[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322F482CA-398":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},398,50,"Chapter 50: Judging the Trophy Husband","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The driver pulled up to a high-end jewelry boutique nestled near the city’s premier shopping district.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The hour was still early, and they were greeted by a new sales associate. She was clearly green, fumbling over her words, yet her eyes remained glued to Maxwell.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">It wasn't hard to see why. The man was a walking masterpiece—broad-shouldered with a trim, athletic waist, his silhouette cutting a striking figure even from across the street. His features were razor-sharp: a strong, straight nose, perfectly defined lips, and a jawline that could slice through glass. He moved with that signature air of careless wealth, an aloof, cool magnetism that made it impossible to look away.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna noticed the girl’s lingering gaze. She felt a flicker of annoyance, but she kept quiet. Maxwell was, by all accounts, exceptionally handsome. While the associate’s blatant ogling was… uncomfortable, it wasn't as if she could hide him away from the rest of the world.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She blinked, momentarily stunned by her own train of thought. Where had that sudden, possessive urge come from?\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They picked out a set of matching rings, simple and understated, designed for daily wear rather than for show. Once the decision was made, Maxwell took her hand and steered her toward a different glass display case.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Let's look at necklaces,\" he said, gesturing to a piece behind the velvet lining. \"What do you think? Do you like this one?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He had spotted it the moment they walked in, his intuition telling him it would match her style perfectly. Sure enough, Arianna’s eyes lit up. She stared at it, transfixed. \"It’s beautiful.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Maxwell’s lips curled into a smirk. He turned to the associate. \"Could you take that out? We’d like to see it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">His tone was laced with a warmth and indulgence that sat in direct contradiction to his cold, sophisticated exterior. The associate stared at him for several seconds, completely dazed, before she finally found her voice. \"Oh, yes, right away, sir. You have excellent taste. This is one of our flagship pieces...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Maxwell interrupted her with a polite, razor-thin smile. \"May she try it on?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Of course, please.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The associate scrambled to bring over a mirror. Arianna sat in one of the velvet chairs, the glass reflecting the image of Maxwell standing behind her, his long, elegant fingers carefully fastening the chain around her neck.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The metal felt icy against her skin. He kept his palm cupped near her throat until she adjusted to the chill, then let his hand drop away. The pendant was a crescent moon cradling a cluster of tiny, brilliant-cut stars. They caught the light, sparkling with the same chaotic, beautiful intensity as a clear night sky.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Maxwell watched her reflection, his expression softening as he leaned in. \"Do you like it?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna nodded.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Satisfied, Maxwell took the remaining jewelry she’d looked at and placed it into a velvet box for safekeeping.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The associate, eager to make a sale, leaned over and pulled out another piece. \"And this one, sir? I think it would suit her perfectly. Her skin is so fair, and this design really accentuates the current fashion trends.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Maxwell cast a cursory glance at the jewelry before turning back to Arianna. \"What do you think?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hmm... it’s alright.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">That was code for 'no.' Maxwell chuckled, giving her hand a squeeze. \"Want to keep looking?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Without waiting for Arianna’s input, the associate pressed on, pulling out a jade bangle. \"Sir, you really should consider this. The lady has such slender wrists—this would look absolutely stunning on her.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna stepped closer, curious. \"What kind of jade is this?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hetian jade,\" the associate rattled off, barely acknowledging Arianna. She turned back to Maxwell, her smile widening. \"Sir, or perhaps you’d like to see this full set? It’s truly a classic...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna felt like an invisible prop. The associate was putting all her effort into selling to Maxwell, occasionally throwing in a hollow compliment about her skin or her neck, but every word was directed solely at him. She was being treated as a mannequin, not a customer.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna offered a cool, faint smile and turned toward a different display case.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Maxwell caught her hand, pulling her back.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The associate continued her pitch, oblivious. \"This is our new summer collection, sir. If you look here—\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Excuse me,\" Maxwell said, his voice dropping into a tone of quiet, impenetrable finality. \"Please direct your questions to my wife. I don't make the decisions here.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He looked at Arianna with absolute devotion. \"Mrs. King gets the final word.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The smile on the associate’s face withered. She stammered, finally realizing she had misread the entire room. \"Right. Of course. Ma’am, what do you think of this collection? Do you like it?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">In the end, Arianna didn't buy the associate's suggestions. She stuck to the couple rings and the star-studded necklace.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">When it came time to pay, the associate watched, jaw dropped, as Arianna pulled a black card from her clutch and handed it to the clerk. She didn't even blink, her expression utterly composed.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The associate couldn't hold back her surprise. \"Oh, you’re the one paying?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna paused, looking back. \"Is there a problem?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"N-no, nothing.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The associate forced a strained laugh, her mind racing. *If she was the one with the money, why did I waste all that time pitching to the guy?* She snuck a look at Maxwell. He certainly looked the part of a high-status gentleman, but beneath her breath, she couldn't help but sneer: *Fancy suit, handsome face, and living off his wife's money. A total trophy husband.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">***\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Back in the car, Arianna recalled the look on the saleswoman’s face. \"That associate was looking at you very... strangely.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Doesn't matter,\" Maxwell replied, unbothered. He leaned over and ruffled her hair. \"Let her think whatever she wants. As long as Mrs. King is happy, that’s all that counts.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Before they had left today, Maxwell had personally supervised as she tucked that very card into her bag, strictly forbidding her from using her own.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">As he’d put it: \"Buying our rings is my job. It was my oversight that I only got you the diamond ring before, and I forgot you needed pieces for everyday wear. Give me the chance to make it up to you, Mrs. King.\"\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272907210]