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CHAPTER THIRTEEN
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2024-10-28 20:47:00
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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 : 2024-10-28Regrets 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 : 2024-10-29Regrets 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 : 2024-10-29Regrets 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
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Regrets 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
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER NINETEEN
Seth's phone buzzed at 3 AM. "Surgery went well," Caleb reported. "You should see this guy's background though. Three DUIs in the last year, massive gambling debts. Classic pressure points.""Send me everything." Seth glanced at Isabella, who'd finally fallen asleep“Already on it.” Then there was a pause. "But Sir, something's not adding up. I got a call from Martinez at DOT. They found evidence of tampering during their preliminary investigation. The brake lines were manually damagedSeth's jaw tightened. "They never meant for him to survive the crash.""There's more. CCTV footage shows the truck parked in three different locations yesterday before the incident. I'm heading to check them now.”Seth took a deep breath. “And security at the hospital?”“I’ve got Carter and Max posted in his room. We’re covered now.”At the hospital, Carter and Max stood guard outside the driver’s room. Around 2 AM, a nurse approached with a tray. "I’m here to administer his post-surgery injection,” she
Last Updated : 2024-10-30Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER TWENTY
Isabella stood at her room window, the city lights blurring through her tears. The news played quietly behind her: "Business mogul Richard Stone speaks on reconciliation..."She turned, watching herself on screen - photos from their wedding, their public appearances, all while a panel of experts dissected their marriage."After years together, you can't just erase that connection," a relationship expert said. "Mr. Stone's recent statements show remarkable grace."Social media clips flashed across the screen. Influencers praising Richard's "maturity." Podcasters analyzing his "peaceful approach." Comments flooding in: #RichardAndBella #SecondChancesHer phone buzzed with another notification. A viral video: "Richard Stone opens up about marriage: 'Violence isn't the answer.'"A news alert popped up: "Stone Industries announces major charity initiative for domestic violence survivors.""You absolute bastard," she whispered, watching Richard's practiced concerned expression as he address
Last Updated : 2024-10-30Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
The parking garage was eerily quiet as Isabella waited, her heels clicking against the concrete as she paced. When Seth's car pulled up, she slipped inside without a word, her shoulders tense."Isabella—""Please, I need to get to work." Her voice was tight, controlled.Seth didn't start the car. "I'm pretty sure your boss will understand if you're a few minutes late." He grinned, trying to lighten the mood. “From what I hear, he is pretty reasonable.” But his attempt fell flat"Seth...""No, let me finish." He turned to face her. "I was out of line earlier. Calling you... what I implied. That wasn't fair."Isabella stared straight ahead. "You weren't entirely wrong. I am letting him win.""Hey." Seth's voice softened. "Look at me."She turned, meeting his gaze."No, I wasn't right. I was scared." The rawness in his voice made her breath catch. "Scared that he'd hurt you again. Scared that—" He ran a hand through his hair. "God, Isabella, do you have any idea what it does to me seeing
Last Updated : 2024-10-30
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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
