The Billionaire's Discarded Wife Strikes BackChapter 1 The Price of the Ring

Every mistress knows the unspoken rule: never outshine the legitimate wife.

But the canary my husband kept in a gilded cage had forgotten her place. Not only did she flaunt the diamond ring that symbolized Mrs. Gilbert's position—she dared to attend the family banquet at the old estate.

Someone had warned the little bird not to overstep. She didn't care. She flashed the diamond under the chandelier lights, her voice carrying across the room.

"She's washed up. A withered flower from yesterday. Mr. Gilbert gave me the wedding ring."

"Titles don't matter. Whoever Mr. Gilbert dotes on is the real treasure. She's just a used rag—damaged goods no one else would touch."

My mother swayed, her face draining of color. I caught her arm before she could collapse.

"There's no true love in a marriage of convenience, Mother," I said quietly. "He lacks propriety, bringing a mistress to a family banquet. For that, he'll pay a heavy price."

"But the gossip..." she whispered.