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CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR
Last Updated:
2024-11-07 21:36:50
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Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE
Seth sat at his desk early Monday morning, a rare quiet settling over the office before the day officially began. A steaming cup of coffee in his hand, he scanned through his emails when one subject line caught his eye: "Tuberose Project - New Opportunities". His eyebrows shot up as he clicked it open. The panel of judges for the prestigious Tuberose design project had decided to expand their search for innovative designers. They were inviting other firms to submit preliminary designs. Seth's company was among those selected. A slow grin spread across his face. This was big—huge, even. He quickly forwarded the email to his assistant, instructing him to notify the design heads with a note: Urgent meeting at 9 AM. Conference Room A.By nine, the conference room buzzed with energy as the design team leaders filed in. It fell silent immediately Seth walked in. The quarterly design standings board behind him showed the stark numbers: Paige’s sustainable urban renewal designs had earned h
Last Updated : 2024-11-08Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER THIRTY SIX
Hours had flown by since that morning meeting. Isabella couldn't stop smiling as she worked, occasionally whispering to herself: "Design lead on the Tuberose Project..." She pictured Richard Stone's face when they won – the same man who'd called her ideas "unrealistic" and "too ambitious." Now here she was, working directly with Seth Donovan himself on those very same concepts. She can't wait to see his face when they meet at the presentation. Her tablet was filled with rapid sketches and notes. When her screen felt too limiting for the scope of her vision, she glanced at Seth's tablet sitting on his desk. He stepped out for an executive meeting, but surely he wouldn't mind...After all, he had said they were working together on this. She grabbed it, quickly setting up dual displays to visualize her ideas better.“Just promise me you'll eat," he'd said, setting down coffee and a sandwich before leaving the office.That was hours ago. The food sat forgotten as inspiration poured out of
Last Updated : 2024-11-08Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN
Richard's car scattered gravel as he swerved into Stone’s villa driveway. His phone had been blowing up all morning with the same message - fucking Seth Donovan was in the running for Tuberose. Of all the twenty-seven firms, that snake had to be one of them."Mother!" His voice echoed through the marble foyer.Victoria Stone didn't look up from her morning paper, a cup of Earl Grey steaming beside her. "I assume this dramatic entrance is about the announcement by Tuberose to open up their options?""Twenty-seven." Richard paced the Persian carpet. "Twenty-seven competing firms and all I can think about is one. Seth fucking Donovan."“Victoria sighed, setting down her paper. "You're acting like you've forgotten who you are. Calm yourself. There are dozens of prestigious firms entering this competition. Seth Donovan isn't guaranteed to be your main rival.""You don't understand. He's got Isabella and she-""Might be leading his team. Yes, I know." She set down her cup with deliberate pr
Last Updated : 2024-11-09Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT
The next morning, Seth showed Isabella to her new workstation for the Tuberose project. "This is Paige and Leo our design heads," he said, gesturing to them. "And of course, Karen's your direct supervisor." He checked his watch. "I'll need a full briefing by the end of the day. Good luck." With that, he was gone.Isabella's fingers flew across her tablet, making last-minute adjustments to her presentation. First impressions matter, she reminded herself."So," Leo's voice cut through her concentration. "This is what Karen's new prodigy came up with?""These solar panel configurations," Karen said, pointing to her designs ignoring Leo, "they're innovative, but have you considered the maintenance implications?"Isabella straightened her shoulders. "The AI system would optimize—""Theory is one thing," Paige cut in, arms crossed. "But we're talking about a multi-billion dollar project. Have you ever managed implementation at this scale?"Isabella felt her confidence waver. These weren't
Last Updated : 2024-11-11Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER THIRTY NINE
Isabella looked at her phone and sighed. “I should let you get back to work,” she said lightly, though her voice held a hint of reluctance. “I do not want to keep you any longer.”Before she could stand, Seth quickly interjected, "No, don't go. Your presence here, makes a real difference to me." He paused, then added with a sheepish smile, "In fact, why don't we wrap things up here and ride home together?"Isabella paused, a curious eyebrow raised. "Home, huh?" She glanced around the office, considering his words. "But you've still got work to do. I do not want to be a distraction."Seth's lips curved into a soft smile. "What if I told you I want you around?" he asked, his voice calm and sincere.Her lips curved mischievously. "Aw, is this your way of admitting you are scared of staying here alone?" she teased.He chuckled, a warm laugh that lit up his face. "Busted. I can not survive without my safety net." He met her eyes. "So, what do you say? Stay and wait for me?"Isabella preten
Last Updated : 2024-11-12Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER FORTY
