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CHAPTER FORTY THREE
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2024-11-14 18:39:52
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Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER FORTY FOUR
The look in his eyes told Isabella he wasn't just talking about the house. Still, she decided to play along "Really?" She tried to hide her smile but failed."Really." He pressed his credit card into her palm. "And speaking of perfect things, this has no limit. Get whatever makes you happy.""You're not going to let this go, are you?" Isabella shook her head, amused by his persistence."Not a chance." Seth grinnedShe studied the card in her hands. "Are you serious about this?""Very." His eyes sparkled with amusement. "Go crazy.""You're going to regret this, you know." She turned the card over, still not quite believing his offer."Somehow, I doubt that." He winked. "Go spoil yourself. You deserve it."Isabella wandered through the mall until a Gucci handbag caught her eye. As she reached for the store's door, a voice behind her made her freeze."Well, isn't this cute?"Isabella didn't need to turn around to know it was Eliza."Look who's window shopping,” Eliza said, her heels cli
Last Updated : 2024-11-14Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER FORTY FIVE
Victoria Stone stared out the window of her study, her nails tapping against the crystal tumbler in her hand. That confrontation with Eliza had shaken her more than she cared to admit. Not from fear - Victoria Stone didn't do fear - but from pure, unadulterated rage. How dare that girl challenge her?She took another sip of whiskey, letting the familiar burn steady her nerves. The family photo albums she'd brought lay untouched on her desk - a prop in a play that hadn't gone according to script. Victoria reached for her phone, then hesitated. This needed finesse. Precision.She dialed Richard's number."Mother?" He answered on the third ring. "This is a surprise. I'm just heading into a meeting-""Oh, I'm sorry, darling." Victoria kept her tone light, and conversational. "I don't mean to interrupt. I just..." She let her voice trail off."What's wrong?""Nothing, really. It can wait until-""Mother." She heard rustling, then a door closing. "You never call during work hours unless it'
Last Updated : 2024-11-15Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER FORTY SIX
Eliza stared at her phone screen until it blurred. Twenty-seven missed calls, all sent straight to voicemail. Richard hadn't come home last night. She'd waited up until 3 AM, alternating between calling him and pacing their bedroom, her mind racing with increasingly terrible scenarios.Standing in front of her bathroom mirror, Eliza barely recognized herself. Her mascara was everywhere from the sleepless night, her hair a mess from running her hands through it too many times. That bitch Victoria had actually done it. She'd turned her son against her.Eliza's hands curled into fists. She couldn't lose everything. Not when she had come this far. If Victoria wanted to play dirty, she would play dirty. But first, she had to get Richard back. And that meant doing the one thing she had sworn she would never do.Beg.She wiped her face roughly with a washcloth. She'd go to Victoria's house and put on the performance of her life if she had to. Say all the right things, act all sweet and sorry
Last Updated : 2024-11-15Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN
"I received an email with the prompt needed to move to the next phase," Seth announced, walking into the conference room where he had summoned Leo, Paige, Karen, and Isabella. He didn't waste any time with pleasantries, immediately handing his tablet to Leo. “Pull this up on the projector.”Leo quickly connected the tablet and displayed the email for everyone to see. He let out a low whistle. “This is going to be a serious challenge.”Karen leaned in, studying the requirements. High stakes, massive visibility, and the budget to match.” She whistled softly. “They weren’t kidding about the scale.”“But hey, look at this.” Leo pointed at the screen, his excitement obvious. “It has our name written all over it.”Seth shook his head, but there was a ghost of a smile on his face. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Leo. Every top firm in this city wants this project." He paused, his expression growing serious. "Listen, I know we're good. But one slip-up, one moment where we think we've got it in
Last Updated : 2024-11-16Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT
The presentation hall buzzed with nervous energy as teams filed in, clutching portfolios and tablets like lifelines. Seth's team arrived early, their polished appearances masking the sleepless nights and endless revisions that had brought them here."I'll get us some water," Paige offered, noticing Isabella's hands shaking slightly."Make it vodka," Leo whispered, earning an elbow from Karen. “What? Like we're not all thinking it."Has anyone else noticed how packed it is?" Paige asked, trying to lighten the mood. "I counted at least twelve teams outside.""Thirteen," Karen corrected, smoothing her blazer. "I recognized Jason’s team.”"The ones with the disaster app?" Leo perked up. "Man, that demo crash was epic. Almost made me feel better about my own presentation jitters.""Almost?" Isabella managed a small smile."Yeah, well, when I was a rookie," Leo shook his head at the memory. "It was my first presentation, fresh out of college, thought I knew everything. And guess who was ove
Last Updated : 2024-11-16Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER FORTY NINE
The light from Kelly's Bar sign shone on Seth's face as he waited outside, checking his watch for the third time. Edward’s Tesla pulled up right on time, bringing a small smile to his tired face. After thirty-two years of friendship, he knew Edward would always come through."You look like death warmed over," Edward said, pulling him into a quick hug."Yeah, well, death would be a vacation right about now."Inside, they claimed their usual corner booth – the same one where they'd planned Seth's first startup pitch nearly a decade ago. Edward ordered his standard club soda with lime while Seth went straight for the whiskey.So," Edward said after their drinks arrived, "what is so urgent it couldn't wait until morning?"Seth took a long sip before answering. "Remember that project I told you about? The one we have been killing ourselves over?""The Tuberose project? Yeah, you mentioned it was a make-or-break for the company.""Well, it broke." Seth's fingers tightened around his glass.
Last Updated : 2024-11-17Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER FIFTY
The presentation hall felt different this time. Seth's team sat in the waiting area, each lost in their own thoughts. No one was sharing stories about Dr. Vivian now - they'd been through too much for small talk."Is everyone ready?" Seth asked, though he already knew the answer. They'd spent days perfecting each section."All set," Karen said, gripping her portfolio. The others nodded."Good." Seth stood up. "But I'll be handling the presentation today.""What?" Leo straightened in his chair. "You don’t have—"“Trust me,” Seth said softly. “I know how hard you all have worked, and I’m so grateful for each of you. No matter what happens today, I want you to know you gave it your all. So let me carry the weight this time.”In the presentation room, Richard was waiting with his team. Before they began, he raised his hands to speak.“Go ahead, Mr. Stone.” One of the judges said “I want to apologize in advance,” Richard began. “It looks like we’ve ended up with the same design again. I r
Last Updated : 2024-11-17Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER FIFTY ONE
"Everyone else can go," Seth said quietly. They filed out, shooting mixed looks of anger and pity at Paige as they left. But Isabella remained behind, standing near the door.Paige sat hunched in her chair, tears still streaming down her face. Seth waited until the door closed before speaking again."I meant what I said about helping you," he said. "But I need something from you first."Paige looked up, wiping her eyes. "Anything. I'll do anything to make this right."Seth pulled out his phone. "I'm calling our legal team. We're going to need their help to handle this properly." He paused. "Are you willing to tell them everything? About Richard, the blackmail, all of it?""Yes," Paige whispered.Twenty minutes later, two members of the legal team, David and Monica, arrived. Seth gestured for them to sit."Go ahead, Paige," he said. "Tell them what you told me."Paige took a shaky breath. "It started three months ago. Richard... he got hold of a video from a party. I was drunk, I did s
Last Updated : 2024-11-18
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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
