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Chapter 71: Rebuilding from the Ground Up
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2024-10-30 02:47:24Related chapters
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 72: Finding Common Ground
Kendra sat at the café, her fingers playing around the rim of her coffee as she waited for Philip.It had been months since they'd had a conversation that wasn't tangled around some crisis or conflict.This time, though, they were just going to talk. No agendas, no pressure, just them.The door chimed, and she looked up to see Philip coming in. He looked.different.There was a quiet determination etched into his features, a sort of relief mingled with something she couldn't quite place.He caught her eye, offering a small, tentative smile as he made his way to the table."Hey," he said, sliding into the seat across from her."Hi." Kendra smiled back, her nervousness easing a bit. "Thanks for coming."Philip nodded, settling in. "Of course. I'm just glad you agreed to meet."There was a moment of silence before Kendra said anything. "So, it's really over then? The court, Bianca, all of it?""Yes, finally," Philip said, showing weariness in his voice now. "The court came out in my favor
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 73: Building Bridges
The weekend morning dawned bright and clear as Philip pulled into Kendra's driveway, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. Today was to be spent with both Kendra and Brian, the day that he hoped would feel, for the first time in so long, like a family.The front door opened, and Brian launched himself down the steps, his small face lighting up with pure joy at the sight of Philip. "Dad! You're here!" he called, almost tripping over his feet in his anxiety. Philip chuckled as he stepped out of the car and caught Brian in a hug. "Hey, champ! You ready for today?"Brian gave him a major, enthusiastic nod. His eyes were wide with excitement. "Really? We're going to the zoo?""Really," he said to him, mussing his head. "You and me and your mom. We'll go see all the animals you want."Kendra came up to him, smiling softly, her eyes warm yet guarded, happy and fragile around the edges. Philip nodded slightly to her, wordlessly appreciative that she was trying."Good mornin
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 74: A Night to Remember
Tonight was Brooks Enterprises' annual gala, a big deal in the business world, and Philip's first public appearance since the case in court.He'd asked her to accompany him, and she'd agreed, though now standing on the steps outside the grand event hall, she wondered if she had made the right decision."Ready?" Philip asked, flashing a reassuring smile as he extended his hand.She took it, his touch grounding her. "Ready as I'll ever be."As they entered the hall, Kendra's breath caught.The room was beautiful: full of classy lighting, posh décor, and other people dressed to the nines, mingling with glasses of champagne in their hands. There was a hum in the air, it felt like all eyes were turned to them upon entry. Philip gave her hand a soft squeeze, as if he sensed some of her nervousness. "Just stay close. You've got this."Kendra managed a smile, feeling just a little more at ease as they worked their way through the crowd. He introduced her to several of his colleagues, who a
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 75: Bianca’s Last Strike
Kendra's breath caught, and she spun around, her heart sinking on seeing Bianca standing a few feet away from her with a smug smile playing on her lips. Philip's face hardened as he followed Kendra's gaze, his jaw clenched."Bianca," he said, coldly. "What are you doing here?""Oh, don't sound so surprised, Philip," Bianca returned in a voice that was all sugar and poison. "I came to see the man so eager to erase me from his life. And it would appear I walked in on a cozy little moment."Kendra's face flushed, but she stood firm. "We're moving forward, Bianca. You should do the same."Bianca's eyes sparkled with a touch of malice. "Oh, I am moving forward. Just… in my own way. Let's just say that people are quite interested in hearing what I have to say about you two."Philip stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "If you're here to stir up trouble, you're wasting your time."But Bianca merely shrugged, sending one last smirk Kendra's way. "Well, have a good night then. Just remember
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 76: The Unexpected Visitor
Kendra sat on her couch, cradling a cup of tea in her hands as she stared out at the rain outside. It seemed as though the storm would never quite stop, definitely not with the court ruling in favor of Philip. There was still Bianca's ruthless shadow hanging over them, still whispers and rumors swirling in the wake of their very public appearances together.The truth was pure yet not to be denied: she loved Philip, and she wanted to be with him.Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. It was from her best friend, Grace:"Dinner tonight? I'm bringing wine. You're telling me everything."Kendra smiled, glad about the timing. Grace always did seem to know when Kendra needed her most.---That night, as Kendra opened the door, Grace swept in with a bottle of wine and that look of determination. "Alright, lady," Grace said, slapping the bottle onto the counter. "We have lots to cover, and I am not leaving until I find out what is going on in that complicated heart of yours."Ke
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 77: A New Beginning
"Philip, someone's at the door," Kendra called out, her voice echoing from the hall.No answer. Kendra had been in the kitchen, humming while arranging a few last things, when Brian ran to meet his Dad.She left the kitchen and went to check at the door. Philip already was there, his gaze fixed at the figure outside.Kendra stilled, her eyes slitted as they snapped to the woman in the doorway.It was Kasey, who visibly had her smile falter as she took in the picture of surprise and fury on Kendra's face.Kasey's face changed, her eyes darting to Philip, whose face was suddenly washed by an avalanche of regret.Kasey," Philip said, forcing himself to look at her. "This isn't a good time. In fact, it's… no time at all."He turned to her then, his voice even and controlled but with a edge of finality. "Whatever we had back then, it was a mistake. I have a life now, with the woman I love and my son."The heat of disappointment flashed in Kendra's eyes, her gaze never leaving his face. "Ph
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 78: The Calm Before the Storm
The last couple of weeks had seemed like a breath of fresh air; life with Kendra and Brian was falling into a rhythm, he felt at peace. No courtroom battles, no headlines-just the quiet comfort of family life."Dad! Watch this!" Brian's excited voice pulled him from his thoughts.The boy darted across the room, making a dramatic leap onto the couch and landing with a grin that made Philip burst out laughing."That's some serious air, buddy!" Philip said with a thumbs-up.Kendra came into the room, her face really warm in a smile, holding a cup of tea as she watched Brian, now launched into an animated tale of his day at school.She was a reminder of how much had changed, of how they'd rebuilt something real out of the chaos.Brian was still talking when Philip's phone buzzed on the table.Philip looked down to see that his assistant had forwarded him a text message from an investor."Philip, just wanted to say that I am impressed with your fighting spirit. Brooks Enterprises is on th
Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire Chapter 79: Ghosts from the Past
The morning after the disquieting call, Philip sat at his office desk and let his mind wandered back to that strange calls. He tried focusing on work, but soon found himself reaching for his phone, almost as if expecting another message. But the phone remained mute, he dropped the phone, pushing the strange warning to the back of his mind.As he approached home, he took the time to let himself appreciate the vision; a little piece of heaven that they had fought so desperately to achieve."Dad, come on and eat!" Brian called exuberantly, waving him over with a grin.Philip smiled as he joined them at the table. "This looks amazing," he said, giving Kendra a look filled with warmth. "I could get used to this."Kendra smiled back at him, but he saw a flicker of something else in her eyes.She'd been far more attuned to his distraction of late and he knew that she wanted to ask.Tonight, though, he just wanted to keep the troubles at the door."So, Brian," Philip beamed, "how was school
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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