The drive home was silent. Isabella stared out the window, Seth's words about "bad feelings" echoing in her mind. When they pulled up to his house, she moved to get out, but Seth caught her wrist."Wait." His voice was soft. "About Sterling—""I have an early meeting tomorrow," Isabella cut in. "Tuberose submission deadline, remember?"Seth released her wrist, his expression unreadable. "Right. The deadline."The next morning, Isabella buried herself in her research. She'd barely slept, but work was a welcome distraction. Around noon, Karen appeared at her desk."We are ready for you," Karen announced. In the conference room, Leo and Paige were already waiting. Seth entered last, his eyes finding Isabella's for a moment before focusing on the presentation screen."Show me what we've got," he said.Five hours, 40 minutes later, they concluded on what they would be working onThe next few days flew by in a caffeine-fueled blur. Everyone was running on fumes, trying to get the entry des
Last Updated : 2024-11-12Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER FORTY ONE
Three days later, Seth gathered the team back in the conference room, an unopened email on his screen."The results are in but I haven't looked at it yet," he announced. "Wanted us all to see it together."Isabella gripped her tablet tightly. Karen held her breath. Leo and Paige exchanged glances.Seth clicked the email. The room was completely silent as his eyes scanned the text.A slow smile spread across his face. "We're through to the next round."The room exploded. Leo actually jumped up, pulling Paige into a hug who, for once, didn't maintain her usual ice-queen demeanor. "About damn time!" she laughed."Alright, alright," Seth raised his voice over the celebration. "This calls for drinks. Landon Lounge tonight, on me."As the team filed out, chattering about evening plans, Seth caught Isabella's arm. "Hey, you did really—""The team did," Isabella cut him off, but gently."Isabella, can we just talk for a minute?""Let's focus on the celebration, okay?" She stepped away, her mi
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER FORTY TWO
Victoria Stone burst through Martinez's office door, making him jump in his seat."I just got off the phone with my son," Victoria spat. "Care to explain why their design is moving forward?""Mrs. Stone, I—""Stop." She held up a manicured finger. "Do you know how much money I've invested in you? How many strings I pulled to get you on that panel?"Martinez tugged at his collar. "The head of the committee—""I don't care about the head of the committee!" Victoria slammed both hands on his desk. "When I put someone in position, I expect results. Do you know what happens to people who disappoint me, Martinez?""Mrs. Stone, please—""Ask Donald from Mason. Oh wait, you can't. He's working at a gas station in his hometown now." She leaned closer. "Nobody will hire him in this industry. Funny how that works, isn't it?"Martinez's face went pale. "I-I can still fix this.""You'd better. Because right now, your career is hanging by a thread." She straightened up, adjusting her cuscustom-made
Last Updated : 2024-11-13
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Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWELVE
"You have loads of nerve, don't you?" As Eliza's figure vanished beyond Zenith's glass doors.Isabella's mother muttered something under her breath. James Sr. responded, "Calm down," but there was little conviction in his voice. He stirred his coffee absently. "There is nothing to be gained by creating a scene here."“Calm down?” She snapped, throwing her napkin onto the table. “That ungrateful little—” She caught herself, looking at the surrounding tables where diners were beginning to take notice. She lowered her voice to a harsh whisper. “We brought her up! Took her into the fold like she was one of ours. And this is the thanks we get?”With an astonished look on his lips, James Jr, who had been drinking an expensive gin and tonic, sat back in his chair. "You didn't exactly act with good intentions when you did that, Mother, and I hate to tell you that. Let’s not rewrite history.”She shot him a warning look. “Don’t you dare speak to me like that?”James Sr. pinched the bridge of h
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN
Eliza couldn't sleep.How could she, when Jackson's entire apartment looked like some crazy rich person had exploded all over it? Not that she wasn't used to his place by now - God knows she'd spent enough time here while Richard thought she was at "pregnancy yoga." The thought made her smile as she snuggled deeper into Jackson's chest, his steady breathing usually enough to lull her to sleep.But not tonight.Maybe it was the millions in stolen goods scattered around them. Or maybe it was just that their son was at Maria's place. Although, JJ always slept better with Jackson around - probably because he was actually his father, not that Richard had ever figured that out, but they needed alone time."You're thinking too loud," Jackson mumbled against her hair, pulling her closer. Even half-asleep, he knew exactly how to hold her."Sorry, baby." She turned in his arms, pressing a kiss to his jaw. "Just worried about JJ.""He's fine. Maria's got him." His hands slid under her (his) t-sh
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TEN
Louis couldn't shake the feeling of déjà vu as he walked through the precinct door. It all felt like yesterday and a lifetime ago at the same time.The first person to spot him was Robin from records. Then Paul. Then Angela. One by one, they started clapping. Louis felt his ears grow hot as more officers joined in, some whistling, others calling out. "Welcome back, Detective.""Alright, alright, save some noise for the actual criminals!" The captain's voice cut through the applause. He stood in his office doorway, arms crossed, trying and failing to hide a smile. "Detective Louis. My office."Louis made his way through the crowd, accepting handshakes and back pats. Inside the captain's office, he couldn't help but smile at the memories that kept flooding his mind - back-to-back countless briefings and debriefing"Something funny, Louis?" Captain asked."Just thinking, Cap. Happy to be back." "Sit down, son," He said, closing the door. "It's nice to officially have you back. Not like
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINE
