Felicia brought Anne back to West Hill Residence.
They stepped into the living room, just as Colton was finishing a phone call. He glanced over, catching their arrival.
“Felicia’s home,” he said into the phone.
Darin’s voice echoed back, low and casual. “Alright, Dad, talk later.”
“Okay.” Colton hung up and turned, his face softening as Anne called out, “Grandpa Colton!”
He put his phone down, opening his arms. “Anne, you’re here. Come give me a hug.”
Anne darted into his embrace, making him laugh out loud. Happiness lit up his whole face.
Felicia walked over, curiosity in her voice. “Who were you talking to, Dad?”
Colton smiled. “Just a friend.”
She didn’t press for details. Instead, her gaze drifted to the coffee table, where several gift boxes sat. It’s a collection of expensive-looking presents, the kind you didn’t see every day, and definitely not from around here.
She raised a brow. “Who sent these?”
Colton hesitated for a second, then explained. “That same friend I was just on the phone with. He’s living overseas now, sent these for the holiday.”
Felicia knew her father had friends, sure, but holiday gifts like these were rare. And these weren’t just any gifts—they were clearly chosen with care, each box different from the next, nothing generic about them.
Colton caught her puzzled look and added, “I helped him out once, years ago. His business picked up this year, so he wanted to say thank you. He’s thoughtful, someone worth keeping in touch with. Look, this one’s for you.”
He handed her a box. “Do you like this one?”
Felicia accepted it, opening the lid. Inside was a women’s watch—red leather strap, tiny diamonds sparkling around the face. Definitely a gift someone put real thought into.
She recognized the brand right away. Not flashy, but elegant, the kind of affordable luxury she wore herself. She had a few pieces from this line already.
Nice coincidence, she thought.
Anne leaned in, eyes wide. “Wow, Mommy, it’s so pretty!”
Ava smiled back. “Welcome home.”
Later that day, Felicia packed her suitcase. The trip wouldn’t last long and Jeremy had already made arrangements in Santa Monica, so she only needed a few changes of clothes.
Her phone buzzed. It was Dean calling.
“Ms. Ross, Mr. Hawthorne wanted me to let you know he’ll have Anne’s luggage sent over.”
Felicia kept her voice even. “Got it. You can head back now.”
Around noon, Max pulled up in front of the house. He tried calling Felicia, but she didn’t pick up. She declined the call and sent the nanny out to collect Anne’s things.
Inside, Anne was busy playing with Sean, oblivious to the fact that her father was just outside.
Max stayed in the car, staring at his phone’s dark screen, the rejection still fresh.
A few minutes later, the nanny came out from the house.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback (Felicia and Max)
Is this coming to an end...
Oh nooo!! Don’t tell me Max will get washed ashore on a remote island then loses all his memory, then falls inlove with the local girl who saves him. Then when he meets Felicia again he won’t recognize her and breaks her heart again. Additional plot twist is that Felicia is pregnant with their 2nd child. Please pleaseee don’t give us this scenario.. LOL!!!...
If Max can be forgiven Darrin can be forgiven. And I do not like this marriage business but if it has to happen I hope after he gets stranded on some remote island alone while Felicia and his family fight over custody she wins and also gets half his estate. Then by time he comes back she's found having and remarried. Lol...
The writer is good. They're making me interested in Max. I won't say like yet....
It seems the only one who hasn't suffered is Max. Even his family fakes anger and disappointment all their own doing so they suffer a little. Everyone else has suffered. Luke and Jeremy unrequited. Felicia has suffered the most from family to unrequited to romance to long suffering Mother. Even baby Anne never had a mother til Felicia suffered then came back only to suffer some more. lol...
Oh no what did Colton do?... I have a bone to pick. When Olisha had to go the hospital why beg for Felicia? When she so loved Max? Seemed like she was in on the setup for Felicia to see a suicide for the 2nd time orchestrated by holden and his brother again. I might drop this series it's becoming endless with no real satisfaction for me. I don't need it to end because it's like a soap opera but if things don't end up making sense, tying up loose storylines it's gonna get old fast for me. Good luck author....
Anne, I think your baby brother is on the way. Thank goodness it doesn't say that Felicia is crying just like the last time but still, there's no willingness on her part. Max! You need to try harder. Make her fall in love with you again....
The writer did a big one with Jeremy's speech to Max. He said almost everything that needed to be said. I have wanted Felicia or someone who knows the past to just tell that whole stinking family what they did and how disgusting they are and what they're doing now how unfair it all is to Felicia. A pity it was only Max but he really needed to hear this (plus more)....
I love the chase of this novel, how you’ve build each of the characters. They almost seem like real. I feel like I know them irl. But however I would like to know what’s max’s pov and what’s going on in his head. I truly believe max’s just a grey character. And also please please please update more!!!...
I was really hoping that Max and Felicia would end up together, but why did Max do that to Felicia? 😭 Is that his way of making Felicia overcome the trauma Holden caused her? I don't think that's helping at all. I just hope Max's character has some redeeming qualities in the coming chapters....