The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins (Mia and Kyle) novel Chapter 159

“I still don’t understand why Taylor is so fixated on hurting you,” Scarlett said, popping another chocolate into her mouth. “I mean, I know she’s always been jealous, but this goes way beyond normal stepsister rivalry. She’s literally risking life in prison to keep coming after you.”

I’d wondered the same thing, especially after discovering Edward Porter’s involvement. “I think it started as jealousy, but now? “I shook my head.

“Or it’s not about you at all,” Mom suggested quietly.

Scarlett and I both turned to look at her.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

Mom had a distant look in her eyes, the one she got when piecing together complex puzzles. “What if Taylor is just a pawn in a larger game? What if someone is using her?”

“Much more reasonable,” Scarlett said.

Mom nodded. “But why target Mia specifically? What does he gain from harming her?”

“Revenge against Kyle?” I suggested. “If Porter had a falling out with Alexander Branson, maybe he’s trying to hurt Kyle through me and the twins.”

“Possible,” Mom conceded. “But it feels too indirect. There are more efficient ways to harm Kyle Branson if that’s the goal.” “It’s a theory,” Scarlett shrugged. “A pretty dark one, but it makes more sense than Taylor suddenly developing the brains and resources to orchestrate all this on her own.”

I thought about the text message Taylor had sent-“Take care of your children. Sleep well, Mia.” It had felt like a threat at the time, but now I wondered if it was also a message meant for Kyle. A reminder that his children were vulnerable.

“I need to talk to Kyle,” I decided, reaching for my phone. “Today, if possible.”

“I’ll call him,” Mom offered, rising from her chair. “You’ve had enough excitement for one day.”

Before I could protest, she was already dialing, her expression brooking no argument. I sighed, accepting defeat on this particular battle.

“Mr. Branson,” Mom said moments later, her tone coolly professional. “This is Sarah Williams… Yes, she’s doing as well as can be expected, thank you… The reason I’m calling is that we need to discuss some developments regarding Edward Porter and his connection to your father… Yes, this afternoon would be fine… Four o’clock. We’ll expect you then.”

She ended the call and turned to me. “He’ll be here at four. That gives you time to rest before he arrives.”

“I am resting,” I pointed out, gesturing to my position on the sofa.

“You’re talking and thinking and worrying,” Mom countered. “That’s not resting. Go lie down for an hour. Sarah’s orders.”

“I’ll keep her company,” Scarlett volunteered. “We can continue our conspiracy theories in your bedroom just as easily as out here.”

I knew when I was outnumbered. “Fine. But bring the chocolates.”

Scarlett gathered the box and followed me to my bedroom, Gas trotting faithfully at our heels. I settled onto the bed with more pillows than any human should reasonably need, but which had become necessary to accommodate my growing bump.

“So,” Scarlett said once we were situated, Gas curled between us like a furry chaperone. “What’s really going on with you and Kyle? And don’t give me that ‘nothing‘ crap. I know you too well.”

Chapter 159 With Kyle

+25 BONUS

I sighed, adjusting a pillow behind my lower back. “It’s complicated, Scar.”

“When isn’t it with you two?” she countered, helping herself to another chocolate. “But something’s shifted. I can tell Morton says Kyle’s been acting differently at the office too. More focused on personal matters, less obsessed with quarterly projections. He actually left a board meeting early last week when you texted about seeing Taylor outside your building.”

“He did?” This was news to me. Kyle had responded quickly to my text that day, but I hadn’t realized he’d interrupted his sacred business routine to do so.

“Mm–hmm,” Scarlett confirmed. “You know I hated the guy when he used to hurt you. But I must also say that he has changed a

lot.”

“You are a traitor, Scar.” I laughed, throwing a small decorative pillow at her.

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