The Invisible Wife Turned Savage novel Chapter 81

Chapter 81 Shadows, Shackles, and Showdowns

(62

Finished

Estella had once believed that divorcing Nathaniel would mean liberation-freedom from his emotional manipulation, his cruel indifference, and the lingering shadow of his obsession with Isabelle. But reality proved far more insidious.

Though the marriage had ended on paper, Nathaniel refused to let her go.

He now used her mother as a pawn, guilt-tripping her into staying in the Hartwell residence and dangling her mother’s health as leverage. Just thinking about it made Estella’s chest tighten with frustration.

She didn’t want reconciliation. She didn’t want his affection. She wanted severance-clean and

permanent.

“I’m not coming home for dinner,” she replied coldly, her voice like cracking ice.

On the other end of the line, Nathaniel’s brow twitched with irritation.

“Then I’ll have to let your mother convince you,” he said smoothly. “You know her medical checkup is coming up. If she misses it because of tension between us, and something happens to her…”

He trailed off with false sympathy. “Would your conscience really allow that, Estella?”

Estella’s hands clenched so tightly her knuckles paled. She trembled with rage at his emotional blackmail. And yet, her mother’s fragile health hovered in her mind like a looming threat.

Grinding her teeth, she forced out the words: “Fine. I’ll come.”

Every syllable sounded like it had been dragged across broken glass.

Nathaniel chuckled with satisfaction. “Great. I’ll be waiting.”

Estella hung up with a scowl and hurled her phone onto the desk.

Later that evening, Selene packed up to leave and offered to walk out together.

Estella shook her head. “You go ahead. I’ll stay a while longer.”

Selene didn’t press the issue, but reminded her, “The smart lock hasn’t been updated. If the outer door locks, you’ll be stuck inside. Be careful.”

“I know.”

Alone now, Estella continued sorting through the office files.

1/3

12:39 Tue, Oct 14

Chapter 81 Shadows, Shackles, and Showdowns

62

Finished

Footsteps echoed from the hallway. Assuming Selene had returned for something, she didn’t bother looking up.

“You forget something?”

Silence.

Estella frowned and turned around-only to come face-to-face with Wendy.

The blonde’s eyes gleamed with venomous intent.

Estella arched a brow, her expression blank. “What do you want?”

Wendy’s lips curled into a sneer. “What? Can’t I just stop by for a little chat?” She stepped inside uninvited. “Estella, you really ought to grow a conscience. I’ve done my homework-I know everything about you.”

She tossed her bag onto a nearby chair like she owned the place.

“You’re still entangled with your ex-husband-God knows why. And now you’re setting up shop in this building just so you can seduce Jonathan? Wow. That’s a new low-even for someone like you.”

Estella’s eyes sharpened, her features tightening into a quiet chill.

“My personal life is none of your business, Ms. Wendy. And if you have no actual reason to be here, I suggest you get out.”

Wendy’s smile dropped. Her rage boiled to the surface.

With a cry of fury, she lunged forward, her hand rising for a slap.

But Estella was faster.

She caught Wendy’s wrist midair, steel in her grip.

Then she smiled-cool, unbothered, surgical.

“Are you stupid or just mean? You and Jonathan aren’t even dating. Yet here you are playing ‘official girlfriend,’ flinging accusations like a jealous child.”

Estella leaned in slightly, voice low and sharp.

“If you want to win a man’s heart, try winning his affection-not harassing the women around him. What you’re doing now? It’s pathetic.”

213

12:39 Tue, Oct 14

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify