The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge novel Chapter 185

“Sorry, I have to take an important call.”

Stein rose from his seat, bringing his phone to his ear as he strolled away, pretending to be deep in conversation. In reality, he hadn’t even bothered to swipe to answer.

Violet was left standing alone, a glass of red wine in her hand, surrounded by more than thirty of the city’s most powerful figures. Her poise was undeniable, but a hint of awkwardness colored her expression.

Somewhere in the crowd, a few people chuckled quietly, their laughter tinged with malice and schadenfreude.

For years, Violet and her company had been squeezed by the twin corporate giants—The Langford Group and Golden Era Enterprises. When the tech boom hit, everyone scrambled to claim their share, but none could outmaneuver Curtis.

As luck would have it, Curtis had connections to both of those powerhouses, leaving the rest with no choice but to accept his dominance.

Everyone knew why Stein had come to Starfall City, and it was obvious whose side he’d take. Even those with no real chance of winning still showed up, if only for the spectacle. No one had expected Stein to bypass the three obvious picks and instead choose to partner with a no-name startup nobody had even heard of.

Honestly, this twist was more satisfying than any mindless soap opera.

“Ms. Marchand, Mr. Campbell chose V&S Group ages ago. Even Mr. Garcia hasn’t made a move yet—maybe don’t be so quick to jump in.”

Keith Dixon, Chairman of the Dixon Group, was a man in his fifties. Eight years ago, the Dixon family had been untouchable in Starfall City’s business scene, but since McNeil took over the Langford family, Keith had barely clung to his place among the city’s top ten.

Now, all those years of frustration seemed to erupt at once. His words made Violet flush, her cheeks alternately red and pale. She clutched her glass, her hands trembling so much that the wine shimmered in the light.

Curtis, meanwhile, sat quietly, thinking about Victoria’s car and why Stein had chosen to sit beside her. Violet was standing up for Quantum Core Technologies and getting shot down for it, but Curtis seemed oblivious, lost in thought.

Even when someone called his name, he remained impassive, as if he hadn’t heard a thing.

“Mr. Campbell’s choice of a partner is obviously the result of careful evaluation,” McNeil said, idly toying with a lighter as he picked up where Keith had left off. “Whether it’s an established conglomerate, an up-and-coming tech firm, or some unknown startup, he has his reasons. Unless, Mr. Dixon, you have an issue with Mr. Campbell’s decision?”

His tone was calm but carried an unmistakable weight. Keith’s face went ashen, and he shrank back, unwilling to utter another word.

With McNeil openly defending her, Violet felt a rush of relief. Simms shot Keith a cold glance, his eyes icy with disdain.

After McNeil’s rebuke, no one dared mock or belittle Violet again.

They might be willing to argue among themselves, maybe even come to blows, but no one was foolish enough to provoke Mr. Campbell.

Business could mix with politics, but nobody dared cross the political elite—especially those from Evermore City.