hapter 9 Steam rose in soft curls from the hot spring pool as Brandon Caldwell leaned back against the edge , the warmth easing the tightness in his muscles . Mrs. Caldwell sat in her wheelchair nearby , pushed slowly along the stone path by Vanessa Ayla . Her face was lit with satisfaction . " You picked a good spot this time . It's way more comfortable than home . " Brandon smiled faintly and reached out to brush aside the damp hair clinging to her temples . " Mom , your leg's just starting to heal . Don't soak too long . She patted his hand , her tone uncharacteristically gentle . " Relax , I know my limits . " Vanessa stood quietly to the side and offered her a towel with a soft , obedient smile . " Here , let me wipe your face for you , ma'am . " Mrs. Caldwell nodded approvingly and turned to Brandon . " She's far more thoughtful than some people . " The smile on Brandon's face dimmed . He didn't reply . His gaze drifted to the distant hills . He didn't know why , but Evelyn flashed through his mind . She was never one to curry favor , but whenever his mother fell ill , Evelyn would be there - sitting quietly by the bed , brewing herbal teas, changing sheets , cleaning up without complaint . " Brandon ? " Mrs. Caldwell's voice cut through his thoughts . " What are you zoning out for ? " He blinked and shook his head . " Nothing . " A pause . " Mom , " he said suddenly , " you promised not to interfere in things between Evelyn and me . " Mrs. Caldwell's smile stiffened for a beat , but she waved him off . " Fine . I know you're still hung up on her . Now that my leg's better , I'm done meddling in your mess . " Relief washed through Brandon like a tide . A weight he hadn't realized he was carrying slipped from his chest , Her leg was healed , the wedding was done - once they got back , things could return to normal . He and Evelyn ... maybe they still had a chance . That night , he sat alone on the suite's balcony , a cigarette between his fingers , unlit . Vanessa slipped into the room , clad only in a bath towel , water droplets trailing down her collarbone . " Why are you out here all by yourself , Brandon ? " she purred , walking over and placing her hand lightly on Chapter 9 34.62 % 100 % tak ka bonus hasil karen > his shoulder . He turned to look at the faint red mark on her neck - the one he'd left there last night in a moment of impulsive frustration . A wave of irritation surged in his chest . " Vanessa , " he said , voice cold , " we may have had a wedding ceremony , but Evelyn's still my wife . " Her hand froze mid - stroke , but she quickly masked the tension with a sweet smile . " I know . I'd never make things difficult for her . " His expression softened a little . " You've been really considerate . I appreciate that . " Vanessa dipped her head , letting her damp hair veil the simmering resentment in her eyes . " Whoever you love , I'll love too . " Brandon reached up and gently ruffled her hair . "Go get some rest . She gave a soft nod and walked away . He watched her go , but his heart felt strangely hollow . >> Pulling out his phone , he stared at the screen for a moment before locking it again . Forget it . He'd talk to Evelyn when he got back . On the drive home the next morning , Mrs. Caldwell was in high spirits , already planning out their return . " Vanessa should move in with us , " she said cheerfully . " That guest room's just collecting dust anyway . ' Brandon kept his eyes on the road . " Mm . " Vanessa sat in the passenger seat , scrolling through her phone , a ghost of a smile playing on her lips . Catching her reflection in the rearview mirror , Brandon felt a sudden sense of dissonance . The seat beside him - it should've been Evelyn's . His phone rang . " Mr. Caldwell , you've got a COD delivery , Needs a signature . " " What is it ? " " No idea . Just a document envelope . " Chapter 9 34.62 % 100 % tak ka bonus hasil karen > " Leave it at the front gate , " he replied absently . " Have the housekeeper sign . " He hung up and forgot the call almost immediately . By the time they reached the villa , the setting sun bathed everything in golden light . His mood inexplicably lifted . He'd talk to Evelyn today . Tell her his mother was stepping back . Tell her the one he truly loved had always been her . Tell her ... everything that had gone wrong wasn't what he wanted . He stepped out of the car , full of anticipation , and headed toward the door . The housekeeper met him outside , holding a slim parcel . " Sir , your delivery . " Brandon took it , fingers brushing the stiff edges of the envelope . An ominous feeling crept up his spine . He tore it open . A dark red booklet slipped into his palm . Divorce Certificate . Date of Issuance : Today . He froze on the spot . The sun still shone , but the chill running through him made it feel like midwinter . She hadn't canceled it . Chapter 9 Title: Secrets Unveiled: A Billionaire's Glow-Up Journey from Housewife to CEO Embark on a riveting tale where a woman conceals her billionaire status to play the role of a devoted housewife, quietly supporting her husband for six years. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when his ambiguous relationship with another woman pushes her to make a life-altering decision. Delve into the themes of empowerment, modern relationships, and the pursuit of self-discovery as our protagonist navigates the complexities of love, betrayal, and revenge. Witness her transformation from a subdued wife to a fierce CEO on a mission to reclaim her independence and rewrite her own destiny. This captivating blend of drama, inspiration, and empowerment sets this novel apart, offering readers a unique perspective on resilience and reinvention. Discover the gripping narrative that promises a journey of growth and empowerment. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a story that transcends boundaries and captivates the soul.