An Unbreakable Addiction

"There's no need to check the footage. I've got a front row recording of our dear sister-in-law's performance right here!" Mia emphasized the words "sister-in-law" with deliberate bite.

Jenna's heart skipped. She never expected Mia to actually record a video. This sneaky little witch! Now, things were definitely not in her favor.

What could she do? Pretend to faint? Claim stomach pains? But she had already used those tactics before, and repeating them now might just expose her act. Too risky,

With no better option, Jenna steeled herself, deciding to let Mia show the video. After all, she hadn't outright accused anyone of pushing her, she had only said she tripped on her own. Summer shot Mia a thumbs-up. "Nicely done, babe!"

This time, that manipulative woman wouldn't have a chance to pin anything on her.

Hunter narrowed his eyes, his gaze cold as he focused on Mia's phone. The icy tension around him was palpable, and Jenna could feel it cut through her, filling her with fear. If Hunter abandoned her in a fit of anger, how would she get by? "Can you go back to your seat on your own?" Hunter asked, bending down to place her on her feet, his voice suddenly soft.

Jenna's anxiety deepened. "Hunter, I don't want to go back alone."

Mia lifted her phone, pointing it directly at Jenna's face. "What's wrong? Afraid the whole world will find out you're cozying up to your husband's younger brother, aiming to take his wife's place?"

Jenna panicked, immediately covering her face with her hands, calling out, "Hunter, help me!"Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Deep down, Jenna was hoping Mia would make an even bigger scene. It would only work to her advantage. If things escalated, Mia would surely be kicked out of the house.

Hunter's grip tightened as he pulled Mia toward him, his eyes blazing with anger. "Mia, I invited you to lunch, but you refused. Now you sneak around, filming me and Jenna, hoping to use this in a divorce case to grab more of my assets. Is that it?" Three years ago, she schemed her way into marrying him. Now, she was scheming for his wealth. All of this crossed his mind only because Mia's background as a divorce lawyer made her motives feel suspect.

The pain in Mia's chest was almost unbearable. After a moment, she raised her hand and slapped Hunter across the face. "You're disgusting! Even if I were to get a divorce, I wouldn't stoop to such tactics." Jenna looked stunned, unable to believe that Mia had actually slapped Hunter. She had anticipated how this might start but hadn't predicted how it would end.

Still, she quickly composed herself, a spark of delight flickering inside. Mia had just crossed a line with Hunter, burning bridges that would be impossible to rebuild. "Mia!" Hunter's voice was icy, the word forced through clenched teeth. His rage was unmistakable.

How dare Mia lay a hand on him!

Summer, horrified, rushed over, her face pale as she grabbed Mia's arm. "Mr. Jasper, please, let this go. Mia acted on impulse. If you're angry, take it out on me instead. Slap me if it'll help you calm down." Mia pushed Hunter away forcefully, pulling Summer in front of her protectively. "This has nothing to do with Summer. I'd appreciate it if you didn't take your anger out on her!"

Mia wasn't afraid of Hunter targeting her, but she was terrified he might go after Summer instead.

"And what about your grandmother? What will happen to her?" Hunter's voice was slow and deliberate. Mia felt a chill spread through her body, her voice trembling as she replied, "What do you want me to do?"