My Husband Brought His Mistress Home

"Our Thornton family finally produced a dragon and phoenix-like Darrell, and we can’t let your hands tarnish it."

I took a sip of hot tea, my expression unchanged.

If it weren’t for the last 600,000 I had used as startup capital for Darrell, there wouldn’t be a Thornton family today.

But all they seem to care about is pressuring me to have a child, as if I were nothing more than a reproductive tool.

Darrell’s cousin, Red Thornton, looked at me with disdain.

She echoed Thornton’s mother’s words, "Yes, I think it’s better if my cousin finds someone else. We can’t let our Thornton family name be cut off like this."

"Some people take up space without contributing anything. You’ve been living off the Thornton family for so long—outsiders call you Madam Thornton out of respect, but in reality, you’re just a useless ornament who can’t give birth."

I raised my head and met Red’s gaze with a fake smile.

"Okay, Red is 20 this year. I think your age would be perfect. You seem so concerned about your brother, why don’t you go ahead and give him a child?"

Mother Thornton looked absolutely shocked by my words, her hand pointing at me, speechless, stuttering "you, you, you" repeatedly.

Before she could respond, Darrell and Holly arrived late.

He didn’t even glance my way, instead pushing a perfectly dressed Holly forward.

"Mom, this is my new assistant, Holly, the one I mentioned before. Isn’t she beautiful and capable?"

"You’ve always wanted to meet her. I’ve been so busy lately that today is the first chance I’ve had."

Mother Thornton nodded with a satisfied smile, and Holly lowered her head shyly.

She leaned in and whispered to Aunt May.

"Auntie, I’m pregnant…"

Mother Emily Thornton’s eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly pulled Holly to sit next to her, whispering.

The words reached my ears, and my heart sank slightly. A faint, mocking smile tugged at the corner of my lips.

Darrell’s mother must be disappointed in me—Mrs. Thornton, who couldn’t give her a grandchild.

Perhaps she’s eager to replace me. I just wonder if Darrell knows.

I reached out and casually pulled the jade bracelet Mother Emily gave me from my wrist.

I placed it on the table and began to stand up to leave.

The bracelet, once elegant, had become tarnished over time. It was the same bracelet Thornton’s mother gave me when I first met her, after eloping with Darrell.

It symbolized her recognition of me as her daughter-in-law.

Even though I received more expensive pieces later, I never took it off.

But now, it seems she’s found a more suitable candidate, and I no longer wish to be Mrs. Thornton.

It’s time to return it.

Darrell’s gaze darkened, his voice laced with impatience. "Alex, can you stop causing trouble? This was my mother’s dowry. You can wear it if you want, or toss it aside if you please. Who do you think you are?"

"I think you take yourself too seriously. You’re not as obedient or sensible as Holly. If you walk out of this door today, you won’t be part of the Thornton family anymore. Do whatever you like!"

I paused briefly before turning and walking out quickly.

"Oh, Alex looks upset. You brought Holly in and made her angry. Are you going to chase her now? After all, you’ve known each other for eight years, gone through highs and lows together. Back when the company was in crisis, Alex sold all her valuables and somehow got two million to save the company."

Someone at the table offered the reminder kindly.

Darrell curled his lips, shaking his head with a sneer. "I’ve never been unfair with her financially. I’ve just spoiled her too much. Her temper is getting worse. She’s not as gentle or sensible as Holly."

"Where else would she go? Don’t worry about her. She’ll come back on her own."

Unfortunately, he was wrong this time. I had already booked a flight to New York for 8 o’clock tomorrow night.