The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge novel Chapter 241

"Aren't gifts supposed to be surprises? If you tell someone ahead of time, it takes all the fun out of it."

Victoria's expression froze just slightly.

Marcus was implying she didn't know the first thing about romance.

God knew how hard she'd tried for McNeil back in the day—she'd pulled out every trick in the book, every gesture men usually reserved for women, she'd lavished them all on him instead.

Surprise gifts, thoughtful presents, using every resource she could to help him, pouring her heart into him without a single complaint.

She thought she was giving him love—surely McNeil would return it in kind.

That is, until she discovered Violet. Discovered that he'd built another home, one identical to theirs, just for her. That was when her heart finally shattered for good.

"I want something handmade by you," Marcus said. "A scarf, maybe. Or a sweater. Even just a keychain you've woven yourself would mean a lot."

When she fell silent, Marcus smiled faintly. "What's wrong? You could make something for Osborn but not for me?"

Suddenly, it made sense—why Marcus was insisting on a gift, and why it had to be something she made herself.

She gave him a resigned look. "What did Osborn tell you?"

Marcus didn't look away for a moment. He held her gaze, then said quietly, "I just thought it was odd. The weather's warming up as spring turns to summer, it's not even cold anymore, but he's always wearing that scarf—which doesn't even match his suit—and he won't take it off for anything."

Victoria's ears flushed—not out of embarrassment, but irritation.

Marcus misunderstood, assuming Osborn had told him it was a token of her affection.

Just looking at Victoria, with her understated style and not a single designer label in sight, Marcus guessed she probably didn't come from money.

But he cared for her, and that was what mattered. That was why he'd given her that necklace—worth close to a million dollars—without a second thought.

Of course, he hadn't told Victoria how much it cost; he didn't want to scare her off.

Victoria was exasperated. She'd have to find a way to tell Osborn the truth soon, before he went around showing off and got her into trouble.

"Mr. Green, it's not what you think."

Marcus looked at her openly, making no effort to hide his interest.

You can't rush things with a woman—that was his mistake, being too forward.

"I was only joking. I've been hanging out with Mr. Clark a lot lately, sharing drinks and stories—he keeps talking about you, and treats that scarf like it's a treasure. That's the only reason I brought it up. Don't take it too seriously."

Just because Victoria said no now didn't mean she always would.

Compared to that overgrown playboy who couldn't keep his mouth shut, Marcus figured he had the upper hand.

He didn't believe that, after spending real time together, Victoria would still choose Osborn over him.

"When does Max get out of school? Want some company picking him up today?"

Victoria seized the chance to change the subject, not wanting to go in circles over Osborn and the gift.

Marcus's eyes lit up, and his voice softened.

"I've been raising Max since he was little. He lost both parents—he's never really known what happiness feels like. If you're willing to come pick him up with me, I'd be glad."