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CHAPTER 258
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Kaugnay na kabanata
My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 259
ARIA’S POVFrom my previous experiences with old employees, I know Charlotte isn’t someone who will just lay back and forget about our confrontation. Her grudges tend to linger, and I’m acutely aware that I need to be extra careful around her.Her sudden decision to take a week’s leave comes as both a surprise and a relief. The funniest part is, it feels like she’s hiding her face to avoid the aftermath of our clash. Without hesitation, I approve her leave immediately, a part of me wondering if she’s using this time to seek opportunities elsewhere. If that’s the case, good for her. At least I won’t have to deal with her negativity for a week.“Have a great holiday!”“Ha! Ha! I will, indeed.”With Charlotte temporarily out of the picture, the office atmosphere lightens considerably. The tension she brought with her is noticeably absent, and it feels like a breath of fresh air. I use this time to refocus on my projects and responsibilities, diving deep into the creative and strategic wo
My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 260
ARIA’S POVCharlotte’s return to the office is marked by a more sour attitude than before. She discovers that the staff members are openly appreciating my contributions to Wilson Paragon’s success, and her frustration is palpable. Her anger spills over into her interactions with her team, and she nearly fires her juniors for no reason. The tension escalates when they come to me to complain about her unreasonable behavior.“Just because we praised you.”“And we accepted to work with you while she was away.”“Uhm… I’ll handle this matter. You carry on with your assignments.”I decide to address the issue head-on. I call Charlotte into my office and suggest transferring her juniors to another department that is short-staffed. However, she refuses, her eyes flashing with defiance.“I’m willing to give them another chance.”She says curtly, emphasizing on the fact that next time, they should only focus on their work and not come to her with stupid talks.Her response is a thinly veiled thr
My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 261
ARIA’S POVThe next day, there is chaos. As I check the headlines, I nearly faint. "Aria Wilson, AKA Miss Cook, the illegitimate daughter of Dave Wilson and stripper, Susan Cook." I can’t believe my eyes. The words blur as I reread them, hoping it's a mistake. But the headline remains, glaringly real. My heart races, my mind spins, and a sickening dread settles in my stomach.I am still processing the shock when my father, Nathan, and Neal come into the dining room, their faces grave and lined with worry. The weight of the revelation hangs heavily in the air. My father had ensured that after announcing I was his daughter, my last name was changed to Wilson. The official story was that I had been lost as a baby and hence, was carrying the name Cook given to me by my adoptive parents. No one had ever dug deeper into my past—until now. The news about my mother being a stripper feels like a betrayal of the careful narrative we had constructed.Although some had kept addressing me as Aria
My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 262
ARIA’S POVI wonder if Charlotte has a hand in this matter. The suspicion gnaws at me, a persistent itch I can’t scratch away. We are unable to step out because all the journalists are waiting on the main road for us. Their cameras and microphones form a blockade, a fortress of intrusive curiosity.“I don’t think it’s wise for us to step out.”Nathan is very concerned about our safety, while Neal says that he doesn’t care about the press. He says that he will report to his office because work is very important and the more we stay indoors, the more they will prey on us.In a way, Neal is right, but I’m afraid that he gets harmed on the way since I know how the media chases people on the way.“Aria, you stay indoors until everything calms down, alright?”I nod at Dad. Right now, I got to trust my family and do as advised.Neal leaves, but he manages to reach his office. He calls us and informs us how difficult it was on the way since the press started following him on the way and they
My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 263
ADAM’S POVAria Wilson, AKA Miss Cook, the illegitimate daughter of Dave Wilson and stripper, Susan Cook.The headlines about Aria’s illegitimacy and her mother being a stripper floods my senses, but it doesn’t change anything for me. Her past, her lineage—none of it matters. I have realized that I love her ever since the day she left my house with nothing, embodying resilience and grace. I love her for the woman she is, not for her status or background. This revelation hits me with a force that’s both comforting and agonizing.The world is so cruel. Just because Aria is a successful business lady, one mistake in the past that is none of her fault, crops up in such a manner. I know that she has many rivals and enemies, but I’m wondering who it may be doing her dirty yet again; Ethan? Regis? My mother?I want to reach out to her and be her support. Yet, I hesitate. The fear of her rejecting my help, thinking it stems from pity, paralyzes me. I want to make amends for all the ill-treatm
My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 264
ARIA’S POVIt’s no coincidence that Charlotte has gone ‘missing’ from work for a week, and upon her return, rumors about my lineage have surged. The timing is too perfect, too calculated. I keep thinking about my past rivals and enemies, yet all of them are either jailed or dead. How did our family secret get out just after my announcement as the heir of Wilson Paragon and right after my first big achievement? The pieces fit too well to be a mere accident.I wonder how long my family and I will keep running from the media and the public. My grandmother didn’t raise me to flee. She taught me to face adversities with a brave face, to stand tall no matter the storm. The memories of her strength fuel my determination. I refuse to let this scandal break me or the company my family built from the ground up.Meanwhile, I instruct Mario to dig into Charlotte’s personal life and her recent movements while she was on personal leave. Every detail could be a clue, every step she took could unrave
