The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge novel Chapter 553

She wrenched her wrist free from Bill Crawford’s grip, but her words only pushed him over the edge. All the time and effort he’d wasted on her flashed through his mind, and the wine made his frustration burn hotter. Gwyneth’s flushed, indignant face—so soft and pretty even when angry—only stoked a desire he could barely contain.

He clamped down on her wrist, refusing to let go. His gaze dropped to her parted lips, and the urge to kiss her became irresistible.

So he did.

“We’ve been dating for months and you still won’t even let me kiss you. Are you just playing me? Fine, you want to leave? Spend the night with me—after that, you’re free to go.”

He moved closer, and the shock sobered Gwyneth instantly. But she couldn’t match his strength, especially with Bill acting like a wild animal who’d lost all reason.

“Bill Crawford, have you no shame?”

Only now did Gwyneth see what kind of man he really was—shameless enough to say something like that out loud.

“Sleep with me, and you can leave whenever you want.”

He tried to pull her toward him, but suddenly a sharp gust of wind whipped past his ear, followed instantly by the crack of a solid punch. Bill staggered, vision spinning with stars.

He hadn’t even found his balance when the metallic tang of blood flooded his mouth. His ears rang, and his head buzzed with pain.

“Who the hell dares hit me?”

Bill finally looked up—only to see Hawthorne standing at Gwyneth’s side. He wore a classic black suit with a long overcoat draped over his left arm, and his right hand was balled into a fist, veins bulging from the effort. There was a cold, murderous fury in his eyes, the kind that made you think he could end a life without blinking.

Even Gwyneth flinched—she’d only ever seen that look once before, the day her father tracked her and her mother down. The aura Hawthorne exuded now was exactly the same.

Hawthorne was Greenvale’s most feared man—the one no one dared cross. Bill Crawford knew he didn’t stand a chance.

A crowd began to gather—some coworkers, some just curious onlookers.