Share

CHAPTER EIGHT

Author: Kayiora
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-21 23:07:59

Isabella sat cautiously on the brink of the leather sofa, her hands clasped firmly in her lap. The busy law firm hallway felt cramped, with each glance in her direction expressing implicit condemnation. She approached the receptionist's desk for what felt like the hundredth time.

"Excuse me," Isabella said meekly. "I was wondering if—"

The receptionist interrupted her in the middle of her statement with a fake smile. ”Sorry Mrs. Stone, but like I told you earlier, all our attorneys in the firm are busy at the moment, if you would like to leave your details we can fit you in.”

“Please,” Isabella said softly. This is on the emergency level, all I need is to talk to someone for a few minutes.

The face of the receptionist remained static with the same charming smile as earlier. "I hear you but it’s beyond my control. Perhaps you'd like to try another firm?"

Isabella, beaten down, returned to her seat. Her phone buzzed non-stop in her purse. She pulled it out with shaking hands, shud
Locked Chapter
Continue Reading on GoodNovel
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER NINE

    They reached a shiny towering building and Seth pointed at the door.“This is us,” he told her, gesturing to the doorway. No words were exchanged as they both rode the elevator together to Seth’s office. Isabella couldn't help but wonder, Why a man who had barely interacted with her would offer his assistance when all others had abandoned her. As soon as the door closed behind them, Seth gestured for Isabella to sit on one of the chairs opposite his desk. He undid his tie a little and looked her straight in the eyes, though his face seemed rather formal but benign. “Mrs Stone or may I say Isabella?” She merely looked up and nodded. He continued “I am sure you are quite puzzled as to why I have decided to take up your case.” Biting her lip, Isabella’s hands fisted in her lap. She nodded her head slightly and whispered, “The question had crossed my mind.” Seth propped his forearms on the surface of the desk, adopting a more serious posture. "Okay Isabella, let me be blunt with you.

    Last Updated : 2024-10-22
  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER TEN

    Before Isabella could respond, her father cut in, his face reddening with anger. "Have you lost your mind, girl? After everything we told you, you dare to ignore our orders and parade around town?” Isabella felt a familiar wave of anxiety wash over her, the old instinct to shrink and apologize rising within her. As she looked at Seth standing next to her she felt a new ironclad determination that hardened her gut. “I am having dinner with my lawyer,” Isabella said firmly, even though her hands were shaking. James laughed outright and settled back in his chair, grinning. "Your lawyer? Is that what they're calling it these days? How much did you pay him to be seen with you in public?" Seth leaned closer to Isabella, speaking in a low voice, "Isabella, who are these people?" Isabella's face tightened with tension as she whispered back, "They're my family.” Seth's eyebrows raised slightly, but he maintained his composure. Addressing the group, he said, "Good evening. I'm Seth Donovan

    Last Updated : 2024-10-23
  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER ELEVEN

    Tears welled up in Isabella's eyes, but she didn't let them fall. Instead, she took a deep breath and met Seth's gaze. "You know, I have spent so long trying to please everyone else, I'm not even sure what I want anymore."Seth's voice was warm as he replied, "That is okay. You have taken the first step by standing up for yourself. The rest will come in time."Isabella nodded, then let out a small, rueful laugh. "Time. That is something I am not sure I have much of right now."Seth tilted his head, a question in his eyes.Isabella hesitated, then decided to be honest. "I left Richard in such a hurry, I...I do not even have a place to stay tonight. No savings, nothing."Seth's expression softened with concern. "Isabella, why didn’t you say something earlier?"She shrugged, looking away. "I guess I'm not used to asking for help. Or maybe I was just trying to pretend everything was under control."Seth was quiet for a moment, then said, "I have an extra apartment in town. It's nothing fa

    Last Updated : 2024-10-24
  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER TWELVE

