The Sweet Revenge Plan of the Wrong Mrs. Perkins

"Back already?"

The man's voice was icy, each word sharp enough to sting.

Alexander Perkins sat poised at the center of the dark leather chesterfield, his expression carved from stone-cold, unreadable, and utterly imperious. The sheer force of his presence made it difficult for anyone to meet his gaze, as if the very air around him bent to his will.

On both sides, six maids in matching uniforms stood frozen, like they were waiting for a storm to hit.

"What, disappointed to see me?" Caitlin Jordan's eyes narrowed with amused disdain, a faint smirk tugging at her lips as cold sarcasm danced in her gaze.

"If you're trying this disappearing act again just to force my hand, Caitlin, I'll make sure the Jordans pay for it." Alexander's brow twitched slightly, but his voice stayed as detached as ever.

Caitlin casually ran her fingers through her long hair. "Let me remind you-I'm Mrs. Perkins now. The Jordans don't give me a single share of anything. Their mess? Not my problem. Anyway, I'm tired. Going to bed."

That kind of dismissal? Totally unheard of when it came to Alexander. His face darkened on the spot.

"Caitlin, do you even realize what you're doing? You went off the radar for five days. Not a word. And you think you don't owe me an explanation?"

She crossed her arms, giving him a sharp look. "Huh? An explanation? Am I your prisoner or something? Since when did every move I make require your approval?"

A flicker of shock crossed his face before it twisted into a scowl. What the hell had gotten into her?

Five days ago, this woman was all timid and careful, like she was terrified of making any noise, let alone standing up to him. Honestly, she was boring as hell.

If it wasn't for his grandmother choosing her as a daughter-in-law, he wouldn't have looked at her twice.

But now? She came back like a totally different person.

"What is this? Some kind of reverse psychology game?" His tone dipped into something darker.

Caitlin tilted her head, eyes brimming with ridicule. She spread her hands mockingly. "Alexander, in this dead-silent, soul-sucking house of yours, what game do you think is even worth playing? Or are you really so full of yourself that you think I'm dying to win your favor?"

She turned abruptly, her voluminous curls whipping out behind her like waves, strutting away without a second glance.

As she passed the maids lining either side, Caitlin stopped briefly, glanced around, and said, "Hey, can someone bring lunch to my room? I'm starving."

The maids exchanged nervous glances. With Mr. Perkins saying nothing, none of them dared to move.

Seeing this, Caitlin laughed under her breath, turned back, and shot him a mocking smile. "Seriously? The all-powerful Perkins family can't even spare a meal for their precious Mrs. Perkins? Anyone hears about this, they're gonna laugh till their teeth fall out."

Alexander's eyes narrowed dangerously, a sharp flicker slicing across Caitlin's