Chapter 9 Beyond Her Imaginations

Regardless of Caden's thoughts, Nadine was resolute about ending their marriage.

After her IV treatment, she intended to return home, gather her belongings, and find temporary accommodation, planning to initiate the divorce proceedings the next day.

On her way, a call from Spring Grove Hospital prompted her to divert to the Wheeler family villa.

Upon arrival, she found the Wheelers enjoying dinner.

Tricia greeted her with unexpected warmth. "Nadine, have you eaten? Join us if you haven't."

Nadine accepted the offer, sitting beside Tricia.

Before she could broach her reason for visiting, Domenic interjected, "You're here about your mother, aren't you?"

Nadine nodded seriously. "Dad, Mom's got a lung infection. The treatment costs are significant. Can you help?"

Domenic paused, exchanging a glance with Tricia.

Tricia, understanding the hint, gently took Nadine's hand. "Nadine, are you close to Warren? He looked different on the news. In person, he's quite impressive."

Nadine's mother was critically ill, yet Tricia seemed more interested in discussing Warren.

Nadine restrained herself, not withdrawing her hand.

"We barely know each other," she responded.

Undeterred, Tricia continued, "The Galaxy Group's first project in the country is gaining attention. If we can secure this project, our family will rise to prominence."

Nadine couldn't help but recall how her mother's medical needs had been used to coerce her into marriage with Caden.

Was this another ploy to leverage her into a relationship with Warren for the family's benefit?

But Tricia's next words veered in a different direction.

"Stacey is both beautiful and capable, a perfect match for Warren. Wouldn't it be wonderful if she married him? What do you think, Nadine?"

Nadine found Tricia's suggestion more extreme than anything she had imagined.

Struggling to comprehend her family's mindset, Nadine managed to keep her composure. "Warren and Miss Brooks are supposedly engaged. Do you intend for Stacey to be an interloper?"

Tricia dismissed the concern. "Your father heard that Warren and Rylee aren't really engaged. It's all Rylee's fantasy, her spreading false engagement rumors."

The family's earlier accusations of Nadine being the homewrecker seemed conveniently forgotten.

Nadine, with a hint of sarcasm, said, "Regardless of the truth, the public sees an engagement. Do you want Stacey labeled a homewrecker for chasing after Warren?"

At this, Tricia's demeanor shifted. She shot a resentful look at Domenic and stormed upstairs, leaving him to handle Nadine. "Domenic, you deal with her. I've had enough!"

Domenic looked at Nadine with a mixture of frustration and disapproval.

"I've always thought Stacey is more adaptable than you. Can't you just play along? If she marries Warren, the rumors will clear up."

Nadine was astounded by his expectation for Stacey to bear the brunt of gossip and speculation before the marriage happened.

Nadine responded with a bitter sneer.

Domenic, shifting the topic, asked with a stern look, "Is there trouble with you and your husband? The Gordons have pulled some resources, delaying the project. What's happening?" His piercing gaze and imposing presence made it clear. He wanted answers.

Nadine had always been aware of her father's obsession with wealth, his willingness to sacrifice anything for it.

"He's unfaithful. I'm filing for divorce tomorrow," she said evenly, as though discussing a mundane topic.

"A divorce?"

Domenic's reaction was explosive as he slammed the table.

Pointing at Nadine, he berated, "You dare talk of divorce? I know you are the woman involved in the scandal. Just because Warren said you weren't the woman in that photo doesn't give you a free pass."

Nadine knew her family wouldn't believe Warren's claim that she wasn't the woman in the photo.

She retorted coldly, "I was drunk and he was drugged. Are you blaming me for that too?"

Domenic's anger momentarily faltered, but his next words dashed any hope of understanding.

"Help Stacey get close to Warren. After that, divorce or stay married-your choice. Fail, and forget about the divorce. And remember, men sometimes can't control themselves. If you were more pleasing, would he stray? And your involvement with Warren-don't pretend you're innocent."

Hearing these words from her father, Nadine's heart broke. She was unable to believe that her father would say that to her.