The Ex-Wife He Can’t Have novel Chapter 88

Following that horrific incident, Mrs. Zeller entirely discarded the defeated slump she had adopted after Eleanor's scolding and strutted around the house like she owned the place once again.

One evening, Killian was actually home.

His behavior lately had been bizarre. He returned to the estate almost every single day, a routine Jillian found deeply unsettling.

Before this, Killian had barely come back once a month. Whenever he missed his son, he would simply have Connor brought to his luxury penthouse for a few days.

Yet now, for some inexplicable reason, he was acting like a regular office worker clocking out at five. Naturally, Jillian knew this sudden domesticity had nothing to do with her. It was undoubtedly the result of Eleanor's relentless surveillance.

After their explosive fight, Mrs. Zeller didn't even bother putting on an act in front of Jillian anymore. Even with Killian sitting right there, she openly rolled her eyes at Jillian.

Bam. She slammed a cup of coffee down directly in front of Jillian with unnecessary force before sashaying away with her nose in the air.

Jillian looked down, a bitter smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "See? This is exactly how she used to treat me whenever you weren't looking."

Killian didn't even glance up from the magazine he was reading. "I've always known."

Jillian's fingers twitched around the ceramic mug.

He had always known?

Meaning, he knew Mrs. Zeller's sweet, humble act was completely fake. He knew exactly how horribly she was treating his wife the moment he stepped out the door.

And he simply hadn't cared enough to stop it. Or worse, he actively chose to shield his beloved servant.

The brutal reality slapped Jillian across the face, stinging with blinding force.

Killian finally lifted his head, shooting her a look of utter apathy, completely ignoring the sheer devastation swimming in her eyes. "Professor Xavier is hosting an exhibition tomorrow. You will take Con."

Jillian snapped her head up in shock. Forcing her to take Connor to his painting lesson wasn't enough for him? Now he was commanding her to attend Silas's exhibition as well?

"I don't want to go."

"I already told you, you don't have a choice."

"Then I'm leaving."

"That's a relief. I didn't even get to see Con last time. Do you think you could bring him over tomorrow?" Judith asked with cautious hope.

Jillian fell silent. She had no idea how to let her mother down. Judith had practically raised him from a baby; it was completely natural that she missed him.

But Connor despised visiting his grandmother's tiny apartment. Every trip invariably ended in some kind of tantrum or disaster, leaving everyone miserable.

"Con has to attend an art exhibition tomorrow, so we probably won't have the time," Jillian admitted hesitantly.

"Oh, I see. Never mind, then." Judith quietly ended the call.

The following day, Jillian applied a light layer of makeup and took Connor out.

The exhibition was being held at The Metropolitan Gallery. Although it was located a bit far from the city center, it was the premier venue for all high-profile art events.

After parking the car, Jillian took Connor's hand and headed toward the entrance. Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from behind them. "Con!"

Jillian spun around in absolute shock. Judith was standing near the curb, clutching a lunchbox and waving at them with a bright smile.