Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 216

"Yeah."

Julian answered instinctively. Knowing he couldn't just bring the phone into full view, he tilted his head to ensure his body shielded the caller ID before finally looking back at Elara. "I accidentally answered it."

Elara remained the picture of understanding. "You should probably take that, then. I wouldn't want you to delay anything important."

Her absolute trust made Julian feel profoundly uncomfortable.

He cared deeply about Vivian's feelings, but he wasn't quite bastard enough to openly comfort his mistress right in front of his legal wife.

"I'll call them back later."

It wasn't clear if he was explaining it to Elara or reassuring the woman on the other end of the line. Regardless, Julian hung up the phone.

He shoved the device into his pocket and headed straight for the bathroom. "I'll go get the warm water."

"Okay."

Elara didn't stop him. The second he vanished into the bathroom, the tender, loving smile wiped completely off her face.

This counted as her fourth interaction with Vivian. Even though it was indirectly through a phone line, the feeling was identical to the very first time she discovered her existence—when Vivian had secretly texted Julian photos from her bathtub.

What would Vivian be thinking right now? How heartbroken and furious would she be?

And how frantically would Julian have to grovel to console her?

Frankly, Elara couldn't care less.

She only knew that playing the innocent, doting wife to disgust the other woman felt absolutely phenomenal.

No wonder all the novels and movies loved writing the mistress as a manipulative saint. All you had to do was put on a sweet face, utter a few nauseatingly caring lines, and you could inflict maximum psychological damage on your enemy—all while keeping your own hands perfectly clean.

It was fantastic for her mood, and honestly, great for her health.

The sound of running water echoed from the bathroom.

Julian was preparing the basin.

In excellent spirits, Elara hummed a cheerful little tune as she pulled out a fresh set of pajamas for Melody.

Hyper-aware of Elara waiting right outside, Julian didn't dare call Vivian back. Instead, he fired off a quick text explaining the situation, promising to call her the second he was free. He grabbed the basin of warm water and a towel, then stepped back into the bedroom.

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