The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback (Felicia and Max) novel Chapter 544

“Mom, look at this necklace Uncle Darin gave me.”

Felicia’s attention landed on the pearl chain around Anne’s neck, a pink diamond twinkling at the center. It was the kind of necklace that clearly cost a fortune.

Anne’s closet was already filled with all sorts of rare gems. She loved these sparkling stones. At just five years old, she’d collected more precious jewelry than most people would see in a lifetime.

Felicia bent down, gently running her fingers through Anne’s hair. There was nothing but warmth and affection in her eyes. “It’s lovely. I have some things to finish up, so I’ll head upstairs. Go play, okay?”

“Okay,” Anne answered, sweet and obedient as always.

Felicia straightened and headed for the stairs, not even glancing at the two men sitting on the sofa.

“Fe… Evelynn.”

Darin’s voice stopped her in her tracks. The way he said her name sounded odd. She turned to look at him, her voice cool and distant. “Did you need something?”

Her tone was sharp, full of impatience and annoyance. Darin felt a dull ache in his chest, like he’d just been punched.

He finally understood why he always felt so unsettled around her. He’d tried to figure it out before, but it always slipped through his fingers.

His hands clenched a little, his heart beating faster. For a second, he couldn’t find the words he wanted to say.

Felicia frowned, not sure what he was getting at. When he stayed silent, she looked away and went upstairs without another word.

Anne watched, puzzled. She trotted over to Darin, her big, expressive eyes looking up at him. “Did you want to say something to Mom? I can help you tell her.”

Darin sat back down, studying Anne. The more he looked at her, the more she reminded him of Felicia as a child. Those eyes sparkled and seemed to speak all on their own.

He couldn’t believe he hadn’t realized Anne was his niece. He’d always liked her, but now there was an even stronger sense of affection and connection.

“Anne, you really are a wonderful kid.”

Upstairs, Felicia walked into her study. Max had set up a private office just for her, a quiet space where she could work. She needed to review and edit the last batch of reports before the end of the year.

A soft knock came at the door.

With that, he left the study.

Felicia watched him go, her mind wandering.

Downstairs, Darin and Max seemed to be getting along again. Their relationship was obviously strong, the kind where even arguments didn’t last long.

The nanny helped Anne get ready for bed.

Max went back downstairs. Darin was still sitting in the living room.

“She’s probably busy with work,” Max said, settling onto the sofa.

Darin looked at him and asked, his tone more serious than usual, “You seem like a really good husband. Are you for real, or is this just for show?”

Max answered, “Isn’t it obvious? I mean it.”

Darin stared back at him, his dark eyes searching for the truth.