Chapter 249

A flicker of surprise passed through Hugo Wilde's eyes.

He chuckled darkly. "I'm not the one ending this. You started it."

"Looking back, we were never right for each other."

Thank God he'd realized it early. Divorcing after marriage and kids would've been a nightmare.

Over the past year, Tiffany Quinn's true colors had gradually surfaced.

But until today, she'd never crossed his red line.

This time, she'd stomped straight into his minefield.

The absurd part? She actually thought threatening him with a breakup would work.

Tiffany wasn't naive—she'd lasted a year with Hugo for a reason.

She knew him too well. This time, he meant it.

"No!" Panic seized her. "I spoke without thinking—I was just upset!"

"Hugo, I'm sorry. Let's not break up, okay?"

She truly loved him. She couldn't lose him.

Hugo pried her fingers off his arm. "Too late."

"Words can't be taken back."

He turned to leave.

Tiffany lunged to hug him from behind.

Hugo sidestepped coldly.

"Keep harassing me," he warned, "and I'll have no problem dismantling the Quinn family."

She froze.

Tiffany knew Hugo never made empty threats.

"Then... let's take some time apart?" she sobbed.

Hugo didn't look back. "Unnecessary."

He signaled Hunter and the others to get in the car.

Watching the taillights disappear, Tiffany was consumed by regret.

This was all her uncle and aunt's stupid idea.

Did they really think someone like Hugo Wilde could be threatened?

She comforted herself: Once he cooled off, she'd smooth things over.

Then she remembered—her cousin's predicament remained unsolved.

How would she face her family?

After lingering outside, she finally dragged herself back inside.

As expected, the Quinn matriarch tore into her.

"Useless girl! Can't even keep a man in line!"

"And that Lucy White bitch has no respect either!"

But the scolding wasn't the end.

"Make Hugo agree to help, or don't bother coming home!"

In the car:

Hunter shot his brother a sidelong glance. "Real stellar taste you've got."

"Good riddance. Saved our family from future drama."

Hugo rubbed his temples. "The family kept pressuring me."

"She seemed gentle and dutiful—good wife material."

"Later I realized the Quinns were problematic, but I overlooked it."

"Never imagined her morals were this twisted."

At least today revealed her true nature.

Hunter raised a brow. "You don't seem heartbroken."

Hugo smirked. "Why would I be?"

"Means you never loved her," Hunter pointed out.

Hugo admitted freely: "True."

"The family wanted me married, so I looked for someone suitable."

At most, he'd felt responsible for Tiffany.

Hunter mused, "Real love's hard to come by."

"I've never met anyone who made my heart race."

Hugo flicked his brother's forehead. "Stop pretending to be profound."

Turning to Lucy, he apologized sincerely: "About today—I'm truly sorry."

Lucy waved it off. "Not your fault."

At least Hugo had principles.

Had he pleaded for Tiffany, she'd have cut ties immediately.

"I owe you one," Hugo said gravely.

Hunter suddenly interjected: "Lucy, does this count as toxic romance?"

Lucy: "......"

"No marital compatibility," she said bluntly. "Even if they stayed together, it wouldn't last."

Tiffany was too easily swayed by her family.

And Hugo's patience had limits.

For elite families like the Wildes, problematic in-laws were unacceptable.

As for Evan Quinn—

She didn't mention the hex's trigger: more women.

The more he slept around, the more agonizing his death.

Scum like him deserved no sympathy.

The entire Quinn family was morally bankrupt.

Allies with the Wildes? They'd become enemies soon enough.