    The doorbell's chime caught Isabella mid-shower. She quickly wrapped a towel around herself, grabbed another for her dripping hair, and hurried to the door. "Just a minute!" she called out, struggling to secure the towel properly. When she opened the door just enough to peek out, she found Seth juggling several shopping bags and boxes. His eyes widened slightly at her appearance before he quickly averted his gaze. "I'd have called first, but I realized I don't have your number," he said, studying the ceiling with sudden interest. Isabella felt her cheeks flush. "Sorry! I was just... Let me throw something on real quick!" “Take your time," Seth called after her. "Though fair warning – I brought coffee and breakfast, and they're both staging a protest against getting cold!" Two minutes later, Isabella emerged in her old clothes, toweling her hair dry. "I'm so sorry about that. I wasn't expecting..." Her voice trailed off as she took in all the bags and packages Seth had arr

    Last Updated : 2024-10-25
  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER THIRTEEN

    "That's enough!" Karen's sharp voice cut through the whispers like a knife. Isabella turned to see her standing in the doorway, her expression thunderous. They scattered like startled birds, but Karen's commanding "Stay right there!" froze them in place. "If you ladies have enough time to speculate about your new colleague's personal life," Karen's distinct tone rang out, "I'm sure we can find some more productive uses for your billable hours. Perhaps the Miller presentation that was due an hour ago?" Jane flushed red. "We're just finalizing the renderings now, Karen. There were some technical issues with—" "Technical issues?" Karen arched an eyebrow. "Fascinating. And these technical issues required a gathering in the printer room to discuss someone’s personal life?" "We didn't mean—" Tracy started to say. "To get caught?" Karen finished for her. The younger woman crumbled under her stern gaze. Karen's eyes swept over them, her disappointment palpable. "I expected better f

    Last Updated : 2024-10-28
  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER FOURTEEN

    Isabella patted her face dry, a smile forming as she shook her head at the knock on the door "Did you forget something?" she called out, walking toward the door. "You know, you have my number now. You could've just—"The words died in her throat as she opened the door. Richard stood there, his familiar smirk sending ice through her veins."Expecting someone else?" His voice dripped with mockery. "So this is what you do now? Gallivanting around with other men? No wonder you couldn't make our marriage work."Isabella's fingers tightened on the doorframe. "How did you find where I live?""Please." Richard's laugh was sharp. "This town is too small for you to hide from me.""I'm not hiding," Isabella said, proud that her voice didn't waver. "I'm starting fresh."Richard's face twisted, clearly expecting her usual retreat, her familiar pattern of shrinking before him. When she didn't, his eyes narrowed. "What's wrong? Your new boyfriend gives you a backbone?""Is your new family not enoug

    Last Updated : 2024-10-28
  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER FIFTEEN

    "No," Isabella said softly, pulling away from Seth's embrace. "I can't accept that." Seth frowned. "Isabella—" "You've already done too much," she cut in, wrapping her arms around herself. "The job, this apartment... I can't keep taking from you." "Taking?" Seth's eyebrows shot up. "Is that what you think this is?" "What else would you call it?" She looked away. "Your kindness is becoming scary. Is this what you do for all your clients?“ Seth's laugh was short, almost frustrated. "Right, because I regularly offer my home to random clients." He ran a hand through his hair. "Look, if you won't come to my house, then I guess I'm moving in here." Isabella's head snapped up. "What?" "You heard me." He crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. "If the mountain won't come to Muhammad..." "You're insane," Isabella whispered, shaking her head. "You can't just—" "Watch me." His voice was light but his eyes were serious. "I'm not leaving you alone after what just happened. So

    Last Updated : 2024-10-29
  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER SIXTEEN

    Richard held up the morning paper with satisfaction, pouring another glass of his finest scotch. "Corporate espionage makes such delicious headlines."Mrs Stone sat straighter in her armchair, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. "Finally teaching that ungrateful girl her place. She's done for.""The board at Donovan’s won't keep her after this," Eliza added from the sofa, hands resting on her slight bump. Her lips curved into a practiced pout. "But darling, what if she doesn't get the message from this? She's got that thing backing her now.""Please," Richard scoffed, scanning the headlines again:"STONE CORP CEO SUES WIFE FOR CORPORATE THEFT""SOCIETY WIFE CAUGHT STEALING COMPANY SECRETS.”"DONOVAN CORP EMBROILED IN ESPIONAGE SCANDAL""Isabella can barely order coffee without apologizing. You really think she'll testify in court? I give her three days before she's back here, begging for mercy." He smiled, remembering how she used to flinch at his raised voice, how easily she

