The CEO’s Wife Was Never Just a Substitute のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 31 - チャプター 40

Linda’s expression turned completely cold. “Not picking up? So, she’s decided the Hall family means nothing to her now.”Nathan stared at his phone screen, an inexplicable irritation rising in his chest. “I’ll check on Grandma first. Once she’s done with work, I’ll make sure to bring her back.”He said it with certainty, but there was little confidence behind it.This time, his grandmother, Dorothy Hall, was seriously ill.At first, it had only been a common cold. But it was the middle of winter, and the chill had seeped into her body. The illness lingered, her fever refusing to break. At her age, her health had already been fragile, and she had even begun murmuring in her sleep at night.The family doctor had already come by and repeatedly warned them to keep a close watch, to call immediately at the first sign of anything unusual.Nathan couldn’t help asking, “How did it get this bad? Grandma’s been sick before, but it was never like this.”Linda sighed, her tone complicated. “When

On Lizzie’s side, after getting off work at the art exhibition, she saw Nathan’s message: [Grandma is seriously ill. Come back.]The tone was firm, almost like an order. If it had been before, she would have been worried enough to immediately pack up and rush to the family estate to take care of Dorothy.The term “grandma” had always been complicated for her. She still remembered the first time she met Dorothy after registering their marriage, sitting stiffly in her seat. Dorothy sat at the head of the room, her gaze sweeping over her from head to toe. “Too thin. You don’t look like someone blessed with good fortune.”Lizzie had quickly stood up, her palms damp with sweat, yet still answered obediently, “Yes.”Later, she learned to wake up early to make broths, brew tea, and remember Dorothy’s dietary restrictions. But no matter how well she did, Dorothy remained the same toward her. Not exactly harsh, but never once satisfied.She remembered one time when Dorothy felt unwell in the

Divorce? A first mediation session?Nathan had never mentioned this to her.These past few days, whenever he spoke about Lizzie, his tone had been so casual, nothing like someone going through a divorce.That left only one possibility—Lizzie was the one who had filed for it.Was she out of her mind? With the Hall family’s status and Nathan’s standing, what gave her the right to initiate a divorce? Was she playing hard to get? Or did she really not want this marriage anymore?She couldn’t make sense of it. But it didn’t matter.Sharon quickly steadied herself, a trace of mockery flickering in her eyes. Whatever Lizzie was planning, it didn’t stop her from doing what she needed to do.She lifted her finger and gently swiped left across the screen. The notification disappeared instantly.She locked the phone and placed it back exactly where it had been, her movements unhurried, as if nothing had happened. Then she lowered her head and lightly rested a hand over her lower abdomen, her exp

“Hall Enterprise?” Noah’s tone gave nothing away.“Yes.” Don nodded. “The contact is Nathan Hall.” He added, almost as an afterthought, “He’s… Miss Lizzie’s husband.”Noah lifted his gaze, shooting him a look that made Don’s back tense for no reason.“Nathan is Nathan,” Noah said. “Did I ask whose husband he is?”Don fell silent.“Should we respond?” he asked cautiously.“No need.” Noah closed the file, his tone as steady as ever. “Business goes through proper channels. Personal matters are off the table.”“Yes, understood. But…” Don hesitated again.“What now?” A trace of impatience flickered between Noah’s brows. “Stop dragging it out.”“This invitation says they’d like you to view Rose’s new painting together.” Don quickened his speech. “It’s Rose.”“If it weren’t for your precious sister, would I be this caught in the middle,” he thought, quietly wiping sweat in his mind.“Looks like he still doesn’t know Rose is Lizzie.”Noah tapped his fingers lightly against the desk and let ou

Those days, Sharon had started experiencing pregnancy symptoms again.She felt unwell, and her emotions were unstable. During that time, Nathan had stayed by her side almost constantly, even moving his work over there.Thinking of this, Nathan barely hesitated. He grabbed his car keys and headed out.In Sharon’s hotel room, the lighting was soft. She was leaning against the couch, flipping through a magazine. When she saw Nathan walk in, her eyes lit up. “Nat, what brings you here all of a sudden?”Gone was his usual gentleness. The man got straight to the point. “Did you see the court’s mediation notice?”The smile on Sharon’s face stiffened for a moment. Soon, she lowered her gaze, her voice a little flustered. “What notice?”Nathan stared at her, saying nothing.Nathan knew Sharon well. He had cherished her for years, as if she were something fragile and irreplaceable.The moment she frowned, he knew something was wrong. He could tell at a glance that she was hiding something b