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CHAPTER TEN
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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
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
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
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
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
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
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Seth watched the black sedan in his rearview mirror, three cars back. Amateur. He'd noticed it tailing him since he left the office.Seth slowed down and pulled into the parking lot of Elite Cuts. He made sure the dark sedan followed before parking near the entrance. Getting out of the car, he pretended to check his phone as he strolled inside, knowing full well that his “guest” was still watching.Inside, Seth waited just long enough to see the man step out of the sedan, looking nervous as he glanced around before heading toward Seth’s car. Seth leaned against the wall near the entrance, observing through the shop’s tinted windows. The man crouched down near the rear of Seth’s car, fiddling with something under the bumper.A tracker.PerfectWhile pretending to browse hair products, Seth discreetly snapped a photo of the man through the window. He fired off a quick text to his head of security: Need background check ASAP. Likely Stone's guy.Seth waited fifteen minutes, then walked
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Seth didn't think - he just acted. He slammed his foot on the gas and yanked his steering wheel hard, getting his car between Isabella and the truck. The tires screeched against the pavement as he jumped out not even waiting for the car to stop completely. He reached Isabella in two steps, grabbed her arm and pulled her back just as the truck roared past them, close enough that they could feel the wind from it.The dog barked and ran off. But the truck driver couldn't get control back. There was a huge crash as the truck hit parked cars. The sound was horrible - metal crunching, glass breaking everywhere. The truck finally stopped, smoke coming from its smashed front end.Seth and Isabella fell backward together, and he pulled her close, his heart beating so hard it hurt. He could barely catch his breath. "Are you okay?" His voice came out rough and shaky.Isabella was trembling against him, staring at the crash like she couldn't quite believe what had happened. "The driver..." was al
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Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER FIFTY SIX
"Guess who brought lunch?" Isabella burst into Seth's office, dramatically posing with her lunch box like she was presenting a game show prize.Seth looked up, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Let me guess. McDonald's?"She rolled her eyes. "Do I look like I'm bringing fast food to the CEO?""Well, you look like you're about to win 'Lunch Presenter of the Year'," he teased, pushing aside his paperwork."Careful," she warned, setting down the lunch box. "Compliment me too much and I might start believing I'm actually good at something."“Something?” Seth laughed. “Is there anything Isabella isn’t good at? I haven’t seen it.”Their conversation was always easy. Comfortable. Like they'd been doing this dance for years, not months.Isabella started unpacking containers. Homemade food, each dish carefully prepared. No takeout. No quick fixes. This was deliberate. Thought out."Wow," Seth said, looking at the spread. "You actually cooked all these for me?"She rolled her eyes. “Is t
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE
Isabella was flying high. Not only had she woken up in the same bed as the man she could confidently call the sexiest alive, but she'd also gotten a follow from Catherine Fox. Yes, *the* Catherine Fox. The actress. The style icon. The queen of "effortless glam." She had met Catherine twice before, and Catherine had even asked her for a favor, but this was different. This was a social media validation that everyone could see. A follow from her wasn't just a notification—it was a whole event. Isabella felt like she'd hit a double jackpot.The morning couldn't get any better. She savored every bit of it, knowing mornings like this don’t come often. Some days, life just decides to be ridiculously good to you.She smiled to herself as she grabbed her things and headed to work. Today was already shaping up to be one for the books.At the office, she was relieved to find no whispers or gossip about Paige. It was a sign Seth hadn’t shared what he’d uncovered—something that could have demolis
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR
Richard tripped as he entered the front door and knocked the umbrella stand over. He had his jacket creased and clenched in his hand, his tie was half undone around his neck."Where the hell have you been?" Eliza's voice pierced through the entryway from where she stood at the base of the stairs, her arms crossed so tightly they seemed to be holding her together. "You didn't come home last night. Not a word. Nothing."Richard's bloodshot eyes struggled to focus on her. "Weren't you—" he swayed slightly, "—weren't you supposed to be at some doctor's thing?""Seven hours ago," she spat. "You missed it. Again. Couldn't even be bothered to send a text, could you?"He made a dismissive gesture that nearly threw him off balance. "But you're back now, aren't you? That's what matters." A hollow smile spread across his face. "I'll make it up to you. How about that necklace you were eyeing at Cartier's?""This isn't about jewelry, Richard."Her voice turned cold. "Where the hell have you been?"
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER FIFTY THREE
Seth sat for a long time in his car, his hands on the driving wheel. His head heavy from processing everything that had happened so far, he finally turned on the engine and drove home. He pulled into the driveway and found Isabella sitting on his front steps. She saw the fatigue in his movements as soon as he stepped out of the car and stood up. Without a word, she opened her arms.Seth hesitated for just a moment before stepping into her embrace. All the tension he'd been holding finally broke, and he let his head drop to her shoulder."I got you," she whispered, holding him tighter. "It's okay. Everything's going to be okay."They stayed that way for several minutes, Isabella's hand making small circles on his back. When they finally pulled apart, Isabella kept one hand on his arm.Come on," she said softly. "Let's get inside."Inside, the house felt unusually quiet. Seth headed straight for the stairs, exhaustion was evident in every step."I'm going to change," he said, loosening
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER FIFTY TWO
Paige stumbled out of the restaurant, her whole body trembling. She could feel the scorching sensation of the wire under her blouse. Her legs failed her and she slumped into a concrete barrier, struggling to breathe, immediately she reached the parking lot. David was already listening to the recording through his earpiece so he and Monica hurried to her side."Breathe, Paige," Monica said softly, kneeling beside her. "It's over now.""Did you—" Paige's voice caught. "Did you get what you needed? Please tell me this wasn't for nothing.""We got everything," David confirmed, carefully removing his earpiece. "Multiple admissions of blackmail, detailed accounts of the corporate espionage, even his plans for future theft. He handed us everything we needed."Seth stepped forward from where he'd been leaning against his car. "The security team will be with you to make sure Richard doesn't try anything stupid. Go home, Paige. We'll handle things from here.""Seth, wait." Paige stood on shaky
Regrets 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
Regrets 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
Regrets 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.
Regrets 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
