The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge novel Chapter 347

“What I’m saying is, Victoria belongs to Quantum Core Technologies. Besides, our company, Vertex Dynamics, and the soon-to-be V&S Group are all basically siblings under the same umbrella. There’s no shortage of talent in the market. So please, you two—stop circling around here hoping to poach my people. I’m not letting anyone go.”

No matter how Curtis tried to explain, McNeil was already annoyed by that last remark.

His eyes sharpened, and he tapped his fingers on the table with a casual air that didn’t fool anyone. “And what if Ms. Turner herself wants to join The Langford Group?”

Victoria let out a dry laugh. “Oh, Mr. Langford, you’re quite the comedian. A place like The Langford Group is way out of my league.”

Six years. Six years spent building an empire with him, yet he’d never allowed her to set foot inside—not even once. The only time she’d seen the full scope of Vertex Dynamics was that joint team-building event with Quantum Core Technologies.

McNeil’s expression darkened. He said nothing. Sensing the tension rising, Violet cut in before things spiraled out of control.

“The food’s here,” she said briskly. “Since Mr. Garcia has decided to promote Victoria to vice president, that’s cause for celebration. Let’s toast to Victoria’s promotion tonight.”

She raised her glass, leading the others. Violet had caught the implication in McNeil’s words—he actually wanted Victoria back at The Langford Group. That would never do. If Victoria ended up marrying McNeil, The Langford Group should be her own stronghold, not a place for her future husband’s ex-wife to hang around. If it came to it, Violet would rather pay Victoria alimony just to make sure she stayed far, far away.

With that, the charged conversation between McNeil and Victoria was shelved. McNeil was still visibly displeased, though he kept it under wraps.

Everyone raised their glasses for a toast. Paul tried to lighten the mood throughout dinner, but no one paid him much attention. Curtis asked a few polite questions, but otherwise, the table was quiet—everyone focused on their food.

Curtis had never experienced such a stifling atmosphere at a dinner before. It was a first for him.

Ironically, the only person who seemed to be enjoying herself was Victoria.

Curtis had ordered all her favorites. If McNeil hadn’t been sitting right there, she would’ve demolished two whole plates of lobster by herself. Her appetite was only slightly dampened by the tension around her—but not by much.

Once the meal was done, Curtis offered everyone a ride home.

He turned to Victoria. “Let me drive you.”

But McNeil reached over and picked up Victoria’s purse with such practiced ease it was as if he’d been doing it his whole life. “I’ll take my cousin and VP Turner. You can drive Ms. Marchand home. Looks like Paul and VP Turner were deep in discussion about the project earlier. They can ride with me and keep the conversation going.”

Paul was speechless. Violet, meanwhile, was taken aback—McNeil couldn’t even be bothered to offer her a ride anymore.

Curtis couldn’t quite put his finger on what was off. From start to finish, McNeil acted like he was staking his claim on Victoria in front of everyone, yet nothing he said or did with Victoria could be called improper.