    Last Updated : 2024-10-29

Latest chapter

  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SEVEN

    The hotel staff greeted them with practiced elegance, whisking their luggage away as a manager personally escorted them to their suite."Mr. Donovan, everything has been arranged as requested," the manager said discreetly, handing over their key cards.Isabella raised an eyebrow at Seth, “Everything is arranged?...What did you do?”Seth just shrugged and kept smiling mysteriously.Once in their suite, Isabella gasped at the panoramic city views. "Seth, this view is incredible.""I know that's why I picked this room. I also have dinner reservations at La Casa Elegante for eight," he said, watching her explore the luxurious space. "It's one of the best restaurants in Mexico City.""I'm pretty tired," Isabella hesitated, then smiled. "But a Michelin-star restaurant? That might be worth staying up for."Seth checked his phone quickly - another message from his mother confirming the final details with Rosa. Everything was falling into place. He planned to introduce Isabella to Rosa after d

  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SIX

    "Seth Donovan, what are you up to?" Isabella asked, watching him pack their suitcases with an air of mystery. They were leaving for Mexico City in the morning, and he didn't want Isabella to get a whiff of where they were going, but she was suspicious about how he had been acting. She knew they were travelling but didn't know where."Just trust me," he replied with a grin, carefully tucking something into a hidden compartment of his suitcase when he thought she wasn't looking.Isabella narrowed her eyes playfully. "I saw that.""No, you didn't," he said smoothly, closing the suitcase. "And even if you did, it's still a surprise."She hopped on top of their bed, watching him walk around the room. "I am tired of surprises, I don't think I can take anymore. Out with it please,”"Relax, you will like this one," he promised, pausing to kiss her forehead before pulling out a black silk blindfold "Put this on," Seth said with a mischievous smile.Isabella stared at it suspiciously. "You're

  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE

    The drive home from the Riverside Hotel was quiet, Isabella staring out the passenger window, the envelope clutched in her lap. Seth kept glancing at her, wanting to say something but knowing she needed this silence to process everything.When they pulled into their driveway, they spotted Edward sitting on their front steps. He stood as they approached, his usual easy smile fading as he caught sight of Isabella's tear-stained face behind her sunglasses."Hey, boss," he said to Seth, then more gently to Isabella, "Everything okay?"Isabella attempted a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Not really.""Come inside," Seth said, unlocking the door. "We'll explain everything."They settled in the living room, Isabella curling up in her favorite corner of the couch, still holding the envelope like a lifeline. Seth brought her a glass of water before sitting beside her."I've been trying to reach you at the office," Edward said to Seth, his tone concerned. "When you weren't there for th

  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FOUR

    James pulled out his phone. "I can call them. Set something up for tomorrow, if you want." Isabella nodded slowly. "Tomorrow then." She looked at Seth. “Is that okay with you?" "Of course," he assured her. James stood, wiping his face one final time. "I'll let them know. And Izzy?" He hesitated at the doorway. "Thank you. For listening. For giving me a chance to explain." After he left, Isabella collapsed against Seth, finally allowing her tears to fall. "All these years," she whispered. "I thought I must have done something terrible to make them hate me so much. And it turns out...it turns out I just wasn't theirs." Seth held her tighter, his voice fierce. "You are worth so much more than their prejudices, Isabella. So much more than their narrow definition of family." She nodded against his chest, then straightened, wiping her eyes. The Rivera’s dining room felt too small, too intimate for the weight of the moment. Isabella strode in, her heels clicking against the fl

