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Chapter 18
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Bab terkait
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 19
The DinnerThe sound of tapping my heels on the floor was music to my ears as I walked to the KEDIS office with voices and ringing phones in the background. I had only signed the document for the new international partnership the previous week, so I knew this was serious. KEDIS Cosmetics is now a global company. In any normal person’s life, this should have been a time to dance round the house with champagne in hand. For me, it was just like the usual days on duty.I turned the knob of the door and closed it with my back; the room was quiet. I tossed my bag on the couch and collapsed into the chair staring at the stack of papers still to be reviewed. Even though the notion of making the brand go international was exciting, there was something still lacking. It may have been because I was tired. Or maybe, it was because I always had this feeling that I am being swallowed somewhere in the middle of all these triumphs.I begun to think about Brian as I leaned back on the chair. In f
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 20
Conflicting DesireThe morning light came from the blinds as I woke up, looking at the ceiling. I had a long day in front of me—the industry gala was tonight, and it was one of the biggest events for KEDIS Cosmetics. It was supposed to be a night when I could present all the efforts I have made and get new contracts in return. However, all that went through my mind was the tiredness I felt. Squashing the thoughts down deep, I got up and went into the kitchen where Brian was sitting at the table eating cereal. His little legs dangled under the chair and I could not help but marvel at how happy he was.“Morning kiddo,” I greeted him and went to him and tousled his hair.“Morning, Mom! Guess what? Aunt Grace says that you are going to be a movie star tonight at your big party!" Brian said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.I laughed, then helped myself to a cup of coffee. “Yeah, it is not a party, but a big night for work, yes.”Brian looked up and his eyes were bright. “Do you bel
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 2
A Desperate GamblePhilip sat at his desk, looking at the pile of papers that laughed at him and his inability to fill in the checks and sign the contracts. The place that was once filled with energy and high profile executives now felt lifeless, as if it was haunted. He had been heading the company for years and the past few days were the first time that he felt the reality of failure due to the firm’s bankruptcy. Brooks family was once one of the most powerful and influential in New York, and now the name was being smeared. Never in his life had Philip been more lonely. His mother and aunt, especially, who never wanted to meet him again, with whom he had once shared warmth and love, were now disgusted with him. And seriously, he couldn’t have blamed them. The reckless decisions he made put him here – most notably the gambling. He had risked everything, his company’s last dollar, expecting a change of fortune that never arrived.And now, there was Jacobs’ risky plan.Philip mas
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 22
The CrossroadsI sat in my office, the blinds half-closed, letting in only enough light to reassure myself that the day was still on. My desk was littered with documents, but I couldn't get myself to focus on any of them. The buzz from last night's gala still hummed, my excitement having worn off.Now, I was left with that familiar exhaustion - the one that comes after you have been running full speed for too long. I had just finished a very successful product launch, wrapping up yet another, and now our brand was about to go international. Yet, something felt off. It wasn't the work; KEDIS was doing great, actually better than ever. But deep down inside, I knew it wasn't enough.A soft tap at the door snapped me from my reverie. "Come in," I called perking up.Emily poked her head in giving me a sparkling smile. "Hey, just a reminder about meeting your financial consultant this afternoon. Next steps for international expansion."I nodded, looking down at my planner. Right, the mee
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 23
The Cost of FailurePhilip sat outside of Aunt Elina's estate in his car, staring up at the large, front doors. The immaculate gardens and imposing stone walls had once been his house of comfort. On second thought, it wasn't a place he felt belonged to anymore. His parents were long gone, and Elina had been the closest thing to a parent he had left.Yet, subsequent to the recent collapse of his company, she had distanced herself even from him, while Philip knew in his heart that she was partly responsible for pushing him toward the very decisions which brought him down.Sighing, Philip got out of the car and straightened his jacket as he walked up the now-familiar stone steps. The door opened and Charles, the butler - an old family staff faced him in all his glory. His face was as inscrutable as ever."Mr. Brooks," he pronounced, moving aside. "Your aunt is in the drawing room."Philip nodded and stepped inside. There was the smell of lavender and polished wood wafting through the a
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 24
A Glimpse of Light"Philip, we need to talk," Bianca's voice came through the phone, sharp and to the point.Philip straightened, his back against the railing of the balcony outside, the edge clutched in his hands so hard his knuckles had turned white. He'd known this call was coming. He just hadn't expected it to hit this hard. The city lights twinkled below him, yet it seemed as though the world was closing in.He exhaled a sigh, his throat working around the lump forming in his throat. "Bianca, can this wait? I'm dealing with -""No, it can't wait," she cut in. Her voice was as cold as the night breeze cutting across his skin. "Months, I have waited. You have been out gambling, fighting with investors, drowning yourself in whiskey, and God only knows what else. And where have I been? Just waiting."Her words were like a deep cut into his chest, and he knew she wasn't wrong. He had been so caught up in the company's demise that he had managed to push everything else aside, includi
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 25
