The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback (Felicia and Max) novel Chapter 1126

Listening to Luke's steady voice, Willa's guilt only intensifies. Is she truly this helpless? She has no idea what to do, terrified that any action she takes will only cause them more trouble.

"I'm so sorry, Luke," she whispers, her voice trembling.

Luke speaks with earnest reassurance. "Willa, please don't blame yourself. No one is holding this against you, so you need to let it go."

His strong, comforting tone wraps around her like a warm blanket, causing a flutter in her chest. Her eyes prickle with tears. Afraid she might break down if she speaks, she simply hums in agreement.

"Stay where you are, spend time with Anne, and patiently wait for Felicia to return," Luke advises gently.

Willa grips her phone tightly, forcing her emotions under control. "Okay."

"Good. Get some rest tonight and try not to think about this."

"I will. You take care of yourself too."

After ending the call, Willa clears the unsaved number from her screen, feeling a fraction of peace return to her heart.

Over the next three days, an unprecedented upheaval sweeps through the Manning family. Jeffrey implements aggressive policies designed to dismantle the deep-rooted influence of the branch families. The loyalists he has cultivated over the years quickly step up to replace the old guard, ensuring the transition of power remains entirely under his control. Naturally, this purge threatens not only the branch families but also their allied corporate partners. Desperate to counter him, these external factions scramble to form an alliance and pressure Jeffrey into backing down.

Caleb Manning tries repeatedly to contact Max but fails. Left with no other option, he reaches out to Isaac.

Isaac enters Max's office to deliver a stack of documents. Max has shown zero reaction to Jeffrey's aggressive maneuvers, continuing business as usual as if entirely unaffected. After running through the scheduled reports, Isaac mentions the call. "Mr. Caleb Manning just contacted me. He hopes to invite you to dinner tonight."

The video is barely ten seconds long, but Max immediately spots the glaring issue. Her eyes are completely dead, devoid of their usual vibrant spark. Given her fiery temperament, there is absolutely no way she would sit and eat so compliantly while being held captive.

He exits the video and dials Jeffrey's number, but the call is instantly rejected. A dark, murderous storm brews across Max's face. He tosses the phone onto the desk, his fingers tapping a rhythmic, icy cadence against the polished wood.

Suddenly, he snatches the phone back up and fires off a text message to Jeffrey: Do you honestly believe I wouldn’t make a move?

The message vanishes into the ether, met with absolute silence.

That evening, Max arrives at the restaurant to meet Caleb. Sensing Max's foul mood, Caleb eagerly pours him a drink, offering an obsequious smile. "Mr. Hawthorne, I am truly honored you could make it tonight."