The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge novel Chapter 261

Violet's expression faltered for a split second. McNeil called Winding Peak Lane "another place," but she'd always assumed he already thought of her house as home.

She kept her thoughts to herself, though. She figured maybe McNeil just couldn't handle Gwyneth on his own; if she offered to help, maybe he'd finally agree. But to her surprise, he still turned her down.

Violet had also wondered if McNeil might let Victoria come back. After all, Gwyneth had spent the entire night searching for Victoria, and even if it was exhausting, Violet couldn't ignore it.

But on second thought, that seemed unlikely. She'd seen Victoria at the town square the day before, together with Marcus. The way she looked at Max—could Victoria really be thinking about choosing Marcus?

"Well, if you need anything, just let me know," Violet said, her tone effortlessly warm. "You know how much I care about Gwyn. Without her here, I just feel off. I can't stop worrying and hoping she's alright."

"I know."

McNeil's response was curt, and he hung up almost immediately. Violet was left staring at her phone, unsure what to think.

Upstairs, Victoria had already fallen asleep, curled up with Gwyneth in her arms.

Gwyneth nestled against her mother, a peaceful smile lingering on her face.

When McNeil came up, he found the two of them sleeping, wrapped up together.

He quietly closed the door, switching off the light as he left.

The house fell instantly into darkness.

At sunrise, a sliver of light crept across Victoria's face. She shifted, slowly opening her eyes—only to find herself pressed up against a solid, familiar chest.

Warmth surrounded her, utterly familiar, and for a moment she was startled fully awake.

Above her, she could hear McNeil's slow, steady breathing. Beside her, Gwyneth mumbled, "Mommy…"

Victoria realized she was sandwiched between father and daughter, pinned in place like the cream in a cookie, barely daring to move.

It all came back in a rush—last night, she'd taken her daughter back to her room, but Gwyneth had clung to her neck and refused to let go. Victoria hadn't even managed to change clothes before she drifted off to sleep, still holding her.

Victoria quickly pushed McNeil away and got up.

But McNeil caught her wrist, holding her back. "What's the rush?"

Victoria pulled free, keeping her distance. She'd only tolerated the contact because Gwyneth was there; now, with their daughter watching, she didn't want to give the wrong impression.

How was she supposed to explain this to Violet later, if Gwyneth mentioned it?

"It's late," Victoria said briskly. "Gwyn's fever's gone. I need to get to work. Mr. Langford, if you keep this up, aren't you worried your girlfriend will get the wrong idea?"

McNeil's expression, so gentle a moment ago, chilled over in an instant. He nodded stiffly. "You're right. I shouldn't have stayed."

He threw back the covers and got out of bed. Gwyneth watched her parents with wide, drowsy eyes, sensing the tension.

"Mommy, Daddy… will you both come pick me up after school today?"