Chapter 309

Green Valley Villa. Charles Hale lounged on the sofa in his robe, skimming through the day's paper. "Aren't you tired?" Alicia Nieves had just finished a spa session. She leaned against him, looking like she belonged there, completely dependent on him. To someone like Charles, who came from a wealthy, well-established family, Alicia's total devotion only stroked his ego and made him feel more accomplished. She was all about him—body, mind, heart. Unlike Kimberly, who always had to be the one in control. Charles had always been the kind of guy who prided himself on being the head of the house. The kind of guy who hated that the world praised his wife more than him. Kimberly had it all—smarts, social skills, a commanding presence. She constantly outshone him. "Worn out?" he asked, sliding an arm around Alicia. "Not really. Just thinking," she murmured, nuzzling closer. "It's a relief, you know? That Kimberly finally found her daughter. I've been worried for years." "Tch." Charles let out