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Chapter 57: Picking Up the Pieces
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 58: Life After James
James was finally out of the way, but the damage he had left in his wake were everywhere. The company was still reeling, and Philip knew it wouldn't just be fixed overnight. It's like rebuilding a house after a hurricane had torn it apart piece by piece.Daniel had already started with the restructuring plan. They were breaking ties even with remnants of James's unsavory business, cleansing Brooks Enterprises inside out."James is history," he muttered wryly to himself; he could still feel the tension in his shoulders. Maybe it was going to take some time until he really believed that.There came a soft knock on his door. He turned now to find Kendra leaning against the frame.She smiled, but it wasn't quite reflected in her eyes.He knew she'd been watching him close since everything went down, trying to read if he was okay. And honestly? He wasn't so sure himself."You alright?" Kendra asked as she stepped into the office and closed the door behind her."Yeah," Philip said, rubbi
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 59: Cracks Beneath the Surface
Philip's stomach clenched. He didn't know what to make of Bianca's sudden return, but he somehow knew it was going to make things complicated.Philip sat in the kitchen, staring aimlessly at his phone. The call from Bianca had hit him in ways he hadn't expected, and just now, sitting there thinking about what she'd said, the weight of everything was slowly but surely crushing down on him.Kendra didn't know the full extent of what had just transpired knew that Bianca had called, but Philip hadn't yet relayed the meeting.And therein lay the problem.Kendra entered the room, her steps quiet, but her expression unreadable. She crossed her arms, leaning against the doorway, her face tight with frustration. "So, what did she want?Philip looked up, feeling a lump well up in his throat. He didn't want to lie, but the truth sounded like a loaded gun. "She... she wanted to talk," he began, speaking very carefully. "She's back in town. She just wants closure."Kendra's eyes narrowed, her l
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 60: Bianca's Return
Standing at the window of the café, the morning sun did little to raise the temperature of his blood as a shiver ran down his spine.Philip had never planned on ever seeing Bianca again, and definitely not under the circumstances such as these.Yet, here he was, waiting for the woman who had ruined their marriage and almost his life.His eyes fell on her before she saw him, seated in a confident pose by the window, her blonde hair falling in perfect play, just as poised and composed as ever. His stomach tightened a little. How was it that he had ever fallen for her act? How was it that he had let her worm her way into his life so easily back then?Taking a deep breath, Philip hauled the door open and headed towards her table. Bianca's eyes met his while he walked up, and she beamed him a smile; a smile that, after all this time, still managed to have an unsettling effect on him."Philip," she said warmly as she rose to greet him."Bianca," he returned with a clipped voice, tucking t
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 61: The Conversation
Kendra had been pacing back and forth in the living room, arms tightly crossed across her chest. Philip sat at the front of the couch, his mind racing as he watched her. He knew this was going to happen-but not quite this soon. He saw frustration etched upon Kendra's face, an anger so barely contained."Why didn't you tell me?" Kendra finally turned around, stopping to face him; her voice came out low and even, though cutting. "You didn't think I should know that you're still married to Bianca?"Philip sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Kendra, I didn't think she'd ever come back. The papers... I thought it was all settled.""You thought?" Kendra's voice rose and her arms fell to her sides. "How could you not check, Philip? How could you not make sure?"Philip sprang up. Frustration boiled. "I made a mistake, all right? I didn't think she'd hold this against me. I thought we were done."Kendra laughed cynically and shook her head. "Done? You're still married to her, Philip. H
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 62: Legal Battles Begin
Philip leaned back in the office chair, staring at the stack of documents Daniel had forwarded over earlier. The divorce was finally underway, but somehow, it didn't feel as though progress was being made; it felt like a slow, agonizing process that was only going to get messier. He had called Daniel right away when Kendra had left, desperate to get at least that part of his life right.The longer Bianca clung to that legal tie, the stronger the hold, and Philip simply could not manage that. He needed to get rid of her for good.His phone buzzed on his desk and yanked him from his daze. Daniel's name flashed across the screen. Philip swiped to answer. "Daniel, please tell me you have good news."Daniel's sigh through the other end didn't sound promising. "Not exactly."Philip's heart sank. "What now?Bianca is not going to make this easy. She's contesting the divorce," Daniel said with a cool tone but heavier weight in it.Philip's hand tightened on the phone. "Contest it? How can
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 63: Torn Between Heart and Mind
Kendra sat on the front porch, watching Brian play with his toy trucks in the yard as his giggles carried across the still neighborhood.She tried to smile, but her mind was miles away, tangled up in the mess with Philip and Bianca, and everything else that had suddenly resurfaced.She had left the house from Philip in more pieces than ever, and seated here with Brian, she still didn't know what to do.Suddenly, her phone vibrated on the table beside her, jerking her out of her reverie.She looked at the screen-Grace was calling, her friend.She gave some time, then picked up the call."Hey, Grace," Kendra managed to say, putting an upbeat mood in her voice."Kendra! I was just thinking about you," Grace exclaimed brightly, though her tone turned serious with her next words, "How's everything going? You doing okay?"Kendra exhaled loudly, turning to Brian, who still was playing happily. "It's. complicated. I don't know, Grace; I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing anymore."The to
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 64: Bianca’s New Play
Philip leaned against the railing at Brooks Enterprises' terrace.He let out a deep breath, praying it would help relax the tension in his chest. The last few weeks had been tough; Kendra was still keeping her distance and every day brought a new complication with Bianca's divorce proceedings.As he glanced at his phone, it vibrated with an alert from Brooks Enterprises' PR team. Philip furrowed his brow, pulled open the message and felt his stomach lurch."Subject: Press Inquiry Regarding Bianca Brooks"Philip's eyes skimmed the email as his hands clenched around the phone.Evidently, Bianca had attended a corporate event that day and had spoken to the press about how she was "reconciling" with Philip, how they were "working things out."He could hardly believe what he was reading.What in the world is she up to now?Not wasting another minute, Philip dialed Daniel, his lawyer. "Daniel, Bianca showed up at the event today and announced to the press that we're getting back together
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 65: Breaking Point
Kendra stormed around the kitchen, anger and hurt riveting in her brain, re-reading what felt like the third time. 'Philip Brooks' Estranged Wife Makes Shocking Return at Brooks Enterprises Gala—Hints at Reconciliation.'She couldn't quite believe it. Bianca had shown up to his company event, to openly claim that they were reconciling. And Philip's statement, though professional, didn't even feel close enough to soothe the rage welling up in her heart.The door opened, and Philip came in; instantly, his eyes searched for Kendra. He was tired, burnt out, but Kendra's anger was strong enough to push past any sympathy she may have thought she'd feel.She folded her arms, her face like stone as she waited for him to come to her."Kendra, I know you've seen the news," he said, his tone even but laced with exhaustion. "But please-just let me explain."She raised an eyebrow; her throat was working against the bitterness that threatened to spill over. "Go ahead. Explain how Bianca can sti
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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
