The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell novel Chapter 87

She kept a change of clothes at the old house.

As soon as she closed the door behind her, Danielle found herself face to face with Paula, who was crossing the walkway outside, sheltering under a large umbrella.

"Oh, Dani." Paula's voice was syrupy as she strolled up to the door. "Where's Alex? Didn't he come back with you?"

Danielle saw right through the feigned innocence—a deliberate jab, a little provocation.

She managed a dry, mocking smile. "If you're looking for him, you can just call his cell."

Paula could feel the chill in Danielle's tone—a complete one-eighty from before.

Once upon a time, Danielle would bend over backward to please the Davidsons, practically tripping over herself for their approval. Now she wore her aloofness like armor, suddenly too proud for the likes of them.

Paula chalked it up to jealousy. After all, Millie had stolen the spotlight at the birthday dinner tonight, while Danielle—Mrs. Davidson herself—had been left in the dust, a disappointment by comparison.

"Aren't you the least bit worried your husband isn't coming home? Aren't you afraid he'll leave you?" Paula's voice oozed with false concern.

Last time Danielle had shut her down so bluntly, even claiming she was about to get divorced. Paula hadn't believed for a second that Danielle had the guts.

Now here she was, crawling back after all.

The memory still stung; Paula relished the chance to twist the knife.

Danielle didn't bother dignifying the bait with a response.

Paula smiled, undeterred, and went on, "Alex took Millie home, you know. With this storm, Millie said she had family stuff to handle, so he drove her. Didn't he tell you?"

Danielle hesitated, a tight, prickling ache spreading in her chest, squeezing the air from her lungs.

She could never get Alexander to do her a favor, not even once. Years ago, when Niki came down sick in the middle of the night and Danielle herself was burning up with fever, she'd asked Alexander to drive them to the hospital.

Now, she just found them ridiculous.

She met Paula's gaze, voice cool and even. "A woman doesn't improve herself to impress a man—especially not one who isn't worth it."

Without waiting for a response, Danielle turned and walked away.

She had loved deeply, given her all. Now that love was gone, she walked away just as wholeheartedly.

Paula watched Danielle's slender, proud figure retreat and smirked. "Still putting on a brave face, huh?"

All show and no substance—like any housewife could suddenly become exceptional. Even at her best, Danielle would never be Millie's equal.

Deep down, Paula still hoped Millie would marry into the family. A sister-in-law like her would be the envy of everyone.

As for Danielle, she'd never be anything more than a glorified maid in the Davidson household.