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    Maureen had never imagined that Geoffrey, known to outsiders as the cold–faced CEO, could show such a shameless side.

    She’d always assumed he simply didn’t care.

    Geoffrey watched the woman beside him, contemting how being with her long–term might just be worth it.

    As dawn broke, she finally fell asleep.

    The Sutton Family’s Thanksgiving celebration buzzed with its usual festive energy.

    Rtives gathered as they did every year.

    But unlike previous celebrations, Maureen had been brought back by Geoffrey this time.

    Those privy to the situation already had fresh gossip material.

    Whispers circted about how Maureen might embarrass herself this year, or how she’d try to win others over.

    “Can’t fathom why Geoffrey would want that kind of woman back. Good riddance when she left.”

    “Exactly. Probablytched onto him again herself.”

    ??

    Outside, the festivities were in full swing.

    Inside the bedroom:

    Maureen woke with the sun high in the sky.

    Rising, she spotted the evening gownid out and extravagant jewelry ced nearby.

    Her gaze flickered away instantly. She changed into her own clothes and headed downstairs.

    Geoffrey waited in the foyer, his dark eyes registering surprise at her choice of attire.

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    “I won’t attend your family’s celebration.”

    Maureen stated it inly.

    “Give me a reason.”

    Geoffrey stared at her.

    “Do I need a reason?”

    Maureen retorted.

    Geoffrey stood up and walked to her: “This year will be different.”

    But Maureen took a step back.

    “I don’t want to go.

    What difference could it make? Just a new way to bully me?

    After five years away, they’d have more to say about her.

    Geoffrey had nned to take Maureen to the holiday banquet today, because after they got married, she once cried andined: “Other women get taken to parties by their husbands, but I’m always alone.”

    “Everyone else has protection, but I don’t.”

    But now, he realized his wife didn’t need him to take her to parties anymore.

    She didn’t seem to need his protection either.

    Geoffrey’s hand froze mid–air: “Suit yourself.”

    He stormed out with a cold expression.

    Without Maureen, he wouldn’t have to face those fake, mocking stares either.

    At the banquet

    Kathleen chatted with her friends while watching the entrance. She noticed Geoffrey arrived

    alone.

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    The other women grew curious: “Sis, didn’t you say that deaf girl was back?”

    “Why isn’t she here?”

    Kathleen shook her head: “I don’t know.”

    “Maybe Geoff’s embarrassed to bring her.”

    She clenched the winess in her hand. “I need to step out. Excuse me.”

    Maureen had finallye over–how could Kathleen let this perfect chance slip away?

    After confirming with the servants that Maureen was alone at Geoffrey’s ce, Kathleen dared to head over.

    Inside the house,

    Maureen was studying the map Steven had given her when the doorbell suddenly rang.

    She quickly switched off her phone and rose to answer it.

    Opening the door, she found a woman with chestnut curls standing there. Though five had passed, they recognized each other instantly.

    Kathleen hadn’t changed at all.

    years

    But to Kathleen’s eyes, Maureen had always been that in, barely–made–up girl–simple to a fault.

    The Maureen before her now wore subtle, wless makeup and a designer outfit, radiating confidence like a different person entirely–nothing like the submissive little wife from years

    ago.

    “Long time no see. You’ve changed so much.”

    Kathleen extended her hand.

    Maureen didn’t take it, offering only a polite smile. “You look just the same.”

    Kathleen’s expression stiffened as she withdrew her hand.

    “Shall we talk outside?”

    Kathleen had married into the Sutton Family before Maureen.

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    When Maureen first got engaged to Geoffrey, Kathleen would often visit her for chats, posing as a caring elder sister.

    Only after Maureen married Geoffrey, and the Ramirez Family declined following Juan’s death, did Kathleen reveal her true colors.

    Some people were simply born actors.

    Walking along the winding path outside, Kathleen spoke softly: “You know?

    When I heard you’d died five years ago, I couldn’t sleep all night.

    I was pregnant with Willie then–almost lost him because of it.”

    Adults see through things without speaking out.

    “Were you scared?”

    Maureen arched her brows, feigning yfulness. “Afraid I’d visit you at night?”

    This sister–inw had made things difficult for Maureen constantly since her marriage.

    Once, when Geoffrey disappeared during an overseas project, Maureen personally visited every Sutton rtive and executive to prevent chaos at Sutton Group.

    While everyone assumed Geoffrey dead, she alone went to Esteston searching for him.

    In an unfamiliar ce, luckily she met Geoffrey’s business partner. Not only did she help Geoffrey secure a deal, but she also caught Nichs’s eye, earning a chance to join the Sutton Group.

    But Kathleen ruined everything in the end. She spread rumors everywhere, iming Maureen had seduced some tycoon in Esteston, and so on…

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