Violet lunged forward, wild-eyed and frantic, the knife flashing in her hand. Victoria gasped in horror and threw herself over Gwyneth, shielding the girl with her own body as the blade came down.
McNeil saw the danger a split second before the knife struck. He hurled himself toward them, just as the blade was about to pierce Victoria.
“Vicky! Gwyn!”
But Violet’s aim was unerring; the knife plunged straight into McNeil’s chest with brutal force, driven by all the fury and resentment she harbored. Blood welled up instantly, staining his shirt as he clutched the wound.
Violet’s real target had been Victoria—she’d waited for Victoria to step in front of Gwyneth, then struck with all the speed and determination she could muster. But she hadn’t intended to kill McNeil. She didn’t love him, not really, but the man had money—he’d promised her a future. If he died, what would become of her?
“McNeil—!” The cry came from Victoria. She pressed her hand over Gwyneth’s eyes, voice trembling. “Don’t look, sweetheart. Go with the men outside, now.”
She gestured urgently for her bodyguards to take Gwyneth away. As they hustled the girl out, Victoria pressed her hands to McNeil’s wound, desperately trying to staunch the bleeding.
McNeil’s gaze found hers, his lips slick with blood. “Gwyn—” The name was little more than a whisper. He collapsed into her arms, struggling to form words.
“Gwyneth is safe, I promise. She’s fine.” Victoria’s voice was raw. “Why did you jump in front like that? I could have protected her.”
The pain was excruciating, radiating through every inch of her as she watched the man she’d once loved bleed out before her eyes. She had given everything for him once. Now, his life was slipping away, and there was nothing she could do.
“This is my fault—” He lifted a trembling hand, trying to brush away the tears streaking down her cheek, but his strength was already failing.
Victoria looked down; blood was seeping through her fingers, warm and unstoppable.
“The ambulance is almost here. Hold on, McNeil. Please, just hold on a little longer. I’m begging you.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge