The Substitute Bride: Doted by My Billionaire Husband by Sumpto Midway

Chapter 13: Give Him a Check

"What the f***!" Monica screamed, kicking Mr. Ronald, who was on top of her. "Mr. Ronald, let me go! Don't you know who I am? It's Monica, not Olive!"

President Ronald, seemingly deranged, continued pulling at Monica's dress. "Little beauty, stop struggling; the more you struggle, the more ecstatic I get," he laughed hysterically.

"Let go of me! Help!" Monica shouted.

The door burst open, and police officers rushed in. "We received a report of sex trafficking," the squad leader said. "We're taking you both to the station for questioning."

The police apprehended Mr. Ronald. A frightened Monica buttoned her dress. "What sex trafficking? That's not true! There's no need to go to the station."

"Ma'am, please cooperate," the officer said, leading them away.

Monica was bewildered. Forcibly dragged away, she passed a bar, where a crowd gathered. In her younger years, she'd been a famous actress. After marrying Patrick, she'd largely retired from the entertainment industry, but remained a respected figure.

"Look, isn't that Monica?" someone in the crowd recognized her.

"My gosh, what happened? Why is she being taken away?"

"I think that fat man is her lover!"

"Let me video this. This news will sell!"

Monica, who'd carefully cultivated her reputation over the years, felt her face burn with shame as people took pictures.

Meanwhile, Patrick was socializing with executives at a seven-star hotel. "Mr. Hart," one inquired, "why didn't your wife come today?"

Monica was well-connected and had been Patrick's right-hand woman since their marriage.

Patrick smiled. "My wife is occupied," he replied.

A Black executive remarked, "Mr. Hart, we must praise you. Even after all these years, you still have the famous Monica as your assistant. You're a lucky man."

Patrick, a lover of fame and prestige, watched as his phone rang on the glass table.

The Black executive added, "Is that Ms. Monica? We'd like to speak with her to confirm she intentionally missed the meeting, and it wasn't due to a lack of invitation," the others nodding in agreement.

Patrick chuckled, answering the call on speakerphone. "Hello?"

"Hello? This is Patrick Hart? Your wife, Monica, was arrested at a bar, suspected of sex trafficking. Please get her a lawyer immediately."

"Sex trafficking?" Patrick froze.

The CEOs were already checking their phones. News of Monica's alleged involvement had spread online like wildfire. Netizens were quick to comment:

"Well, Monica Hart is old; she just wants to have some fun."

"What did you expect from a former professional mistress? Like a fine wine, Monica improves with age."

"Monica seemed unhappy in her marriage."

The executives exchanged glances, then looked at Patrick's furious face. "You should get her out of there."

Monica and Mr. Ronald were brought in, distraught. Patrick arrived with a lawyer. After the lawyer completed the formalities and they were released, Patrick said solemnly, "Let's go."

Monica followed him, pulling his sleeve. "Patrick, this is Olive's conspiracy. She pretended to agree to the deal, then framed me."

Patrick looked at her coldly. "So Olive made you and Mr. Ronald cuddle in bed?"

"Yes."

"Your scandal is trending; millions of retweets. Did Olive do that too?"

Monica knew the internet would pick up the story, but hadn't anticipated this scale. She never imagined her long career would end with such a scandal.

"Yes. Olive did it all. She—" Patrick raised his hand and slapped her. Monica fell to the ground, her lip bleeding from the force of the blow.

Stunned, Monica—who'd always been cherished by Patrick—had never been hit before. "Patrick, why did you hit me?" she cried, touching her cheek.

Patrick gritted his teeth, staring menacingly. "Monica, Olive just came from an orphanage. How could she do this? I've loved and adored you for years, and this is how you repay me? You've lost everything!"

Monica realized the gravity of her offense against Patrick, whose reputation meant everything to him. His anger was understandable.

"Don't ever mention Mr. Ronald again. We have other things to settle," Patrick spat, leaving Monica alone.

Tasting blood, Monica yelled, "Olive!"

Harry watched, almost clapping. "Bro, your girl is something. I doubt her stepmother will survive this."

Elvis remained unsurprised. Olive intrigued him.

"I'm leaving," Elvis started to leave, but Gabriella appeared. Unaware of her mother's situation, she focused on Elvis. Pulling a check from her pocket, she pointed it at him. "This is for you. Be my gigolo, and stay away from Olive."