CHAPTER 168: HOMEWRECKERS ARE THE REAL DISGRACE

Beauty kept examining herself in the mirror.

The scar was still glaringly obvious from the recent suture removal, lying there like a soft, squishy caterpillar.

Lucas lounged lazily on the nearby sofa, tilting his head as he stared unblinkingly at the beauty reflected in the mirror—especially at that mark of love on her forehead.

"From now on, when you’re with me, clip your hair back with a hairpin.

Let me see your forehead and that scar."

As he spoke, his large hands yanked her toward him, flipping her onto the sofa and pinning her down so she couldn’t move.

Beauty ’s face flushed with anger, puffing up like an indignant little balloon.

"Lucas, do you really enjoy staring at this ugly thing on my face?

You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?"

She bit her lip, glaring at him with shallow breaths.

"I already told you—it’s the most beautiful imprint.

Ugly?

You just don’t know how to appreciate it."

Alright... Apparently, the CEO’s aesthetic standards were anything but ordinary.

Suddenly sensing something off, before she could react, his face had already darkened with desire.

"Lucas... Didn’t you say we’d be a marriage in name only?

What kind of wicked thoughts are you having now?"

Lucas let out a cold snort, his breath hot against her neck.

"I never claimed to be some virtuous gentleman who could resist temptation.

After being with me for so long, haven’t you figured that out yet?"

She had.

But now, it seemed too late. ... Another storm of passion later, when Beauty woke up exhausted, the man was already gone.

Her body ached unbearably, as if her bones had been disassembled.

Had they just... again?

She wanted to punch the bed in frustration.

One careless moment, and she’d been tricked into surrendering herself—only for him to vanish after getting what he wanted.

Hearing a commotion downstairs, she struggled into her loungewear and dragged herself down with great effort.

There, in the living room, sat Laura and Emily, dressed in flowing dresses with their luggage beside them, looking as if they’d just returned from a trip.

Hearing footsteps, both women turned their heads and cast her a cold glance.

Emily was the first to speak, her voice dripping with mockery.

"Well, well, if it isn’t Mrs. Marson?

What’s with the sickly look?"

Her sharp eyes took in every detail—Beauty’s unsteady gait, the faint red marks on her neck—clear signs of what had just transpired between her and Lucas.

Beauty had no intention of engaging with them.

She turned to head upstairs without a word.

But Laura suddenly raised her voice, her tone laced with venom.

"Some people might have schemed their way into the title of Mrs. Marson, but what does it matter?

I’ve heard my brother has taken up with another woman outside—one who looks just like my late sister-in-law."

"Is that so?"

Emily chimed in, a cruel smirk playing on her lips.

"Seems like some shameless schemer’s plans are falling apart.

Everyone knows how much Lucas adored Amelia.

Her memorial day is coming up—do you really think he’ll spare you a second thought?

Don’t overestimate yourself."

With a cold laugh, Emily tossed her designer bag onto the sofa and directed a servant to haul her luggage into one of the guest rooms.

Each floor of the mansion had a guest suite, and whenever Emily visited, she usually stayed across from Laura.

This time, she had come specifically to revel in Beauty’s humiliation after hearing about Lucas’s new mistress.

Ignoring them, Beauty continued upstairs.

As long as Laura was in the house, she preferred to stay in her room—out of sight, out of mind.

If she couldn’t fight back, at least she could avoid them. ---

Work had been hectic these past few days.

With Sarah away, Lucas was busier than usual, shuttling between the branch office and Marson Corporation.

He might just have been the most hardworking CEO around, returning home late every night to find Beauty already asleep.

He would simply pull her gently into his arms and drift off, holding her close—like a long-married couple.

Beauty had assumed Laura and Emily had returned just to mock her.

But she never expected them to invite Nathalie into the house.

Dressed in an elegant white dress, Nathalie clung affectionately to Laura’s arm.

Her once luscious curls now cascaded over her shoulders, giving her an oddly familiar air—though I couldn’t quite place where I’d seen it before.

"Beauty, how’s your injury?

Auntie invited me over today.

Lucas’s still stuck in a meeting—work’s been piling up lately."

Nathalie arched a brow in greeting, her face lighting up at the mention of Lucas, a smug glint flickering beneath her radiant smile.

"Oh? I’ve been out of the loop since my leave.

He doesn’t talk much about work with me either."

Beauty replied absently, having been lured downstairs by the chef’s freshly baked pastries.

Truth be told, Lucas had insisted she not coop herself up in her room, arranging little treats to draw her out now and then.

But instead of sweet cookies or cakes, she was met with an unwelcome sight.

Laura clung to Nathalie’s arm, shooting Beauty a frosty glance.

"Rumors say you and my brother are more than just colleagues.

Did something happen during your last business trip?"

Nathalie’s cheeks flushed crimson as she tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear, feigning shyness.

"How could I talk about such things?

Especially with Beauty and Auntie here—it’s embarrassing!"

"What’s there to hide?

You and my brother are in love—it’s not like you schemed your way into his bed.

Unlike some shameless women, you’re the real deal.

So, have you two... you know, gone all the way?"

Laura pressed relentlessly, craving confirmation.

Nathalie nodded, her face burning, then deliberately turned to glance at Beauty, triumph oozing from her expression.

Whether it was the cloying sweetness of the cake or something else, a wave of nausea suddenly hit Beauty, and she gagged involuntarily.

Nathalie’s face darkened instantly.

Before she could speak, Laura sneered, "What’s your problem, Beauty?

Who are you trying to disgust here?

You’re the most shameless, revolting woman—first seducing Lucas, then crawling into my brother’s bed.

Don’t think taking a hit for him means he’ll be devoted to you forever."

"I never wanted his devotion.

All I want is to leave him—and your family—as soon as possible.

He’s the one keeping me trapped here.

And let’s not forget, I’m Lucas’s legally recognized wife.

The shameless ones are the women lurking outside, not me, Beauty.

Everything between Lucas and me is lawful.

Those homewreckers are the real disgrace!"