about the situation here. Killian is my boyfriend, and he values my opinion immensely. If I give the green light, he'll undoubtedly sponsor your little project."

Mallory's brow furrowed sharply as she looked at Killian. "Aren't you married?"

Jillian's fingers instantly curled into tight fists.

How did Mallory know?

But then again, it made sense. Despite her newfound altruism, Mallory was still a high-society heiress. She naturally had a much better read on the elite social circles than the average person.

Sylvia instantly bristled. "What business is that of yours?"

Ignoring her completely, Mallory kept her questioning gaze locked on Killian.

"Hold on a second, Killian. If you're married, how can you be parading a girlfriend around? Isn't this a blatant betrayal of your marriage and your wife? I always thought you were just a cold guy, but at least a man of honor. I had no idea you were this vile behind closed doors. How are you any different from those wealthy dirtbags who toss their wives aside the second they get bored?"

Before Killian could respond, Sylvia stepped protectively in front of him.

"Mallory, you'd better remember your place. You're the one begging us for money right now."

"I'm not begging you for a damn thing!" Mallory snapped furiously.

"One's a cheating husband, and the other is a home-wrecking mistress. You two really are a match made in hell. Taking your money would make me sick to my stomach."

Mallory unleashed a blistering tirade.

Jillian stared at her in utter shock.

Mallory was still the same Mallory.

Fierce, brutally honest, and deeply intolerant of injustice.

She was dressing down Killian and Sylvia like they were stray dogs on the street.

All her years of charity work clearly hadn't turned her into a pushover.

"Killian, you can't put your hands on a woman," Jillian pleaded.

"Get out! Is it your place to speak here?!"

Mallory exploded. "Killian, if you have a problem, take it out on me! Jillian has nothing to do with this. Taking your anger out on an innocent person is pathetic."

"I'm scolding my wife. What the hell does it have to do with you?"

Killian shoved Mallory's hand away, his voice dripping with venom.

"You..."

Mallory was about to curse him out again when she suddenly realized what he'd said.

His wife?

She slowly turned to look at Jillian.

The color had completely drained from Jillian's face.

"You and Killian..." Mallory asked tentatively.

Pressing her lips into a tight line, Jillian gave a stiff nod.