공유

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

작가: Kayiora
last update 최신 업데이트: 2024-11-01 19:54:54

CHAPTER 27

Seth stood in his office, studying the certificate on his desk. He'd waited for this moment - planned it, even. His fingers traced the embossed seal as his assistant hovered in the doorway.

"The papers arrived at 3:47 PM, sir," he said. "Would you like me to have them messengered to Miss Rivera?"

"No." Seth slipped the documents into a leather portfolio. "Clear my evening meetings."

Walking into his house later, Seth found Isabella exactly where he expected - curled up on his couch with her laptop, immersed in her latest design project. She didn't look up immediately, focused on adjusting the structural elements on her screen. Nobody takes their job more seriously than someone who has a lot to prove.

You're home early," she said, fingers still across the keyboard.

"I am." He set his briefcase down carefully, keeping the portfolio behind his back. "Could you take a break?"

Something in his tone made her look up. "Seth? Is everything okay?"

"More than okay." He approached sl
잠긴 챕터
GoodNovel에서 계속 읽으려면
QR 코드를 스캔하여 앱을 다운로드하세요
댓글 (1)
goodnovel comment avatar
Bindu Thomas
I am sure her family has found a match to sell her to!
댓글 모두 보기

관련 챕터

  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

    Isabella sat still, her mother's words still ringing in her ears. The phone slipped from her shaking hands and hit the table. Three days. They expected her to survive three days of their poison."Here." Seth's voice was gentle as he pressed a glass of water into her hands. She had not even noticed him move to the kitchen."They want me there for the whole weekend." Her laugh was hollow.So..." Seth's voice was gentle. "Are you going?"Isabella took a shaky sip of water. "I have to go.""No, you don't." Seth knelt in front of her, his eyes fierce. "These people threw you to the wolves once. They will do it again.""That is exactly why I have to go." Isabella set the glass down with a sharp click. "If I skip this family event, they would paint me as the evil ex-wife who can not handle seeing them happy. The poor, bitter woman who lost everything." Her voice cracked. "I am tired of being their cautionary tale."Seth’s expression softened. “I understand wanting to reclaim your narrative,

    최신 업데이트 : 2024-11-02
  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

    Once they reached their room, Isabella waited until Seth unlocked the door before whispering, "I'll pay you back for the room.""Absolutely not." Seth's voice was firm but kind as they stepped inside. "Consider this my thank-you for rescuing me from another weekend of work files. I needed a break, even if it's an... unconventional one.""Seth—""Isabella." He turned to face her, his expression gentle but determined. "You're doing me a favor. When was the last time I actually took a weekend off?"She gave a small laugh. "Fair point. You're basically a workaholic.""See? You're saving me from myself." His eyes crinkled with amusement. "Though I have to admit, this wasn't exactly what I had in mind for my first vacation in months."“I'm sorry," she whispered, looking down. "About all of this. About dragging you into my mess. About the room situation."Seth's arms came around her, solid and steady. "Stop apologizing. I'm exactly where I choose to be." He pulled back slightly, meeting her

    최신 업데이트 : 2024-11-03
  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER THIRTY

    The sound of shattering glass echoed through Eliza and Richard's hotel room. "Are you even listening to what I am saying?" Eliza's voice trembled. "Or are you too busy thinking about how cozy and loved up they looked in the elevator?" Richard stood by the window, his jaw tight. "Do not start." "Start? Start what? Tell me Richard. I saw how you looked at her. Like you are dying of thirst and she is the last drop of water on earth." Eliza's laugh was bitter. "And here I am, carrying your child, watching you pine over a woman who could not—" "Enough!" Richard spun around. "You are being—" "What? Paranoid? Hormonal?" She cradled her belly protectively. "I saw you flinch every time she laughed at his jokes. The great Richard Stone, reduced to watching his ex-wife move on while his pregnant lady is right beside him.“ "I do not want to have this conversation." "Of course you do not! Because God forbid we talk about how you are still hung up on her while I am growing your baby inside m

    최신 업데이트 : 2024-11-04
  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

    "Hey," James caught them just outside the bar, glancing between Isabella and Seth. "Before you head up – there's a breakfast thing tomorrow. For Dad. Eight AM sharp."Isabella nodded. "Thanks for letting us know.""Well, someone had to," James shrugged, already walking away. "Since you're not exactly in the family group chat anymore."Seth waited until James was out of earshot. "You okay?"Isabella turned to him, a genuine smile breaking through her exhaustion. "More than I could have imagined." Her voice softened. "Thank you. For being here.""Always."The next morning, the private dining room buzzed with forced cheer as servers arranged platters of fresh fruit and pastries. Isabella's father sat at the head of the table, looking uncomfortable with all the attention."A toast," Isabella's mother announced, raising her glass. "To my darling husband, and all our loved ones gathered here." Her eyes pointedly skipped over Isabella. "Especially those bringing new life into our family."El

    최신 업데이트 : 2024-11-05
  • Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back   CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

    "You’re right mom," James's voice carried that perpetual note of superiority, "we should all go. This whole breakfast was clearly a mistake.""The only mistake," Isabella muttered, "was expecting anything different.""What was that?" Her mother's eyes narrowed."Nothing." Isabella reached for her water glass, hands trembling slightly. "Just wondering why we're still pretending this is about Dad's birthday.""And here comes the attitude." James rolled his eyes. "Can't you just behave for once?""Behave?" The word tasted bitter. "Like you…”"Isabella," her father's warning was soft but clear. "Not today.""Then when?" She set down her glass carefully, too carefully. "When exactly is it appropriate to discuss how this family works? Or should I just keep smiling while you all fawn over the people who—" She caught herself, breath hitching."The people who what?" Her mother's voice turned sharp. "Go on, Isabella. Say it. The people who actually bring joy to this family instead of constant d

    최신 업데이트 : 2024-11-05
  • 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

    최신 업데이트 : 2024-11-06
  • Regrets 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

    최신 업데이트 : 2024-11-07
  • 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

    최신 업데이트 : 2024-11-08

최신 챕터

  • 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

앱에서 읽으려면 QR 코드를 스캔하세요.
DMCA.com Protection Status