Chapter 158

Over the years, I'd spent considerable time at the Reyes household. Back when Chase and I were childhood sweethearts, I was considered the future Mrs. Reyes, even without a wedding. Ironically, I was now Mrs. Reyes, but Derek's wife, not Chase's.

"Our wedding was rather rushed," Derek explained, "and I simply informed the family. So, if tonight's dinner seems low-key, don't worry about it."

"Alright, I'll wheel you in," I replied.

Derek's genuine efforts to find me and his visits to my grandmother meant a great deal. Having faced the world's indifference and been abandoned by my family and husband, I truly appreciated his kindness. It wasn't about romance; I genuinely wanted to care for him, repaying him for saving me countless times in my past life—a debt that didn't interfere with my plans for revenge.

Clad in high heels, I wheeled Derek back to the mansion. Davin and Chase were at work. Since Derek's return, Davin and Chase's stepmother, Patricia, had moved back into the mansion, sharing meals and showering Ryan with attention. Only Ryan and Patricia were home.

As I wheeled Derek in, Ryan, impeccably suited, sat in the living room while Patricia poured him water. Patricia was difficult for me to accept. She was Davin's lifelong obsession, a woman who once vowed not to marry him for money, leaving him with a child on the way. This left Davin guilt-ridden, neglecting his wife until her early death. Soon after, he married Patricia, claiming it was true love.

Ryan disliked Patricia. His children were grown, and he pinned his hopes on Chase, essentially ignoring Davin. Patricia adopted Nicole, and since Nicole disliked me, Patricia was unfriendly as well. She acted superior, enjoying the finest things after marrying into the Reyes family. Knowing Ryan couldn't stand her, she feared he might leave everything to Derek, so she and Davin constantly tried to win his favor.

Ryan had once favored me, criticizing Patricia's lack of refinement. Even as Davin's wife, she couldn't conceal her humble origins, unlike me, a woman of noble standing, the true Mrs. Reyes. She was the mistress who couldn't show her face, while my marriage to the family upheld their honor. This only fueled Patricia's envy, causing her to team up with Nicole to make my life difficult.

She was technically my mother-in-law, so I endured much. Stirring up trouble in such a prominent family would tarnish both the Reyes name and my own. Given a second chance, I had one goal: to cast aside personal morality and live without restraint.

Before entering, I asked, "Derek, if someone in the Reyes family troubles me, can I retaliate?"

Without looking at me, Derek's voice was cool. "If you retaliate, it's on me."

Chapter 5

That was typical of him. In the Reyes family, he held ultimate authority. Even Ryan considered his mood.