From The Background Wife To His Unreachable Memory

Inside the CEO's office at TrueLight Group, Stella Williams—an award-winning actress—flung a pregnancy test report onto the desk before Verena Jones, her chin lifted with unmistakable triumph.

"I'm carrying Mr. Hughes' child," she said, her tone edged with smug certainty.

Without so much as lifting her gaze, Verena remained seated, her posture composed as she responded in an even, almost indifferent voice, "You're number forty-two."

Shock flickered across Stella's face, her confidence faltering as confusion overtook her expression. "What… what did you just say?"

Only then did Verena slowly raise her eyes, her calm gaze settling on Stella as she idly tapped the pen against her fingertips.

"You were the forty-second woman to show up in front of me with the same tired act. You want into the Hughes family? Then at least come up with something less childish." Verena's gaze dropped to the report on the desk, and a mocking smile touched her lips. "I had watched this little drama play out more times than I could count. Honestly, your act wasn't even convincing."

Stella had won Best Actress twice, and hearing Verena dismiss her performance so casually felt like a slap to the face.

Looking at Verena with open scorn, she snapped, "The child I'm carrying is Brayden Hughes'. I'm not like those other women. Sooner or later, I'll take your place."

Tension coiled through Stella as her fingers curled into tight fists, her knuckles paling with suppressed fury. Across from her, Verena remained effortlessly composed, that calm indifference only sharpening Stella's irritation.

Sinking into her office chair, Verena rested back with casual ease, as if scenes like this were nothing new to her.

Over the course of three years as Brayden's wife, she had dealt with one scandal after another, facing down countless women until managing them became something she could do with practiced ease.

Whether it was some old lover or just a passing temptation, Verena intended to keep every one of them far away from him.

After three years as Brayden's wife, she had no intention of letting anyone take her place.

"Finished yet? Miss Williams, you came straight to TrueLight Group to confront me in broad daylight. Aren't you worried about landing yourself in tomorrow's headlines?" Unshaken, Verena lifted her eyes to Stella, her expression utterly calm.

Speechless for a moment, Stella couldn't find a comeback. She was a public figure, a two-time best actress with a polished image to protect. If Brayden hadn't given her permission to come here and needle Verena, she never would have gambled her future on something like this.

After sweeping her gaze around the office and confirming there were no cameras in sight, Stella grew bolder. Brayden's earlier words echoed in her mind, feeding her confidence.

With a scornful lift of her chin, she sneered, "If I get to become Brayden's wife, why would I care about some best actress reputation? You've been married to him for three years and still haven't given him a child. Maybe you