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CHAPTER THIRTY TWO
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2024-11-05 17:28:13
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Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER THIRTY THREE
The elevator doors hadn't fully opened when Richard stormed out, his footsteps echoing through Stone Corps' executive floor."Richard, wait!" Eliza struggled to keep up. "You can't just leave me—""Find your way home," he snapped, already pressing the intercom. "Alice, emergency meeting. Everyone. Now.""But what's going—""Not now." He shook her off, barking into the intercom again. "I said everyone, Alice. Design team, project leads, everyone. Five minutes."Within minutes, they filed in like condemned men, fighting for the seats furthest from the head of the table. Eliza appeared in the doorway, breathless from trying to keep up with Richard's stride. She claimed her spot beside his empty chair, one hand protectively over her belly, the other scrolling furiously through her phone."What's this I'm hearing about Tuberose rejecting our designs?" His voice was deadly quiet. "Someone explain."Mark from the design team cleared his throat. "Sir, they've been... particular. They keep ref
Last Updated : 2024-11-06Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR
Isabella smoothed her hand over the curve-hugging dress as she stood in front of the mirror. Tonight, she wanted to be someone else, someone who lived fearlessly. She was about to leave when she ran into Seth in the hallway, and his eyes scanned her slowly, his gaze catching on every detail.“What’s going on?” Seth finally asked, his voice low and wary.“Going on?” she repeated, feigning nonchalance. “I’m just going out. To a club.”He arched a brow, clearly not buying her casual tone. “And you’re dressed like this because…?”“Because it’s a club,” she said, exasperated, already feeling her resolve wavering under his intense gaze. “What else would I wear?”“Isabella,” he said, a note of concern softening his voice. “This isn’t you. Is something going on? Do you need to talk?”“I’m fine, Seth,” she replied quickly, brushing past him. “I’m just… ready to start living a little. My Uber’s waiting, I need to go.”“At least let me drive you there,” he offered, grabbing his keys.“I’m a big
Last Updated : 2024-11-07Regrets 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 : 2024-11-12
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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