Jackson left with all that was given to him, and Eliza went back to grabbing whatever else she could find. That's when she saw it - a picture that had fallen behind Richard's desk. The one from that night they'd finally broken Isabella.She picked it up, a smirk playing on her lips as she remembered how Isabella had stood there, clueless about what was coming. Her own cousin, so trusting, so stupid. The glass was cracked now, right through where Isabella should have been standing."How fast things can go wrong?" Eliza traced the crack with her nail, remembering how Isabella had cried and begged her to tell the truth. Like she'd ever admit that getting Richard into bed had been the easiest part of her plan.“The strongest family now a laughing stock."All those family dinners, all those times Isabella had confided in her about her marriage problems. God, it had been almost too easy. And Victoria - she'd played right into Eliza's hands, doing the dirty work of destroying Isabella's repu
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHT
The patient's dog eats the fattest bone – or so they say. But sometimes, that patient dog might just starve to death waiting for scraps that never come. But that wasn’t the case for Eliza. Oh, no, Eliza was no ordinary dog. She watched, calculated, and planned. The bone had always been her target, fat and juicy, waiting just out of reach. She had endured Richard Stone's controlling behaviour, his condescension, and his family's thinly veiled disdain. And now? The universe had finally served her dinner on a silver platter, and she was ready to devour every last bite. Eliza lay back on her chaise lounge, her silk robe draped loosely around her. The morning sun streamed through the tall windows, hitting the marble floors in a way that could blind you if you looked directly at it—but that was the charm of having floor-to-ceiling windows in a Bali villa, wasn’t it?She couldn't stop scrolling through her phone, biting back the smile that threatened to take over her whole face. Her lip glo
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN
There was a buzz about the precinct that Louis hadn't experienced in a long time. Officers hurried back and forth, their footsteps resonating against the worn vinyl floors, as phones rang nonstop. Richard Stone's downfall had caused confusion, but it was the correct kind of upheaval, as if justice had finally found its feet.Louis couldn't help but lean forward on the bench near the holding cells, his hands clasped together as he watched the scene unfold. His suspension might have kept him from being in the thick of it, but wild horses couldn't drag him away now. Not when they were this close.The main doors swung open with a bang. Lieutenant Rodriguez strode in, flanked by two officers who had Richard Stone between them. Even in cuffs, Stone carried himself like he owned the place. His expensive suit was only slightly wrinkled, and that insufferable smug smile still played on his lips."Get him processed," Rodriguez ordered, his voice cutting through the noise. "Full intake. I want p
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIX
Tara could not sit anymore. She leaned back from her laptop, her mind was racing a million miles an hour as she paced back and forth across her kitchen floor. Holy shit. Holy. Actual. Shit. Oh my god, she thought. Human trafficking. And all these powerful people involved. They were way over their heads.Louis watched her from his seat, his fingers drumming lightly on the table as he gave her space to process. “What is the problem, Tara?” he finally asked.She spun around to face him, her eyes wild. “What is the problem?” she echoed. “Louis, this could kill us. You know that, right? Come on, let’s be realistic! I know we are happy we have this, but”She ran her hands through her hair for probably the hundredth time, making it look even more of a mess, but she couldn't care less right now. This is bigger than them and they need to face it. She began pacing again and gestured to the screen like it was a bomb about to explode. “This isn’t just a little dirt we can throw at Richard. This
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE
Louis nodded. “How is her dad?”“Pre-op tests all morning. Surgery's scheduled for two." Seth said, leaning against the hallway wall next to Louis. "Man, the chairs here are brutal."The sound of footsteps made them both turn. Tara walked towards them, holding a paper cup of what was probably the world's worst coffee. "Tara.” Louis’s voice cracked slightly, betraying the emotions he was trying to hold backShe froze for half a second, her grip tightening on the flimsy coffee cup. "Louis," she said back, her voice carefully steady, but her eyes told another story. They always did when it came to him.Seth looked between them, then cleared his throat. "I should...check on Isabella. My girl should be starving.” He squeezed Louis’s shoulder. “Text me if you need me.”The silence that followed felt heavy enough to touch. Louis’s eyes stayed on Tara as she lifted the cup to her lips, taking a small sip. Her nose wrinkled at the taste. It was such a small, familiar thing, but it hit him har
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR
No one spoke for what felt like forever. Barry stared at his daughter, his face pale. For a second, it looked like he might actually pass out. "My God," he whispered. "All this time, I thought..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "I was so wrapped up in my own problems, I didn't even notice you were in danger." "That's exactly why I didn't tell you," Tara said softly. "You had enough to worry about." Isabella stepped forward, unable to stay quiet any longer. "Tara, what exactly did you find? While you were investigating?" Tara glanced at her father, then back at Seth. "Remember we found financial records. Massive transfers through shell companies, money disappearing into offshore accounts and we all thought it was just standard corporate fraud, but..." She took a shaky breath. "The deeper I dug, the worse it got. These weren't just cooking the books – there were connections to weapons deals, human trafficking, drug cartels." Seth leaned against the counter, his expression gr