  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREE

    Seth's overly large living room felt smaller with James in it. Isabella sat rigidly on the couch, watching her brother pace back and forth. The silence between them was heavy with years of hurt."Izzy," James finally began, using her childhood nickname. "I've been trying to reach you for weeks.""I know." Her voice was flat, controlled."I saw everything on the news. The Stone case, Victoria's death..." He ran a hand through his disheveled hair. "It made me think about a lot of things. About what I did. About who I became."Isabella remained silent, her hands clasped tightly in her lap."I was wrong," James continued, his voice cracking. "So wrong. When Richard offered me money..." He shook his head. "I convinced myself that you were the one who was wrong. That you weren't living up to his expectations.""Expectations," Isabella repeated softly. "What kind of expectation requires a man to beat his wife to a pulp, lock her up for days, sleep with her cousin, and talk down on her consta

  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY TWO

    The common room of the women's correctional facility was quiet except for the droning of the television. Victoria Stone sat alone; her greying hair pulled back severely, her prison uniform neat despite its wear. Her eyes were fixed on the screen where her son's face filled the frame."Breaking news," the anchor announced. "Richard Stone, once considered untouchable, has been sentenced today. The business mogul faces forty years before the possibility of parole..."Victoria's hands began to shake. The paper cup of coffee she held slipped from her fingers, spreading a dark stain across the linoleum floor. No one moved to help her clean it up."My boy," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Oh, my Richard."The news showed footage of him being led away in handcuffs, and Victoria pressed her hands to her mouth, trying to stifle her sobs. She saw what others might miss - how he held his head, just like his father used to. The same proud tilt of the chin, even in defeat."I taught him that,"

  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY ONE

    Frederick stood at the podium, his earlier confidence now radiating through the courtroom. "Your Honor, I'd like to call Special Agent Tara Winters to the stand."A sharp-featured woman in a crisp jacket strode to the witness box. After being sworn in, she met Richard's gaze unflinchingly."Agent Tara, please tell the court about the Operation.""For three years, we tracked Mr. Stone's network of influence. I was in charge of cracking codes, following the trail and everything techy. We got encrypted USB drives detailing payoffs to judges, politicians, and law enforcement officials across five states; we got videos of Richard's trafficking of human, arms and drugs, which were labelled as medical supplies." Frederick collected all the said evidence and handed them to the bailiff.Richard's face was drained of color. He had always been too careful, but Louis and his team had somehow gotten to the root of his operations.Next came Marcus Reynolds, one of Richard's former enforcers; he jus

  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY

    Isabella, Seth, Louis, and Frederick gathered in a little corner out of sight during the break. There was enough tension in the room for a knife to pierce it. Isabella paced while her heels clicked on the ground. "I do not like this," she said, running her hands through her hair. "Barrett is too confident. What if Richard actually walks free?"Frederick leaned back in his chair, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "That's exactly what I want them to think."Seth raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?""I'm playing dumb," Frederick explained, his eyes gleaming. "Let them attack our evidence. Let them think they're winning. They have no proof of Richard's innocence - not a single piece. But me?" He tapped his briefcase. "I'm just getting started."He turned to Louis sharply. "Tell me you collected everything by the book. We can't have any of it thrown out on technicalities."Louis shifted uncomfortably. "About that evidence...There's something else you should know," he said, his voice

  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETEEN

    “Take this and deliver it to my son,” Victoria said, more as a command than a request.“Ma…” his objection was cut short by Victoria's steely gaze and commanding presence that left no room for argument.Barrett carefully folded Victoria's letter and tucked it into his briefcase. Her intensity was unchanged, even behind bars - she was a woman who always found a way to exert control.Two days later, Richard sat in his cell, looking like a shell of his former self. “Your lawyer is here to see you,” the guard announced as he banged on the gate rails of Richard's cell“Richard, it's nice to see you, how are you holding up?” Barret asked although he already knew the answer to that one just by looking at him. He tried talking to Richard about their court hearing happening the next day, but he seemed lost and resigned, so Barrett resorted to his last option. He discreetly handed him the letter his mother had written.“What's this?” Richard asked uninterested“Something from your mother, She

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status