The Ex–Wife’s Redemption: A Love Reborn
Chapter 361
Richard, still harboring some marital affection, had at least provided her with heating equipment. After more than a month of confinement, Catherine’s mental state had begun to deteriorate.
The family doctor had advised Richard: “You shouldn’t keep your wife locked up any longer. If this continues, I’m concerned she may develop serious psychological issues.”
Richard had completely ignbred this warning..
When Grace saw her mother’s pale, haunted expression, her heart broke.
“Mom,” she pleaded, why don’t you just apologize to Dad? Kneel down, beg his forgiveness, promise never to see that man again. Wouldn’t that be better?”
Grace had only heard about her mother’s affair with Oliver through a passing comment from her father.
Learning that her mother had been unfaithful had shattered her worldview.
Even Grace had never juggled two men simultaneously–she’d always cleanly broken off one relationship before starting another.
Discovering that her mother had maintained a years–long affair with Oliver had destroyed her moral compass.
“Mom, say something, Grace begged. “Wouldn’t it be better to stop seeing that man and focus on our family? Even if Dad divorces you, you still have me and my brother. We can take care of you!”
Catherine, her eyes previously unfocused, suddenly seemed triggered by something in Grace’s words. She rushed to the door, gripping the bars as she laughed maniacally.
“Hahaha!”
“Do you really think he’s your brother?”
“He’s not! He’s not your biological brother! Technically, he’s your cousin–your aunt’s son!”
“Your aunt died shortly after giving birth to him.”
“Your brother wasn’t even a month old when his mother died.”
“Do you want to know how she died?”
As she spoke, a disturbing light flickered in her eyes.
Grace fell back, terrified by her mother’s manic behavior. “How did my brother’s mother–my aunt–die?” she asked cautiously.
Catherine smiled and put a finger to her lips. “Shh!” she whispered. “You don’t need to know that.” Then, abruptly shifting topics: “Grace, my dear daughter, please help me get out of here. I can’t stand being locked up anymore.”
Whatever memory had surfaced seemed to sharpen Catherine’s focus.
She grabbed Grace’s hand tightly, pleading desperately. “Grace, I’m begging you. Help your mother. Steal the key and let me out of here.”
Grace stared at her, wide–eyed, before reluctantly agreeing: “I’ll try my best. But don’t blame me if I can’t get the key, okay?”
Everyone else might abandon Catherine, but Grace couldn’t–this was her mother, after all.
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Chapter 361
A few nights later, when everyone in the Harding mansion was deep asleep, a ghost–like figure emerged from the basement.
The shadowy form moved through the house with practiced familiarity, quickly making her way out of the basement. The figure raced through the main gates and headed to a public phone booth, trembling as she dialed a number.
Soon after, a black Range Rover appeared, stopping beside Catherine,
Oliver sat in the car, a cigar between his fingers, gazing at the shivering woman by the roadside.
Catherine, what happened to you?” he asked, concerned. “Get in the car, quickly.”
Catherine didn’t waste a second, practically jumping into the vehicle.
Oliver, that bastard Richard locked me in the basement,‘ she sobbed. He starved me, wouldn’t let me sleep properly. I hate him!”
Oliver tossed her a clean towel. “Don’t worry. I’ll make that old fool Richard pay for this.”
Only after reaching Oliver’s long–term hotel suite did Catherine’s frantically beating heart begin to calm down.
Lying in the bathtub, enjoying a bubble bath, her entire being seemed to transform.
Just as she stood up, still in the tub, Oliver rushed in and embraced her eagerly, his hands roaming over her mature body.
“You’ve lost weight, but your breasts are firmer,” he observed. “That dog Richard didn’t touch you, did he?”
Catherine didn’t resist, instead pressing herself against him. “Of course not. You know he never touches me anyway.”
“He only has eyes for his dead wife. How could he remember he has a second wife?”
“To be honest, even if he wanted to touch me, I wouldn’t let him. My body belongs only to you, Oliver.”
Oliver laughed heartily, slapping her bottom firmly. “Good! Then let your Oliver show you some proper love!*
Soon they were rolling on the bed, naked in each other’s arms.
What they didn’t know was that a crowd of reporters had gathered outside the hotel room. Somehow, the door was unlocked from the outside, and reporters swarmed in, cameras flashing at the entangled bodies on the bed.
Terrified, the pair quickly separated, covering their naked bodies with the sheets.
Catherine hid her face against Oliver’s chest, too afraid to be photographed.
Oliver was startled but quickly regained his composure. He pointed at the reporters, shouting: “Who let you in? Which media outlet do you work for? I’ll sue each and every one of you!”
“This is my private room! How dare you trespass!”
Just then, Richard walked in, impeccably dressed. He smiled coolly at the couple on the bed.
I let them in,” he said simply.
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