Second Chances Denied: From Dull Housewife To Comic Icon

Rylee recalled how Claire's production company had been floundering for months, unable to deliver a single standout project while rival studios kept stealing the spotlight.

She had originally planned to reveal that she was Eva, all because of the childhood bond they once shared.

That intention evaporated now.

Thinking back on Claire's practiced warmth and feigned sincerity, a slow wave of revulsion curled through her.

On the phone, Claire sounded unmistakably frantic. "Ms. Cooper, we're genuinely hoping to partner with you. Honestly, our investor is Bradley Group, so funding won't be an issue. We're committed to creating something extraordinary. Their CEO himself even planned to meet you today, but you never arrived…"

Irritation spiked through Rylee. Why did Claire get to order Alec around like he belonged to her?

A reckless spark ignited deep inside her, and for once, she didn't bother to put it out. "Since Bradley Group is supposedly drowning in money, why don't they hand me a hundred million dollars? If they can't, then stop pestering me."

She cut the call the moment the words left her mouth.

Claire stared at her phone, momentarily speechless.

A hundred million dollars!

How the hell could Eva demand such an outrageous sum?

Still rattled, Claire called in her assistant. "Do we have anyone better than Eva?"

The assistant mulled it over before giving a reluctant shake of the head. "Across the country, Eva's still the most in-demand comic artist. Her fanbase covers every major demographic, and her reach is enormous. From what I've heard, even several top overseas studios have been trying to secure deals with her."

Claire seethed beneath her polished exterior.

Her studio had been spinning its wheels for years, and the pressure clawed at her nerves; she needed a headline-making hit, something dazzling enough to justify replacing Rylee and taking her rightful place at Alec's side.

In her mind, Rylee was little more than a decorative figure, quietly ignored throughout her marriage. How could someone like that ever deserve Alec?

She was the one destined to be Mrs. Bradley since the beginning.

Rylee gathered her things with steady, deliberate movements, preparing to move out for a while.

She realized she had been quiet for far too long—so quiet she had nearly disappeared into the shadows of her own life.

Now that she'd chosen to walk away from Alec, solitude was something she'd have to embrace.

The maid, Elyse Miller, appeared at the doorway, hesitating before speaking. "Mrs. Bradley, your grandmother-in-law asked that you accompany Mr. Bradley to the Bradley Mansion for dinner tonight."

Rylee halted mid-motion and let her things fall back onto the bed with weary reluctance.

When Alec's grandmother, Maggie Bradley, issued an instruction, there was no room to decline.

"Alright," she murmured, swallowing the protest that nearly slipped out.

Elyse quietly gathered the scattered items again. "Let me know if you need help tidying up the room."

Rylee offered no reply and slipped away to change, her silence heavy with resignation.

By the time evening settled in, she found herself back at the Bradley Mansion. As she stepped out of the car, Alec's Maybach rolled to a smooth stop beside the fountain, its headlights catching in the mist.

The door swung open, and Alec emerged—immaculate suit, composed posture, that cool, striking face still impossible to ignore.

Rylee gave him the quickest glance before shifting her eyes away, reminding herself she couldn't afford to fall for him anymore, couldn't keep trailing after him the way she once had with such shameless hope.

She hurried into the house, her small frame disappearing past the doorway.

Alec passed his car keys to the butler, his eyes briefly following the way she rushed off before his expression cooled and he headed inside.

Once they entered the living room, Rylee settled in a distant seat, careful to keep space between them.

Ever perceptive, Maggie noticed the tension between them.

Midway through the meal, she set down her utensils and pressed gently. "Alec, you two have been married for three years. Isn't it about time you thought about children?"

Rylee slowed her motions, lifting her gaze just enough to study Alec from beneath her lashes.

Across the table, he happened to be watching her too, his expression steady yet edged with the usual chill that made her chest tighten.

A sudden spark of irritation rose in her. Why did he always look at her that way?

She put on a soft, wounded sigh. "Maggie, these things take two people. Alec barely comes home, so I can't exactly get pregnant by myself."

She dipped her head as she spoke, catching the flash of anger hardening Alec's face. A faint satisfaction warmed her chest.

Maggie immediately turned her disapproval on him. "Alec, you can't drown yourself in work forever. Rylee's feelings matter too. I'll have someone prepare some fertility tonics for the both of you. And the two of you should stay here tonight."