The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell novel Chapter 74

Vivian had already finished cooking dinner at home, and the delicious aroma filled every corner of the house.

"Niki's still not up yet?"

Vivian shook her head. "No, not yet."

"What happened to your hand?"

"It's nothing," Danielle replied, pressing her lips together. "Just a little accident."

Vivian frowned, a hint of concern clouding her expression, but she kept her worries to herself.

She untied her apron. "I won't stay for dinner—there's still work waiting for me at the office."

Danielle hesitated, watching her mother's face. "Do you need any help?"

"Just take care of yourself."

With that, Vivian turned and hurried out, her steps brisk, clearly in a rush.

Danielle watched her mother's retreating figure, her brows knitting together for a moment.

But she didn't dwell on it. It all seemed fairly ordinary.

The company was on shaky ground; having to work overtime was nothing special.

Maybe she shouldn't always ask her mother to look after Niki. Life was complicated for everyone these days.

And Vivian already had her hands full with Danielle's father—divorce drama, endless arguments, nothing ever truly resolved.

—

Their house.

Alexander brought Raffy home.

The whole way back, Raffy stayed quiet, not his usual lively self. He knew he'd messed up today.

Alexander's face was cold and unreadable.

Julia saw them come in and hurried over to help with their shoes.

This used to be Danielle's job.

She'd even loosen Alexander's tie for him, hand him a cup of hot tea.

Alexander tugged at his bowtie. "Where's my wife?"

—

The next morning.

Danielle dropped her daughter off at preschool as usual, then headed straight for Ninesky Technologies.

Her wrist was injured, so she couldn't drive; she had to squeeze onto the subway, arriving at the office one minute late.

Her coworkers already resented her; now, they saw her as even more incompetent—still asking for special treatment.

Everyone's eyes were sharp with criticism as she walked in.

Audrey's face was sour as she let out a cold laugh. "We were all waiting for you to start the meeting. Workday starts at nine, Danielle, but I guess you think arriving at the last minute is fine."

"Someone who never pulls their weight, and yet we have to wait for you to call the shots."

Danielle pressed her lips together. "I'm sorry. I was late dropping my daughter off at school."

Audrey wasn't about to show any sympathy. She eyed Danielle's bandaged hand. "You left early yesterday because of your kid, and now you show up injured? Why even bother coming in? You should've just taken the day off."

"If you're not going to focus on your job, at least don't drag the rest of us down. Just because you're a single mom with an injury doesn't mean you get a free pass. Sure, people sympathize with your situation, but this isn't a charity. Being a mom isn't your license to slack off."

"Don't be the rotten apple that spoils the whole bunch. We're all racing against deadlines here, not coasting through the day hoping for special favors."