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Chapter 107

Penulis: Lauren
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-02-20 14:53:21

Dolly’s

Point of View

I

scroll through my phone, tapping my fingers on the screen as I read the

announcement for the jewelry design competition in Italy. A sneer forms on my

lips. This company? I've never regarded them highly. They boast about their

tradition and craftsmanship, but they don't stand out to me. Yet, the

competition is reputable, and the media attention is extensive. It’s the sort

of opportunity that could transform someone’s life.

Not

that I need them to change mine. I’m already the best. But I need leverage. I

need a reason for Knoxx to finally take the next step.

I turn

my head slightly, stealing a glance at him from across the room. He’s sprawled

on the couch, his arm draped casually over the back as he watches my daughter

play with one of her toys. This moment should fill me with warmth, but instead,

I feel a surge of frustration.

It’s

been years. Years since Caroline left. Years since I came back. And yet, he

still refuses to marry me. Still refuses to make ‘our’ f
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  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 108

    Caroline’s Point of ViewI take a step back and look over the shop,pride swelling to the surface of my chest. The glass display cases, recentlyinstalled, shine with gentle light, and walls boast decorations of equally goodtaste carefully selected to enhance the classy image I had envisioned. My ownjewelry studio at last appears to be coming together. It has not been easy andI know there is more to come, but seeing it all begin to come together fills mewith hope.Tomorrow, I will have a soft opening, alow-key announcement to inform people that my brand is here. I don't want a biglaunch—just a steady, solid beginning. My work will speak for itself, and Ibelieve in it enough to know it will.But my happiness does not last long.The instant the front door is flung open, arough looking of men enter. There are three of them—tough-looking,leathery-clad, and with the odor of smoke about them. There is one, the tallestone, with a scar down the left side of his cheek. He advances fo

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-21
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 109

    Caroline Point of ViewThe next day, I arrive at my shop early, expecting another day of long hours of cleaning up and fixing the mess of the day before. But when I emerge onto the sidewalk, I am stopped. The walls that had been defaced with vulgar graffiti just yesterday are spotless. The crude words spray-painted across my store’s sign are gone, as if they were never there. Even the sidewalk, which had been littered with trash, looks freshly cleaned.I blink, confused. Did the city workers clean it up? No, that wouldn’t make sense. There’s no way they’d work that fast for a single shop.Then, I hear it.“Miss Hill, we are truly sorry!”I turn sharply toward the voice and see the same group of men from yesterday—the ones who had demanded a protection f*e. The same gangsters who had laughed when I told them I wasn’t paying them a single cent. But now, instead of smug arrogance, they look… terrified.One of them, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, actually bows. “We had no

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-21
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 110

    Caroline’s Point of ViewI arrive at the studio bright and early next day, filled with resolution to get started on the work at hand. With the competition close by, I need to make each second count.I give myself wholeheartedly to my work-drawing new sketches and adjusting the wonderful details of my latest designs and overseeing the completion of a number of custom pieces. Time slips by unnoticed as I take a deep plunge into work and only become conscious of the way it passes when the sun dips.I think I am going to finish up for the day, but the sanctuary of the studio is abruptly broken by the hurried sounds of small rushing footsteps and the door being swung open."Mommy!" My son calls as he rushes into my room and beam with excitement at my sight. Adrian follow closely behind him and his tall figure blocked the doorway.I couldn't help but be astonished by the very unexpected arrival of Adrian. "Adrian?"He shrugs. "I thought I'd come and pick you up."But there is a slight bite

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-23
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 111

    Caroline’s Point of ViewMy breath catches in my throat as I look at Adrian, my son’s words still ringing in my ears. The weight of Liam’s declaration—his innocent but heartfelt wish—hangs between us like a delicate thread, waiting to be acknowledged, waiting to be addressed.Adrian kneels down so that he’s eye level with Liam, his expression gentle but serious. “Hey, buddy,” he says softly, reaching out to ruffle Liam’s hair. “That’s a really big thing to say.”Liam nods eagerly, his small hands gripping the hem of my coat. “But it’s true! You pick me up from school, you take care of Mommy, and you even buy me ice cream. Isn’t that what daddies do?”I open my mouth to say something—anything—but nothing comes out. My chest tightens. I should tell Liam that it’s not that simple, that calling someone a father isn’t just about ice cream and school pickups. But I can’t bring myself to say it, not when Adrian is looking at Liam with such warmth, not when Liam is looking at him like he’s th

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-23
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 112