My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 265
ARIA’S POVMario calls me to inform me about Charlotte. The details are staggering. What a despicable woman—not only at work but also in her personal life, she has engaged in abominable activities. I save this piece of information for future use against her. At least now, I am sure that it's her who has orchestrated this attack against me.“Oh, Lord! What a bitch!”“Indeed. I am sending you all the proof via email.”“Thank you so much, Mario.”Determined to take action, I decide to talk to my Dad and lay a trap for Charlotte. I want her to spill the beans, to confess her involvement.“The company is yours. Go ahead and do what you should to restore order.”“Thanks for trusting me, Dad.”“You always have my support my child.”A hug from my Dad brings solace to my heart and I feel like I am ready to deal with issue. Thankfully, Neal and Nathan have taken care of dousing the news, enabling me to focus more on solving the company issue as soon as possible.First, I need to see how Charlot
My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 266
ARIA’S POVAll arrangements are made supposedly for me to step down. The internal meeting with all the shareholders, my father, and senior executive management is being held at Wilson Paragon’s conference room. The tension in the air is palpable as I step inside, ready to face the brewing storm. Charlotte is impeccably dressed, exuding confidence as she anticipates being announced as the next CEO. Her smug expression makes me want to laugh, but I hold myself in check.My Dad enters the room, his presence a steadying force. We both notice the sour attitudes of everyone present. The atmosphere is heavy with unspoken accusations and thinly veiled resentment. As the meeting begins, the discussions quickly turn to the latest stock market value of our shares and how significantly the company has been affected. The numbers are grim, each decline a dagger aimed at my heart.“What will become of Wilson Paragon, everyone here keeps asking us.”“Every business has its lows and downs and I’m sure
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My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 446
ARIA’S POVLydia’s tears dry up as she slowly turns away, ready to leave the hospital room. Her steps are hesitant, burdened by the weight of everything she’s confessed, and by the knowledge that she might be walking out of Ethan’s life forever. There’s a palpable sense of finality in the way she carries herself, like someone resigned to their fate.But just as her hand reaches the door, Ethan calls out her name.“Lydia.”Everyone freezes for a moment. Lydia stops in her tracks, her back still turned, and I can see the subtle rise and fall of her shoulders as she takes in what just happened. The room is tense, filled with emotions that swirl and collide like waves in a storm, but the sound of Ethan’s voice cuts through it all.“Who told you to leave?”He tells Lydia that he wants to give their relationship another chance.The words hang in the air, a shockwave that ripples through the room. I glance at Ethan’s parents, who stiffen at the unexpected declaration, but they remain silent,
My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 445
ARIA’S POVAs soon as Ethan gazes at Lydia, her face crumples, tears welling up in her eyes, most likely because she knows she is about to lose him. The weight of everything she has done, both in the past and more recently, seems to crash down on her. Her vulnerability is unmistakable, and it’s clear that she fears this might be the end of whatever she and Ethan had built together in this strange in-between space where his memory had been absent.Ethan’s expression hardens as he processes the reality of the situation. He’s upset, and it's easy to see why. For weeks, months even, his parents had believed him to be lost, possibly dead, while Lydia kept him hidden from the people who loved him most. His emotions are a swirl of confusion, betrayal, and anger as he turns to Lydia, waiting for an explanation. The air between them grows thick with unspoken accusations, the kind that don’t need words to make their impact.Lydia’s sobs grow more frantic as she tries to defend herself, her voic
My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 444
ARIA’S POV“I’m not here to take Ethan from you… We’re just best friends. Nothing more.”“What?”“It was just a charade at your engagement.”All of a sudden, the nurse informs us that Ethan has woken up. My heart races as I see the reaction from everyone around me. Without wasting a second, we all rush into his room. Ethan’s eyes are open, and the first thing he does is call out to his parents.There’s a moment of palpable relief as his mother and father rush to his side, elation lighting up their faces. They hold him close, their hands trembling with emotion, and for the first time in a long while, they seem to have a piece of peace back in their lives.But what stands out most is that Ethan doesn’t even look at Lydia. Not once. Her presence, once central to his confusion, seems to fade into the background. She stands near the door, frozen, her eyes glassy with unshed tears as she watches the reunion. I don’t know whether it’s fear, regret, or sadness that’s written on her face, but
My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 443
