Revenge: Once His Wife, Now His Regret - Chapter 81: Chapter 81

Sally froze for a moment. She hadn't expected even Abigail to notice the subtle signs. Her eyes flickered nervously. "No way. You're reading too much into this."
Abigail teased, "Oh girl, Sally. That's a Porsche. Even if it's not the latest model, it's still worth hundreds of thousands, maybe even over a million dollars. If Jaxon didn't have a thing for you, why would he give you such an expensive car?"
Sally fell silent. She thought, 'That car definitely didn't come cheap. If it were up to me, I'd probably just buy something around fifty grand to get around. And Jaxon just had this fancy ride delivered. I seriously don't know if I can take it.'
She waved dismissively. "Alright, let's not talk about him for now."
"Are you blushing?" Abigail leaned in with playful curiosity, studying Sally's face. "Wait, are you actually blushing?"
"No." Sally turned away, but her face kept burning with heat. She thought, 'If Abigail ever finds out we almost slept together, she'd be absolutely shocked.'
Abigail shook her head. "Giving away a car like that before even officially making a move? Jaxon's miles more generous than Brad ever was. You were with Brad all those years, and I bet he never once dropped big money on a gift like this."
The second Brad came up, Sally's expression darkened. Forget five-figure gifts—Brad had never even bought her a car. Before she went to prison, the car she drove had been a hand-me-down from the Zales.
"Seriously, how can two guys from the same family be so different?" Abigail spoke up again, snapping Sally out of her thoughts.
"Alright, just pretend you don't know about this. If Brad finds out Jaxon gave me such an expensive car, he'll probably throw a fit." A mocking smile curled at Sally's lips. "Or worse—even if I accepted it, he'd just force me to give it back."
Abigail gave a bitter smile. "Classic jerk move. Cheap and jealous? That's a rough combo."
Sally's smile only deepened. Without another word, she turned and walked into the kitchen.
Sally figured once the dealership called Jaxon to confirm the return, he'd at least shoot her a text or something. But the whole night went by, and he didn't say a word.
The next day, just as Sally was nearly forgetting about the whole thing, Jaxon unexpectedly showed up in person, driving the car right to the entrance of her clinic.
Sally and Carlos had just escorted an elderly patient out the door. Then, with no warning, the sleek Porsche pulled up right at the clinic's entrance. As Jaxon stepped out of the driver's seat, Sally froze for a moment.
"Sally, doesn't Mr. Zale usually drive a Maybach? Why did he change his car?" Carlos looked at Sally with a puzzled expression.
Sally swallowed hard and didn't say a word.
"Come in. We need to talk," Jaxon shot Sally a sidelong glance as he strode right between her and Carlos.
Noticing Jaxon's stormy face, Carlos asked with curiosity, "Hey, what's got him in such a bad mood?"
"Carlos, hold down the fort here. I need to go inside for a bit." Sally didn't answer his question and just changed the subject.
Carlos nodded instinctively. "Got it. Go ahead."
Seeing Jaxon walk straight into the lounge, Sally walked briskly to the water dispenser. She poured a glass of water, then pushed the door open and walked in.
As he settled into the chair, Jaxon casually tossed the Porsche key onto the table.
Sally set the glass down on the table next to him. "We don't have coffee here—just water."
As she let go of the glass, Jaxon suddenly reached out and grabbed her wrist. The unexpected move made her heart skip for no reason she could name.
Sally glanced at him, curious and a bit cautious as his silence dragged on. "Mr. Zale, what are you doing?"
"Why did you return the car?" Jaxon released her wrist, leaned back in his chair, then lifted his gaze to pin her with a sharp, questioning look.
Sally took a seat beside him and said calmly, "Mr. Zale, that car's worth tens of thousands, maybe more. With the way things are between us, it really doesn't feel right for me to accept it."
"Didn't you need this?" Jaxon's voice was cold as ice, and his face didn't show much of anything.
But Sally caught a flicker of something in Jaxon's eyes—just for a second. She said, "I do need a commuter car right now, but I'd prefer to buy one myself—not have you give me one."
Jaxon picked up the glass and turned it slowly in his hand. "I'm giving you this car not just for you," he said, "but for Lillian too."
Sally was taken aback. "For Lillian?"
"The rainy season is coming up. This will make school runs much easier for you and Lillian. Just wanted to make things a little less hectic for you. No big deal."
Sally gave a bitter laugh. She thought, 'He calls giving me a car that expensive no big deal?'
"Send your info to the dealership. They'll handle the title transfer and registration." Jaxon set down his glass and slid the car keys across to her. "Don't you dare return this car."
Sally lowered her gaze to the car keys but still shook her head. "Mr. Zale, I really can't accept this car from you. I'll just get one myself."
Jaxon's voice was low and commanding. "Refusal is not an option."
"It's just... I really don't need a car this nice."
Jaxon stood up, planting his hands firmly on the table as he looked down at her. "So, what kind of car do you want to buy?"
"I was planning to buy a car for a little over $50,000. That should be more than enough." Sally picked up the car keys, about to hand them back to Jaxon.
Jaxon pressed his hand over hers. "It suits you perfectly."
Sally's gaze dropped to Jaxon's hand as a sudden warmth radiated across the back of her own.
Sensing her unease, Jaxon withdrew his hand. "If this makes you uncomfortable, just transfer me $50,000 when you're in a better financial position. Consider it as if you bought it yourself."
'A car worth over $300,000, and he's only asking for $50,000?' Sally thought. Still, this was far better than him refusing to take any payment at all.
Noticing the slight hesitation in her expression, Jaxon casually reached out, gently but firmly lifted her chin, tilting her face upward.
He spoke each word slowly, "Don't test my patience. I'm only bringing the car over once. Don't make me come back—I don't have time to spare for a second trip."
He uttered the most threatening words in the gentlest voice. For the first time, Sally felt a shiver run through her as she truly experienced just how domineering Jaxon could be.
Before she could respond, Jaxon stood up and walked out. By the time Sally stepped outside, Jaxon had already gotten into his Maybach. From the passenger seat, Caleb gave her a knowing nod, his smile loaded with unspoken meaning.
"Wait, Sally," Carlos said in surprise, "so this car was actually a gift from Mr. Zale?"