Unwanted Fake Wife The Top Billionaire novel Chapter 12

apter 12 Time to Move Out

Finished

Nathan’s flashy white Bentley was parked in the driveway–his Maybach was still in the shop, so this was his backup.

Hannah had sent a whole string of texts saying Elena deserved better.

Elena insisted she was fine. She put her phone away, heels clicking on the tile as she stepped into the house.

Victor wasn’t home.

In the living room sat Victoria and Nathan. Camille was there too, sweetly linking arms with Victoria, playing the doting daughter–in–law.

Elena didn’t even glance their way. She headed straight for the stairs.

“Elena!” Camille called out to her, voice sugary.

“You’re just getting back? I was about to ask Nathan to go look for you. You don’t look so great. Still upset about losing the interview?”

She said it all while smiling at Elena, her back to Victoria and Nathan–who couldn’t see the smug gleam in her eyes.

“Nope,” Elena replied, smiling just as sweetly. “I’d already been thinking about taking some time off. Full paycheck, no work? Sounds good to me.”

She wasn’t lying. Since she’d started at Swiftline, she’d barely taken a break beyond weekends. Honestly, Camille had done her a favor. Now she could rest–and start making real plans.

Camille’s eyes narrowed slightly as she tried to read Elena’s face. Nothing.

Irritated, she pivoted, tilting her head and blinking innocently. “Andy said you’d been prepping this interview for weeks. You even gathered a ton of background on Alexander. Could I maybe use it?”

Before Elena could answer, Camille rushed to add, “It’s just, I’d hate to mess this up and make the Swiftline look bad. You’ll help me, right?”

She batted her lashes, her makeup perfectly in place. “No,” Elena said flatly.

Camille froze.

“I tossed the notes,” Elena added. “But you’re close with people at Pinnacle Group, aren’t you? You’ll figure it out.”

1/3

0:17 Sun, Feb 8

Chapter 12 Time to Move Out

Finished

What, she steals the assignment and expects to use my research too?

What did she think Elena was–stupid? Tears welled in Camille’s eyes instantly. Her voice turned shaky.

“You’re still mad at me, aren’t you? If it’s really such a problem, I can talk to Andy, maybe give the project back to you…”

Victoria’s eyes flared when she saw Camille about to cry. She immediately pulled her close, glaring at Elena.

“Why are you being so petty? Camille’s practically your sister. She’s been helping take care of me while you’re off sulking. You should be grateful, not selfish. It’s just an interview!”

“Victoria, please don’t fight over me,” Camille sniffled. “It’s my fault. I just thought I’d ask. Since Elena doesn’t have the info, that’s okay–I’ll figure it out myself. I’ll reach out to some friends and ask about Alexander. His cousin Sophia Kingsley and I get along well.”

Victoria lit up at that.

“You know Sophia? That’s perfect! I’ve heard Alexander dotes on her. You be sure to keep that friendship going. Nathan, drive Camille there tomorrow.”

The Hart family was decent, but the Kingsleys? They were a whole different league.

If Camille could help connect them to the Kingsleys, it would be a game–changer for Hawthorne Group.

Nathan didn’t hesitate. “Sure, I’ll take you.”

“Great.” Camille blushed and smiled, watching smugly as Elena disappeared upstairs.

Elena locked her bedroom door behind her and immediately started browsing rental listings.

She found a decent studio in a mid–range apartment complex. It wasn’t big, but the layout looked clean and modern. $5,000 a month.

The money from her adoptive parents hadn’t come through yet. According to the will, she had to be legally married to Alexander before the inheritance could be transferred.

And after years of trying to live up to the “perfect wife” image–most of her savings were long gone. Victoria had made it clear: as Nathan’s wife, she needed to look the part.

Elena had tried. Designer clothes, curated appearances, polite smiles. All so Nathan wouldn’t be “embarrassed.”

2/3

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify