The Transactional Marriage That Imploded novel Chapter 5

Xanthe couldn't stand it anymore. She was ready to storm into the private dining room and give Mathis a piece of her mind.

Bianca pulled her back, saying, "He doesn't love me. Confronting him would only humiliate myself. Getting a divorce is the perfect chance for a fresh start. I'm already preparing the lawsuit. Jax is back, and he said he'll help me."

Xanthe froze for a moment, asking cautiously, "Are you thinking about rekindling things with him?"

Bianca shook her head. "My divorce has nothing to do with Jax. It's just about leaving Mathis and starting over. This marriage is suffocating."

Her mother had lain in the ICU for three whole years before finally passing away. There were fewer and fewer things in this world she actually cared about anymore.

The meal felt like ash in Xanthe's mouth, and neither of them talked much.

Mathis emerged from the private room, flanked by Cynthia and the little boy. He carried the child himself.

He saw Bianca, but looked right through her as if she didn't exist.

Bianca wasn't planning on acknowledging him either and just kept eating.

But Cynthia strutted over, flashing a sugary, triumphant smile as she murmured her introduction, "Bianca, this is my son with Mathis, Lamont."

Xanthe was so furious she wanted to scream, slamming her silverware down on the table.

Bianca's expression remained perfectly composed. She glanced up with a mocking sneer. "What's this? Bringing the love child over to pay respects to the lady of the house? What exactly does that make you—a mistress, a kept woman, or just a casual fling? Let me know so I can prepare the appropriate tip."

Cynthia’s face flushed violently, her anger practically burning a hole in her chest.

Instantly switching to a fragile, victimized tone, she turned to Mathis. "Mathis, look how utterly classless she is."

Mathis's voice was like ice. "Bianca, your temper has really grown lately. Have I been too lenient with you?"

Bianca raised her chin, her eyes filled with disdain. "Keep your woman on a leash and tell her to stop bothering me. We'll stay out of each other's way."

Frowning, Mathis handed Lamont to Cynthia and said softly, "Take the kid home first."

His towering frame cast a shadow over her, instantly killing whatever appetite she had left.

"Mr. Jagger, didn't you block my number? If you have something to say, say it here."

Xanthe shot Mathis a look of sheer disbelief. This bastard never failed to hit new lows—he had actually blocked his own wife.

Mathis’s lips curved into a cold, mocking smirk. "Are you absolutely sure you can afford the breach of contract penalty?"

"Got it!" Bianca grabbed her purse and followed him out.

This was the very first time in three years she had been allowed in his car. There were seven luxury cars parked in the garage at the Begonia House, and he had never allowed her to touch a single one.

"You're not worthy of driving my cars. Know your place."

His cruel words from their wedding day echoed in her mind. Ever since then, she had kept a respectful distance.