The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

Gwyneth seemed to have said something similar before-or maybe Connor had overheard it in a private room.

If he really thought about it, Connor could probably piece together that Hawthorne and Gwyneth were connected.

"It's just a coincidence," he muttered.

He had no interest in whatever Laird was saying.

But Laird stepped right in front of him, blocking his way. "You really don't recognize the guy with that woman? Hans-that's Hawthorne's personal assistant."

With no intention of sparing Connor's feelings, Laird shattered his illusions. "Mr. Kaufman, stop kidding yourself. That woman is Hawthorne's new wife."

Connor's fist landed squarely on Laird's nose before he could finish. Blood oozed between Laird's fingers as he clutched his face in shock.

"You son of a "

Laird swallowed the rest of his words. He couldn't afford to cross Connor. With Connor agreeing to compete, Laird stood to make five million dollars a year off him.noveldrama

And there was more: rumor had it Connor's uncle was a lifelong bachelor. Beyond Connor's own value, he was the only heir to the Green family's fortune in Starfall City.

"Max-"

The cold, authoritative voice cut through the tension just as Connor was about to throw another punch. He glared at Laird, furious that he'd had to hear the truth like this.

Connor looked up. No one called him Max except his uncle.

Marcus strode over, motioning for his assistant to check Laird's injury. Laird had met Marcus before and, reading the room, quickly echoed Connor, "Uncle."

"I was just messing around with Mr. Kaufman," Laird insisted, trying to play it off. "No big deal."

"Your nose is still bleeding. I'd say your bridge is broken. That's not nothing-get it looked at," Marcus replied coolly, then turned to Connor.

"What's got you so fired up? This isn't like you."

Connor had never lost his temper like this before, not even with someone he truly despised.

"It's nothing. I'm leaving." His expression was nonchalant, trying to play it off.

Meanwhile, Gwyneth and Hans emerged from the auction hall. They'd gotten turned around and ended up retracing their steps, only to run into Marcus at the

entrance.

Gwyneth greeted him softly, "Marcus."

Leonie glanced at Gwyneth in surprise-she knew Marcus, but hadn't expected Gwyneth to know him too.

Hans had also met Marcus before. "Mr. Green," he said politely.

Marcus nodded. "Hans." But when he looked at Gwyneth, his eyes took on a faraway, almost stunned quality.

She looked so much like Victoria. The resemblance was uncanny-at first glance, he'd almost lost his composure. But then he remembered Victoria was nearly forty now, still elegant but obviously not this young.

"You're—” Marcus finally remembered. "Gwyn."

Connor's gaze darkened when he saw Gwyneth. He was about to tell Marcus to get in the car so they could leave, but the familiar ease between Marcus and Gwyneth caught him off guard.

"Uncle, you know her?" he asked, suspicion flaring. This little liar.

"Max, this is Gwyn-McNeil's daughter," Marcus replied.

Connor had no memories of his life in Starfall City. Everything from before was a blank.

But this Gwyn-was she someone important to him?

Gwyneth stared at Connor in disbelief. "You're Max?"

If you looked closely, you could still see traces of the boy he once was, but Gwyneth barely noticed her mind was full of Hawthorne, and after she'd hit Connor's car, all she wanted was to get this mess over with and move on.

Connor looked at her, but not a single trace of memory surfaced.

"Max," Gwyneth said, right in front of Leonie and Hans, and without warning, threw her arms around Connor's neck, hugging him tightly. She was too excited-after all these years, she'd never expected to find Max in Starfall City.

For days, Connor had been dreaming of Gwyneth as his girlfriend. Now, with her soft warmth pressed against him, he suddenly felt completely at a loss.

Max? What was going on here?

"So, Uncle, you have a secret daughter out there?" Connor joked.

Marcus shot him a deadpan look. As flattering as that sounded, it wasn't true— though if it were, he'd die a happy man.

"Max, it's me, Gwyn. Don't you remember?" Gwyneth searched his face, but all she saw was confusion.

She slowly let go of him. Connor was still lingering on the sensation of her embrace, though something about it felt off now.

"We used to play racing games back in Starfall City. You lost to me and cried your eyes out," she teased.

Well, wasn't this kid bold-daring to

rib his own uncle like that. And he'd even stolen the model race car from Marcus's dream girl to give to this brat. Marcus thought, if he didn't out Connor now, he'd never get kis revenge. This was the perfect opportunity.

Connor scowled and put distance between himself and Gwyneth. “Impossible.”

Gwyneth wasn't about to embarrass him in front of everyone. Besides, Max clearly didn't remember any of it.

She had no idea what had happened to him all these years, but it must have been serious otherwise, how could he have lost his memory?

"I don't lose at racing games. And I certainly wouldn't lose to some little blonde girl," Connor retorted, his voice icy and sharp.

Gwyneth felt a pang of disappointment. The Max in front of her was nothing like the one she remembered.

Connor was disappointed too. He

glanced at Marcus, resentment flickering in his eyes. "If she's not your secret daughter, then what is she-some long-lost relative? If you ever get married, don't expect me to show up or buy you a gift.