    Caroline Point of ViewI have hardly any free time these days as I try to manage a studio, take care of Liam, and get ready for an upcoming competition. The moment I drop Liam off at kindergarten each morning, it is pure chaos in the studio for me. Ongoing work on new sketches, ordering new materials, test pieces to be shaped-everything clamors for my attention, and I hardly have my breaths in between. Yet there is no better satisfaction than realizing my dreams and doing what fascinates me.Thank God for Penelope, who always comes from under her busy schedule to assist me whenever she can. She brings me lunch so that I can take a break; she tells me to sleep. Whatever it may be, she's always there to remind me, and her presence is what helps me stay sane and keep myself on track in this stream of chaos."This is definitely not the way to win a competition," she says for the umpteenth time as she sets a bowl of soup on my desk before leaving.Giving a loud exhale, I set my sketch asid

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-24
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 113

    Knoxx‘s Point of ViewI barely look up from my laptop when Dolly struts into my office, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. I already know she wants something. Dolly never shows up without an agenda."Did you hear?" she starts, plopping down into the chair across from me without an invitation. "The International Jewelry Design Competition is coming up."I exhale sharply through my nose, still typing. "And?"Dolly leans forward, eyes sparkling with excitement. "And it’s the perfect opportunity for me! I’ve already submitted my designs, and I know I’ll make it to the finals."I finally look up, unimpressed. "You seem awfully confident.""Of course I am," she says, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "You saw my latest collection. It’s groundbreaking."I don’t comment. I don’t care about jewelry or competitions, but I know Dolly’s ambition won’t let her drop this topic easily. She’s been obsessed with making a name for herself ever since she came back into my life. I d

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-24
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 114

    Knoxx Point of ViewAdrian's gaze shifts abruptly, his earlier relaxed expression giving wayto a more guarded and hardened look. However, this fleeting moment of surpriseis quickly replaced by a smirk as he casually reclines against the bench,crossing his arms on top of it.With a drawl in his voice, Adrian addresses me as though we are oldacquaintances unexpectedly crossing paths. "Well, well," he begins,his tone teasing. "Look who we have here. Knoxx Wayne, gracing the streetsof Italy. Who would’ve imagined?"Feeling the tension rise, my jaw clenches as I respond firmly,"Adrian."He cocks his head slightly, feigning a once-over appraisal of myappearance. "You seem different. The passage of time hasn't beenparticularly kind to you, has it?" A broader grin appears on his face."You appear... worn out, old and… stressed. It appears that taking on morethan you can handle has its consequences."Ignoring his attempts to provoke a reaction, I maintain a steady gaze,silently obse

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-24
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 115

    Dolly‘s Point of ViewI watch as Adrian walks away, hand in hand with that boy, Liam. Knoxx is tense beside me, his jaw clenched so tightly I swear I can hear his teeth grind. His hands are shoved into his pockets, but I can see the twitch in his fingers. He wants to punch something—maybe Adrian, maybe the wall, maybe even himself.I take a slow breath, schooling my expression into something soft, something understanding. Then, I step closer, slipping my hand through his arm, pressing against him. "Knoxx, don’t let him get to you," I say gently, tilting my head so I can meet his dark, storming eyes. "You know how Adrian is. He just wants to make you angry. And that boy—his son—he’s probably the same as him. Like father, like son. You shouldn’t take anything they say seriously."Knoxx exhales sharply, his eyes still trained on the direction Adrian disappeared. "That kid..." he mutters, voice low.I feel my breath catch. Something about his tone sends a ripple of unease down my spine. "

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-24

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  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 160

    Caroline's Point of ViewI sit on the couch, my fingers touch the edge of my glass creating a soft clink that breaks the quiet between Adrian and me. My brain can't stop, ideas colliding as I look at Adrian, who sits across from me. His face gives nothing away, his body seems at ease, but I know better. I understand him more deeply. Something always hides under the surface with him.The impact of this revelation hits me hard making breathing tough. For years, I clung to that memory—gripped it like a lifeline during my marriage's worst times, as if it proved Knoxx could do something good, something unselfish. But it wasn't him. It was Adrian.I let out a slow breath before I break the quiet. "Adrian," I begin, my voice gentler than I meant it to be. "The watch... that day... you saved me, didn't you?"Adrian looks at me, his dark eyes calm hard to read. He doesn't answer right away, which makes my heart race with suspense.After what seems like forever, he sits back on the couch drummi

