The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell novel Chapter 123

Niki was running so hard that sweat streamed down her face. Danielle handed her a towel and gently wiped her brow.

Soon after, Niki was back to playing games on her tablet, with Danielle sitting beside her, keeping her company.

Dinnertime arrived.

Gian called to ask where they were—he told them the group would be having a barbecue at the campsite soon.

Danielle took Niki and headed over to join them.

It was the weekend, so the campground was packed. Every picnic table and grill was surrounded by people chatting and laughing, the smoky scent of grilled meat drifting on the evening breeze.

It took Danielle a while to spot Gian and the others among the crowd.

She was just leading Niki over when she realized that right beside them was Alexander, Millie, and their friends.

To get to Gian, she had to pass right by their barbecue setup.

Millie sat close beside Alexander.

"Alex, my hand got burned at the summit," she said, her voice soft and plaintive. "It still hurts, you know."

Danielle noticed the gauze wrapped carefully around Millie's hand.

Alexander, for his part, seemed perfectly patient as he tended to her, turning skewers and offering her freshly grilled bites. The gentle look he gave Millie was one Danielle had never seen from him before.

Danielle looked away in bitter amusement. He sure knew how to take care of Millie.

She remembered a time in her previous life: she'd been in the hospital, feverish and nearly delirious, with both kids sick as well. Not only had Alexander failed to visit—he hadn't even bothered to send a message.

Danielle tightened her grip on Niki's hand and led her past the group toward Gian.

"She's everywhere," Liam muttered, watching Danielle's retreating back. "Always acting like she's tailing us—what a joke."

Millie glanced over at Danielle, then said, "Looks like Mr. Atwood's whole team is here."

"They just rolled out a new system yesterday," someone chimed in. "Now everyone's lining up to work with them."

Liam nodded in agreement. "Gian's got real talent, no doubt about it."

After all, Gian was one of the top minds in the field.

Millie suddenly stood up and called out, "Mr. Atwood! Since we ran into each other, why not join us?"

Gian glanced at Danielle.

Liam muttered, "Who are these Ninesky people, anyway? Kirsten, sure—spoiled rich girl, that's her shtick. But Danielle? Who does she think she is? She's just an assistant—what's she doing here at a company retreat?"

His words dripped with contempt, making it clear he thought Danielle didn't belong.

Alexander shot Liam a cold, indifferent glance.

Millie piped up, "I'm sure Danielle has her own strengths."

But Raffy cut in loudly, "That stepmom doesn't have any skills. All she's good for is washing dishes and cooking—she can't do anything else. She's not even as good as a dog."

Alexander's expression darkened. "Rafferty. Where are your manners?"

Chastised, Raffy grumbled and snuggled closer to Millie for comfort.

Before the barbecue was over, Niki grew sleepy. She couldn't keep her eyes open any longer, so Danielle took her back to the hotel room.

Once she'd gotten Niki settled and bathed, Danielle noticed they were out of antiseptic swabs.

She headed down to the front desk to get more, planning to check in on Gian and the others on the way—some colleagues had had too much to drink, and she thought she might lend a hand.

But as she opened the door into the hallway, she saw Millie and Alexander, hand in hand with Raffy, entering the same room together.