The ConfrontationKendra stood at the entrance of the gala and took a deep breath as she absorbed the scene before her. KEDIS Cosmetics was the talk of the night, and it should have been a moment of pride for her.But as she made her way through the crowd of people, her mind drifted back to Brian. It had been weeks since she'd spent an entire day with him, and the guilt was starting to gnaw at her."Kendra, you're looking radiant as always," Mr. Lane, one of the more seasoned investors said to her with a warm smile as she joined the group."Thank you, Mr. Lane. Good to see you, sir," she said, extending her hand and offering her trademark smile, now polished to perfection.The conversation turned to the future and the prospects that lay in store for KEDIS. Kendra played along, nodding at the right moments and fielding questions with a skill born of experience. Something nagged-at her, though.She would have excused herself in another minute when a known voice cut through the din."We
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 26
A Blissful NightThough the screeching of Philip still buzzed in Kendra's head, the issue at hand was James. The look in his eyes before he'd disappeared from the ballroom - that hesitation that just wouldn't sit right in her stomach.They stepped inside; quietness of the house magnified everything they weren't saying. Kendra hung up her coat, and James stood near the door, ill at ease, seemingly unsure whether to stay or leave."You don't have to stay if you don't want to," Kendra said, softer than she had meant to. She wanted him to stay, yet not let him think the action was necessary to her, needing anyone taboo for her.James turned to her then, his eyes raking over her face. A moment, he looked doubtful. Then, "I'll stay," he said, though his voice was threaded with fatigue she'd never heard before. "I think we both need some rest.Kendra nodded, though inside she wasn't so sure about rest. How was she to sleep with everything that had gone down? Philip's anger, the staring of t
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Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 100: A Life Together
It was a quiet, perfect morning, with Brian playing nearby, his cheerful laughter filling the room as he built an elaborate castle out of blocks. There was a serenity that lingered in the air, a peacefulness that spoke of dreams realized and hopes fulfilled.Kendra leaned her head against Philip's shoulder, letting out a contented sigh. "If you'd told me a few years ago that we'd be sitting here like this, I wouldn't have believed it," she murmured, a smile playing at her lips. "Sometimes it still feels like a dream.Philip wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close as he looked down at her. "Well, if this is a dream, I never want to wake up," he replied softly. "We've been through so much, Kendra. And to come out on the other side like this… with you, with Brian… it's everything I could have ever wanted."They sat in comfortable silence, watching Brian place another block in his castle, the furrows deepening across his little brow. Philip chuckled low in his throat at the determ
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 99: The Wedding
Philip fidgeted, his hands clenching and unclenching as he felt the weight of Douglas’s intense gaze. The murmur of the crowd grew louder as all eyes in the room turned to Douglas, Philip, and Kendra, awaiting a confrontation. Philip drew a breath, willing himself to stay calm, to stand his ground.Just as Kendra began to step forward, moving protectively in front of Philip, Douglas raised his hand and offered Philip a warm, unexpected smile.Philip froze, surprised, while the crowd held its breath, awaiting the worst.But then, much to the surprise of all present, Douglas reached out his hand to Philip, the smile on his face not feigned. "Congratulations, Philip," he said in that steady voice of his, his gaze clear. "You have shown bravery and true love toward Kendra. And now, you have in your life the most hardworking, creative, and beautiful woman on this earth."There was a collective expiration of breath from the crowd; a few gasps ran through the room amongst the guests. Phi
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 98: Family Celebrations
Philip's heart almost stopped as he waited, eyes fixed on Kendra's face for a reaction.Time froze, the world collapsing to just these two in that one hot instant.Then, as if time started up again in one glorious ebullient burst, Kendra's lips split into a bright, beaming smile, her eyes welling up in tears."Yes," she said in a soft tone yet full of conviction. "Yes, Philip, I'll marry you."A collective "Whoo." went up from the guests, and the balcony erupted into applause. Philip's heart soared as he slipped the ring onto her finger; the mixture of relief and overjoyed feelings mingled in a warm embrace as Kendra pulled him close. It was a sea of laughter and congratulatory shouts that filled the air, as family and friends closed in, each one swooping in to be part of the celebration.Philip leaned in close and whispered, "You've made me the happiest man alive."Kendra laughed, her eyes shining bright. "I'm the one who's lucky, Philip. I never thought this kind of happiness woul
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 97: A New Chapter in Business
Applause filled the room, and Kendra and Philip smiled in pride over shared success. It was after months of planning, negotiation, and sleepless nights that their companies were merged into one, something that to them meant much more than business. This was a pledge for a new future-to be together, in every word's sense.Philip inclined toward Kendra, speaking in a low tone, but the undertones of pride were unmistakable. "We did it," he whispered, the sparks in his eyes telling volumes about the excitement inside him." "I always knew we could, but standing here with everyone, seeing it actually happen, it's even better than I'd imagined."Kendra's smile spread wide, and her heart swelled big with pride and affection. "It isn't just business anymore," she whispered back."This is our life now. I never thought I'd feel this way again, hopeful, excited… like we're creating something that's ours in every way."They stood in the center of the boardroom, surrounded by team members and cl
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 96: Who Could that Be?