ARIA’S POV“I’m not letting you take Ethan from me.”Lydia sits next to me, vulnerable in a way I’ve never seen before. She begins speaking softly, revealing her regrets and the reasons behind her actions. She admits that her past choices were driven by greed and a hunger for wealth, and that those choices led her to hurt Ethan and her ex-fiancé. She speaks of how, after fleeing to Arizona to escape the wreckage of her old life, she found Ethan on the shore, lost and helpless. In that moment, she says, she saw not the man she had wronged but someone she could help. Someone who needed her.It’s difficult to fully believe her, but something about her story rings true. The way she talks about Ethan and her past mistakes feels raw and genuine, not the calculated coldness I once associated with her. She explains that when Ethan didn’t remember anything—not his name, not his family, not even his old life—he still remembered her.“We’re meant to be together. Else, he wouldn’t have landed her
My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 442
ARIA’S POVWe’re all seated in the waiting area of the hospital, the sterile smell and bright lights only adding to the tension. Ethan’s parents, sitting across from me, glance in my direction every so often, their frowns deepening as if my mere presence is an offense.It’s not the first time I’ve seen that look on their faces, and it probably won’t be the last. But what baffles me is how they’ve chosen to forget about Lydia entirely. She’s sitting in the corner of the room, arms folded, her face pale and tight with worry. I can’t tell if she’s genuinely concerned for Ethan or if this is all just another one of her well-rehearsed acts.I lean back in my chair, trying to process it all. At least the Mitchells had realized that their son had lost his memory before I even had the chance to explain. It was painfully obvious—his reaction when he saw them, the way his body gave out from the shock.He fainted because it was too much for him. Yet, here they are, acting like I’m the villain in
My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 441
ARIA’S POVLydia seems to sense that she’s outnumbered. She glares at us for a moment, then steps aside, opening the door fully. We enter the house, the air thick with tension. I glance around, spotting the packed boxes in the corner. They were planning to leave, just as I suspected.I spot Ethan standing in the living room. He’s casually scrolling through his phone, but the second he looks up and sees me, there’s a flicker of recognition in his eyes. I hold my breath, waiting for some kind of reaction. But then, his parents step in behind me, and that’s when everything changes.Ethan freezes. His phone slips out of his hand and clatters onto the floor, but his gaze is locked on his parents. I can practically see the gears turning in his mind, as if something deep inside him is suddenly being unlocked. His face goes pale, and his eyes widen in shock.And then, just as quickly as it all hits him, Ethan stumbles back, clutching his head. He takes a few shaky steps before collapsing to t
My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 440
ARIA’S POVI sit in my car, my eyes on the house as the night falls deeper. All the windows are dark, the curtains drawn, and not a single sign of movement inside. It’s almost midnight, and it doesn’t look like Lydia and Ethan are going anywhere tonight.Still, I can’t afford to take any risks. If I leave or let my guard down for even a second, who knows what they might do. Maybe they’ll sneak out in the early hours, slip away when no one is watching.But exhaustion is catching up to me. The rented car is spacious enough, well-equipped for a long night of waiting. I’ve pinned my location for the people I’ve summoned here—they’ll call when they’re close. I settle into the seat, finally allowing myself a moment to rest. There’s no harm in taking a quick nap while I wait.I drift off, my mind a swirl of thoughts and plans. Every scenario plays out in my head; confronting Lydia, pulling Ethan out of there, making sure he’s safe. It’s not peaceful sleep by any means, but it’s something.Ho
My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 439
ARIA’S POVMy stomach churns with hunger, but the idea of stepping away from my spot, even for a moment, feels out of the question. I’ve been sitting here, fixated on the house, watching every movement behind those walls. It’s like Lydia and Ethan are carrying on with their perfect little life, while I’m stuck out here, trying to figure out what to do next.I have moved too far now to catch their conversation clearly, and their voices aren’t as loud as they were before. On top of that, before they notice me, I have to make sure I keep my distance.The sight of them earlier, packing boxes, moving around like they’re planning to skip town, is enough to make my blood boil. I can’t let that happen.I need to eat, I need to think, but there’s no way I can leave the area, not even for a second. They could take off, and I’d have no idea where they would go. If I lose track of them, it could be the last time I ever see Ethan. The thought alone makes my heart race.Then, I spot a kid in the di
My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife CHAPTER 438
ARIA’S POVI got the address and I head directly to the place to spy on Ethan and Lydia. My first step is to observe the surrounding and checking on their movements.“Aiden, love. Shall I keep this in the bag?”“Yes, baby.”She is addressing him as Aiden, and I roll my eyes in exasperation.As I watch from my hidden spot, I can barely contain the rage boiling inside me. Ethan, living a normal life with that deceitful witch, Lydia, like they’re some kind of perfect couple. How can he not see through her lies?My heart races, each second feeling like an eternity. She’s manipulating him, keeping him trapped in this farce, and it’s beyond infuriating. Ethan’s family has no idea he’s even alive, and meanwhile, he’s here, with her, under this disgusting illusion of love.But then something changes. I notice a flurry of activity at their house. Boxes. Bags. They’re packing up. My eyes narrow, and I feel a sudden rush of panic. This isn’t just spring cleaning or a casual weekend trip—they’re
