The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 126

126 The Mother’s Blackmail

Isabella’s perfectly manicured hands clenched into fists. “This is ridiculous! I’m twenty–seven years old! I don’t need my mommy to hold my hand while I shop!”

“Enough!” Julian rarely raised his voice, and Isabella fell silent, shocked. He took a deep breath, regaining his composure. “Your mother insists on being there. It’s important to her.”

“Well? Did you get it?” she demanded as soon as she saw her father.

He downed his drink in one swallow, the alcohol burning his throat. The Sterling accident had been necessary–a business decision. When old man Sterling refused to sell his company, more drastic measures were required. It should have been untraceable.

But Clara knew. She had found the evidence, the paperwork that connected him to the hired men who tampered with the helicopter. And worse, somehow she had obtained a recording of his conversation with them.

“Isabella, I’ve told you. We’ll go shopping next week when I’m feeling stronger.”

“Clara, for God’s sake, just give her the card. She’s driving me insane.” Julian’s voice was tight with barely controlled anger.

Isabella’s face contorted with rage. “She’s ruining everything! She always ruins everything!”

Back in the living room, Isabella was pacing impatiently.

“One day what?” Her voice turned sharp. “One day you’ll finally get rid of me like you’ve wanted to for years? I’m already dying, Julian. But I promise, I’ll take with me if I have to.”

you down

Julian poured another drink, his mind racing. Something needed to be done about Clara. And soon.

Isabella Clairemont stormed down the hallway of their lavish mansion, her high heels clicking aggressively against the marble floor. She burst into her mother’s bedroom without knocking.

126 The Mother’s Blackmail

Clara’s thin lips curved into a cold smile. “Or what, Julian? What will you do to your sick wife?” She reached for the drawer of her bedside table. “Besides, I think we both know who holds the real power here.”

“Mother! I need the platinum card today. My wedding is in two months, and I still don’t have my dress!”

“Of course, princess.” Julian’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Why don’t you call Veronica and have a spa day? My treat.”

Isabella spun around and stomped out, slamming the door behind her. She found her father in his study, reviewing documents with a glass of whiskey in hand despite the early hour.

“No, it can’t wait! My wedding to Richard is the social event of the year. Everyone who matters will be there, including Liam Sterling.” She emphasized the name, knowing it would catch her father’s attention. “Don’t you want me to look perfect?”

She glanced at the photo on her nightstand–an old picture of Isabella as a child, smiling innocently. How had that sweet little girl turned into such a selfish woman? Clara blamed Julian’s indulgence, his constant spoiling.

As Isabella left, already on her phone arranging her day, Julian poured himself another drink, his hand shaking slightly.

Julian’s face paled. “You wouldn’t dare.”

For three years, he had been trapped in this marriage, unable to move against his wife for fear of exposure. Ever since Liam Sterling had taken over his father’s company and moved to Haven Harbor, the threat had grown more serious.

“Then she’ll have to wait. I want to be there when she chooses her dress.”

Clara Clairemont sat propped up against silk pillows, looking frail yet somehow menacing. Her thin fingers gripped a leather–bound book, and her sharp eyes fixed on her daughter.

In her bedroom, Clara carefully locked the drawer containing the envelope. She wasn’t a fool–she knew Julian wanted her dead. But as long as she had those documents, she was safe.

Julian stood frozen, rage and fear battling across his features. “One day, Clara…”

126 The Mother’s Blackmail

Julian Clairemont looked up from his papers, irritation flickering across his face.

“Isabella, your mother isn’t well. Can’t this wait?”

Julian moved closer, towering over his wife’s bed. “Give me the damn card, Clara.”

Isabella rolled her eyes dramatically. “You’ve been saying that for weeks! Every boutique in Haven Harbor has been holding dresses for me, and they’ll sell them if I don’t make a decision soon.”

Julian watched as she removed a small envelope and held it up. “Do you know what’s in here, darling husband?”

His jaw tightened. “Put that away.”

“Let me guess. Our daughter sent you to get the credit card.”

Well, at least she would see her daughter in her wedding dress. One last–maternal moment before the end.

“She needs it today.”

“The originals are in a very safe place. With instructions to be delivered if anything happens to me.” She smiled sweetly. “So be a good husband and tell our daughter she’ll have to wait.”

“Copies of certain documents. Records. A particularly damning recording regarding the accident that killed the Sterling parents three years ago.” Her voice was almost casual. “If Isabella buys that dress without me, these will find their way directly to Liam Sterling’s office.”

“Then they’ll sell them.” Clara’s voice was soft but unyielding. “I will be there when my only daughter chooses her wedding dress. That’s final.”

“Yet you need Daddy’s credit card.” Clara’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Interesting contradiction, isn’t it?”

They stared at each other, decades of hatred hanging between them. Finally, Juliar turned and left without another word.

He made his way to his wife’s bedroom, walking in without the courtesy of knocking. Clara looked up, her expression hardening as she saw her husband.

Isabella’s tantrum subsided as she counted the money. “Fine. But I expect another ten

126 The Mother’s Blackmail

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