Chapter 5 - The Smug Mistress
Two days later, Clare was finally upgraded to a private recovery suite, though she was still too weak to walk.
Adrien had returned to the corporate headquarters to manage the Valente empire, leaving two of his loyal, heavy-set enforcers standing guard outside her hospital door to ensure she didn't speak to the police.
The door clicked open, and Vanessa Cole strolled into the room.
The twenty-eight-year-old mistress was wearing an expensive designer trench coat and carrying a luxury handbag. Gleaming on her wrist was the stolen sapphire bracelet. She walked over to the hospital bed, looking down at Clare with absolute, unfiltered disgust.
"You look terrible, Clare," Vanessa sneered, crossing her arms. "I told Adrien he hit you too hard, but you just wouldn't shut your mouth at the gala."
Clare stared at her, her dark eyes burning with quiet, restrained fury.
"I just came to tell you to sign the divorce papers when they arrive tomorrow," Vanessa smiled, leaning over the bed rail. "Adrien is officially taking over the Valente syndicate from his stepfather this Friday. Once he is the head of the family, he is cutting off your medical insurance. You have absolutely nothing left."
"He's using you, Vanessa," Clare rasped weakly. "When he's done, he'll destroy you too."
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Vanessa laughed cruelly, tapping her manicured fingers against the stolen gold bracelet. "I'm going to be the wife of a billionaire by Christmas. Enjoy your physical therapy."
👉 Vanessa turned and proudly strutted out of the room, completely oblivious to the terrifying shadow standing in the hallway.
