Chapter 26 Perfect Twist
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Benedict couldn’t put his thoughts together. It was like the blood in his body was rushing, and his face was flushed with emotion.
He couldn’t watch anymore. Gripping his anger, he turned off the video and stormed out without saying at word. Ellen, looking scared, rushed to follow him.
Benedict had had enough of hearing her trash talk Francesca. He shot her a look. “Mom, is this how you humiliate Francesca when she was around?”
Ellen tried to play it down. “It’s not humiliation. As her mother–in–law, I was just trying to teach her. She needed to learn.”
Hannah’s heart dropped. “Benedict, what’s wrong with you? We’re your family! Why are you taking her side over ours?”
Benedict shook his head, a bitter laugh escaping him. He had been so naive to trust his mother and sister this much.
“Apologize,” he commanded.
“What? You want me to apologize to that bitch? Are you serious? I’ll kill her if I see her again!” Hannah’s tears flowed freely, but Benedict didn’t care.
“You can’t mess with Raymond,” he said coldly. There were so many things he should’ve noticed, questions he needed answers to, but he had been too blind to see it.
Hannah was still crying, but Ellen just stood there, unsure of what to say. She knew Raymond was a big deal, though very low–key. After Mabel’s surgery, she found out he was the chief surgeon.
Someone like him could have woman like Francesca.
socialite he wanted, so it confused Ellen why he would pick a divorced
Hannah kept crying as she climbed into the car. Her brother wouldn’t help, and her mom was too emotional, she needed to find
sent it.
one else who could. She pulled out her phone, typed a message, and
Back at the house, Benedict went straight to the room he had shared with Francesca. The servant hesitated before opening the door, sensing his mood. Benedict didn’t waste time and opened the safe himself. His stomach dropped; everything was gone.
The walk–in closet was empty. Benedict remembered that on the day of the divorce, Francesca had only grabbed a few documents and left everything else behind.
“Where are her clothes and bag?” he asked, his voice cold.
The servant looked confused for a second, then realized who Benedict meant. “She told me to have everything burned. The stuff that wasn’t touched, though, got moved to Miss Hannah’s place.”
Benedict’s frown deepened. “How does Hannah have the password to the safe?”
“She’s had it for a while. When Ms. Francesca was here, Miss Hannah would sometimes a few things. Ms. Francesca never complained. Sir. I did what Ms. Francesca asked. I didn’t take anvthing.”
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Chapter 26 Perfect Twist
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had gotten used to it. It was a miracle she had managed to survive that long. No wonder she left so quickly after the divorce.
That thought hit him hard, and he couldn’t stay in the room a second longer.
The next day, Francesca officially started at the company. Shane showed her around to get her familiar with the place. When she finally had a moment to rest in her office, her phone rang.
It was Nina calling. “What the hell. That bitch, Suzanna, is holding exhibition to clean up her image? I’m getting two tickets, let’s make a scene!”
“She invited Benedict and his sister, probably hoping it’ll make her look good. After those photos went viral, she got dragged so hard online she’s been in hiding. Now she’s throwing this exhibition to fix her image? So shameless.
Nina continued, “I also heard she’s Marley Finch’s last disciple, and his works are on display there too. Aren’t you curious?”
Francesca raised an eyebrow, a little surprised. Since when did Marley take Suzanna as a disciple? He had only ever had her as one.
Marley Finch was a legendary contemporary artist, often called the living Picasso.
Any of his pieces could go for hundreds of millions, and buyers would still fight over them. His place in art history was practically guaranteed.
On top of that, he taught at Thompson University as a visiting professor and had been Francesca’s mentor. He had wanted her to carry on his legacy, mastering his techniques and sharing his artistic vision.
But she had thrown it all away to marry Benedict. He must’ve been furious. The thought made Francesca shake her head with a quiet sigh.
“Alright, send me the address,” she said.
“I’ve got you a plus–one–Hugh Jensen,” Nina said, practically buzzing with excitement. “You know, the heartthrob everyone’s raving about? Suzanna’s been desperate to work with him. Let Benedict see that the guys lining up for you now are miles ahead of him.”
Francesca’s lips curved into a sly grin. What a perfect twist.
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