Philip’s fingers tightened around the note, his eyes scanning the familiar handwriting once more, as if a second read would change the words scrawled across the paper. That casual, cryptic message struck a cold knot in his stomach, and he knew Kendra felt it too.Kendra's gaze darted between the note and Philip's face, her expression a mixture of concern and irritation. "Do you… do you know who this is from?" she asked, though the tenor of her tone was suggestive that indeed she did have her suspicions. She just needed him to confirm it.Philip exhaled loudly, folding the note as he met her gaze, the name catching in his throat like a bad taste. "It's… Bianca," he admitted quietly, tension lacing his voice. "It's her handwriting. I'd recognize it anywhere."Bianca's name had Kendra tense up, a mixture of anger and hurt crossing her face.What does she want now?" she asked, her voice shaking with the weight of Bianca's return weighing on her mind. "Why can't she just leave us alone?
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 95: The Farewell
Kendra took a deep breath across from Douglas as she felt the heaviness of their shared history settle between them. This meeting had been a long time coming; an opportunity to say goodbye to a past that once had promised comfort but had never fitted her. She looked at him now, a pang of sadness in her heart and deep resolve to shut this chapter finally.The silence was broken first by Douglas, his voice firm yet soft. "I suppose this is it, then?" he softly asked, as if he also had finally reconciled himself with what was about to happen.Kendra nodded, her lips tugging into a sad sweet smile. "Yes, I think it is," she replied, keeping her voice warm, though a part of her did feel a little bit sad. "We've come a long way, Douglas. But… it's time for both of us to move on. We deserve that."Douglas leaned back, running a hand through his hair, and gave her a faint smile. "You know, when I think back, I will always be thankful for the time we had. You helped me grow, even if it did
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 94: Douglas’s Last Attempt
“Kendra, we need to talk,” Douglas said, his voice firm but almost pleading, as he caught up with her outside her office building. She'd just got to work, barely recovered from the shock of Bianca's sudden coming back into her life, and here was Douglas, pushing all that urgency she had just tried to leave behind.She clutched at her bag a bit more tightly and watched him steadily on his face while she waited for him to continue."Kendra," he started all over again this time with so much softer a tone, "I simply cannot stand by and watch you go back to Philip. You know his history as well as I do; he's proved time and time again that he can't be trusted."She frowned, clearly not in the mood to hear yet another lecture. "And I have already told you, Douglas, I know about his past. But things are different now. He has changed and we're rebuilding our life together not only for us but for Brian."Douglas exhaled and ran a hand through his hair, frustration fairly evident. "But that's j
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 93: Her Name is Bianca
The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the beach as Kendra and Philip moved from stand to stand, asking every person they passed if they had seen a little boy fitting Brian's description. The fear clutching Kendra's heart deepened with each shake of a head and sympathetic "No, I'm sorry."Her voice broke each time she had to repeat Brian's description to yet another family. "He's seven, dark curly hair, he was wearing a blue T-shirt, small white anchor on the front," she managed to get out, her throat tight each time the boy's name came from her lips.The mother of the group cast Kendra a sympathetic glance at her clutches of children clinging to her sides. "I'm so sorry," she said, the softness in her voice sincere. "I haven't seen him, but I can keep an eye out. I can't even imagine how scared you must be.".Philip laid a steadying hand on Kendra's shoulder, gave it a brief, encouraging squeeze as they passed on to the next group.His own fear
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 92: Missing
Kendra's voice cracked as she yelled out Brian's name, her eyes scanning the crowds with growing desperation. She and Philip had searched most of the campgrounds already, going stand to stand and calling out, but there was no sign of their son. With each corner that turned up empty, that knot of fear in her chest pulled tighter, her breaths coming in shallow gasps."Brian!" she cried again, her voice cracking, as if the very weight of her fear might somehow will him back.Philip leaned into her and laid a soothing squeeze on her shoulder. "Stay calm, Kendra. He's around here somewhere; I know it."But she could see the concern etched across his face, his eyes darting to and fro on the beach just about as frantically as hers were.Kendra bit back the welling tears, holding it in, but the panic bubbling inside her was getting too big not to let loose.A group of families nearby glanced over at them, taking note of their worried looks. One parent was a kind-faced woman with two childr
