Chapter 260

No.1

August stared down the empty street. The glowing red taillights of the SUV burned into his memory,leaving a lingering, uncomfortable itch in his mind.

He slowly turned his attention back to Allena. She was still whimpering on the cold concrete, clutching her ankle.

"Get up, Allena. You're making a scene," August said.His voice was flat, completely devoid of any real sympathy, laced instead with a cold, creeping disgust.

"I can't walk! I think it's broken!" Allena cried. She reached up, expecting him to carry her like a fragile doll.

August sighed in heavy frustration. He saw right through the amateur theatrics. He didn't reach for her. He didn't even offer a hand, Instead, he signaled the valet to bring his car around immediately, leaving her to awkwardly scramble to her feet on her own.

No.2

Nearby, Cyprian straightened his rumpled jacket.His face was twisted into a mask of pure, aristocratic hatred.

"I am going to find out who that woman is," Cyprian Vowed. His voice shook with rage. "Thorne wants to play games with my family? I will ruin the mother of his bastard child."

August looked at Cyprian. A flicker of cold warning flashed in his dark eyes. "Don't do anything stupid,Cyprian. Thorne isn't a joke."

Cyprian scoffed. He turned on his heel and marched back into the hotel, determined to rally his security team and start digging.

August's driver pulled up to the curb. August practically shoved Allena into the backseat, his mind entirely elsewhere. The phantom sound of the child's voice echoed in his head.

No.3

Meanwhile, miles away on Long Island, the black SUV pulled through the heavy wrought-iron gates of Dr.Blevins' estate.

The car stopped in the circular driveway. Thorne stepped out and opened the rear door for Elisa and

Kayden.

Kayden practically launched herself out of the car and into Thorne's arms. She giggled brightly as he caught her effortlessly.

"You were very brave tonight, Faye," Thorne said softly, carrying the child toward the grand front door.

No.4

Elisa leaned against the side of the car for a moment.Her legs trembled slightly. The massive adrenaline crash hit her nervous system, making her stomach churn.

"That was too close. He almost saw her," Elisa whispered, rubbing her temples to ease the pounding headache.

Dr. Blevins opened the front door. His warm,grandfatherly smile welcomed them inside the safe haven.

Matilda Ingram appeared from the kitchen hallway,wiping her hands on a floral apron. "I kept the roast warm for you all."

They moved into the cozy, fire-lit living room. It was a stark,comforting contrast to the cold, hostile gala

No.5

they had just escaped.

Thorne sat on the thick rug with Kayden, patiently helping her build a complicated Lego structure.

Elisa sat on the sofa. She watched them, a profound sense of gratitude washing over her. Thorne was playing the role perfectly.

Thorne looked up, catching her eye over Kayden's head. "The narrative is set. Cyprian will spread the rumor by morning."

Elisa nodded slowly. "But it won't stop August.He's relentless when he senses a secret."

No.6

"Then we make sure the secret is buried under a mountain of legal iron," Thorne replied confidently.

Dr.Blevins handed Elisa a steaming cup of tea. "You can't hide forever, my dear. The divorce must be finalized."

Elisa took a sip. The heat steadied her nerves. "I know. Germaine holds the cards right now."

She pulled her phone from her'pocket. She opened the encrypted file containing the stalled legal documents sent by her lawyer.

"I can't wait for the courts. I have to force August to release the decree himself," Elisa murmured resolutely.

No.7

She looked out the window into the dark night.Her jaw tightened. She knew her next move required stepping right back into the lion's den.

<The Unwanted Wife Is A Zillionaire +120 Points at most