บททั้งหมดของ The Perfect Wife Walked Away: บทที่ 61 - บทที่ 70

[Alice's POV]The atmosphere in the limousine on the return journey was almost oppressive.David sat stretched out across the spacious rear seat, his gaze constantly directed out the window at the rapidly receding street scenery. His lips were compressed in a tight line; and he didn’t say a word. Kathryn’s comments must have struck him like a heavy hammer blow, completely shattering the sense of superiority he had always been proud of. It turns out that in Alice’s world, my existence is actually celebrated.Back at the villa, Camilla played happily for the afternoon, and after dinner was taken by our housekeeper to bathe and get ready for bed.With Camilla in her bedroom putting on her pajamas, I returned to my study and was preparing to organize the research materials for tomorrow’s presentation when there was a quiet knock on the study door.“Come in.”David rolled in, in his wheelchair. He had taken off his suit, and wore only a casual white shirt with the collar open and comfortab

[Lily’s POV]On the day of the medical faculty’s formal presentations, I deliberately got up early. I had my own presentation prepared and I quickly ran through it once more, just to be sure.In order to appear professional and boost my status in this academic hall, I chose a modest but stylish cream-white dress, put on subtle but enhancing makeup, added gold earrings and styled my hair. I followed my new supervisor, Professor Smith, into the medical school’s grand auditorium like a proud peacock.The auditorium was packed. Today was not only the graduation ceremony for graduating students, but many of the medical world’s academic leaders were also present. I glanced around and saw David in the front row. He was sitting in his wheelchair. Yet despite any hint of weakness his disability might convey, his contained and stern magnetic charisma set him apart as unapproachable.He was staring at the podium, and I wondered how much of the shock from last night’s revelation was still disturb

[Alice's POV]At 7 p.m. I entered the medical faculty dining hall for the professor’s private celebratory dinner. I had insisted our driver get me here punctually. It presented a valuable opportunity for me to mingle with the medical fraternity’s most influential and revered names.Rather than a dining room, it looked more like an intimate academic salon. Tempting cold delicacies and champagne were set out on long, dark oak tables, portraits of past medical school presidents hung on the walls, and the air was redolent with the compelling aroma of old books, cigars, and top-tier red wine.There were only twenty or so people present, but each name was prominent in the medical community.“Ah, Alice. So lovely to see you,” said Professor Lawrence.“Thank you for the invitation. It’s an honor to be here, sir” I replied.The professor led me over to talk to the director from Switzerland. Director Hoffman — a mature gentleman with neatly combed silver hair, and fluent English.“Dr. Newcombe

[Alice’s POV]I had been expertly outmaneuvered. My refusal of his ‘gift’, my grand gesture to distance myself from his influence and control, had just been derailed.With just a few words, David effortlessly reversed the situation. He slickly transformed himself from an awkward husband, publicly ‘rejected’ by his wife into a generous, devoted and open-minded partner who fully supported his wife’s career. And that huge funding offer, like a golden ticket, catapulted him back to the center of the stage, and now he was even more dazzling than before.This was how a masterful negotiator artfully controls the boardroom, how a giant in the business realm conquers and smothers opposition.The earlier displeasure on Professor Lawrence’s face had melted away, replaced by a complex expression that mixed surprise and caution. For a laboratory director, there was nothing more attractive than generous, unconditional funding. He looked at David with a lot more respect.Director Hoffman also clearl

[David’s POV]Our driver skillfully navigated through the evening traffic as the luxury car smoothly ate up the distance to our villa. It was quiet in the limo. Unnaturally quiet. Avoiding my querying gaze, Alice turned her head to look out the window. The flicker of neon lights flowed like water across her lovely profile, leaving bright streaks and dancing shadows as the city rushed by.I sensed her thinly disguised hostility. She’s still angry.I know. From the moment I took out that jewelry box, or rather, from the moment I decided to appear at her celebration banquet, she was expressing her resistance and resentment in her stiff, silent way.But I had to go. It was her moment of glory, the moment when she left the identity of ‘Mrs. Newcombe’ behind and once again stood at the center of the academic world as Dr. Alice McCutchen, herself.As her husband, how could I possibly not be by her side?I just didn’t expect her to refuse so flatly. The exquisite ‘Teardrop of the Phoenix’ had