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 159

    Caroline’s Point of ViewI hesitate for a moment before knocking on Liam’s bedroom door, the soft sound barely audible in the quiet hallway. My fingers tighten slightly against the wood as I wait for a response. When none comes, I push the door open gently, peeking inside.Liam is curled up on his bed, his small frame illuminated by the glow of his nightlight. The soft, star-shaped light casts a faint pattern against the walls, a comforting presence in an otherwise heavy atmosphere.He doesn’t look at me when I enter.Instead, he stares at the ceiling, his brows furrowed in deep thought, his little hands gripping the blanket tightly. The sight makes my chest ache. I know that look—I’ve worn it too many times myself.Something is eating at him.I take a slow step forward, keeping my voice gentle. “Hey, buddy,” I say, sitting on the edge of his bed. “Uncle Adrian said you came home upset today. Want to talk about it?”Liam’s reaction is immediate. His small shoulders tense, and he shake

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 158

    Caroline’s Point of ViewAs expected, Adrian’s entire demeanor shifts the moment his gaze lands on Alessandro. His usual cool confidence falters just enough for me to notice—the sharp furrow of his brows, the slight clench of his jaw, the way his shoulders stiffen like he’s bracing himself for something.Jealousy.It hums in the air between us, subtle but unmistakable.He steps forward, his movements controlled but laced with something tense, something taut and restrained. “Who’s this?” His voice is steady, but there’s a bite to it, a careful edge that makes my stomach flutter for reasons I don’t want to analyze too deeply.Alessandro, ever the charming one, doesn’t seem the least bit fazed. He offers a small smile, tilting his head as he introduces himself. “Alessandro Luca Romano,” he says smoothly, his Italian accent thick and effortless. “Caroline’s newest employee.”I can practically feel the heat of Adrian’s gaze as he shifts his attention to me, questioning, searching for somet

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 157

    Dolly’s Point of ViewThe moment Knoxx mentions that our stay in Italy is only temporary, a sharp pang slices through my chest. I have always known this wasn’t permanent, but hearing it so plainly from his lips makes my stomach churn. It isn’t just about me anymore. My daughter loves it here.And I can’t say no to her.“Mommy, please,” she whines, tugging on the hem of my designer dress with her tiny hands. Her big, pleading eyes glisten as she looks up at me, her bottom lip jutting out in an almost perfect pout. “I don’t want to go back. I love it here. Italy is so much prettier than home! The people talk funny, but I like it!”I stroke her soft curls, my heart squeezing. She is my world, my perfect little angel. How can I deny her anything?I kneel in front of her, smoothing out the frills of her dress as I speak softly. “I know, sweetheart. Mommy loves it here too. But Daddy—” I hesitate, my lips pressing together. The words feel heavy, like they don’t belong in my mouth. “Daddy th

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 156

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe moment he speaks, I know I’m in trouble."I saw your job posting," he says, his deep, smooth voice laced with something effortlessly charming. "I’d like to apply."Penelope grips my wrist hard under the counter, and I barely suppress a wince.This man—this Italian god—is exactly the type of employee that would drive my customers crazy. And I don’t mean bad crazy. I mean good crazy. The buy-everything-in-the-store-just-to-see-him-smile kind of crazy.He's got a boyish charm, younger but still undeniably handsome. Tall and lean, he carries himself with effortless confidence, the kind that turns heads without trying. His dark brown hair is tousled in that perfect mix of careless and intentional, and his sharp, well-defined features make it impossible to look away.But it's his eyes that truly draw you in.A deep, warm hazel—alive with mischief, edged with something both playful and a little dangerous.He tilts his head, and I realize I’ve been quiet for too l

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 155

    Caroline’s Point of ViewWinning the competition should have been the hardest part.I pour everything into my designs, fighting against sabotage, betrayal, and every possible obstacle thrown my way. Yet, standing in my boutique weeks later, watching the steady stream of customers come and go, I realize something.The real battle has just begun.Success has turned into an exhausting whirlwind. My inbox is constantly flooded with custom orders, my phone never stops buzzing with inquiries, and every time I sit down, another customer walks in needing assistance.At first, the rush of it all is exhilarating. Now? It’s just exhausting.Penelope leans against the counter, arms crossed, watching me struggle to balance three jewelry boxes while answering a customer's question. "You need help," she says, unimpressed."I’ve got it," I insist, shifting my grip.I do not have it.One box slips, and in my panic to catch it, the others follow.With a loud clatter, all three hit the floor.Penelope s

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 154

    Caroline’s Point of ViewI grip my bag so tightly my fingers start to cramp. But I don’t loosen my hold. I don’t dare. Because if I do, I might lose my grip on more than just the bag—I might lose my grip on myself.My mind is still a storm of emotions, a violent whirlwind that refuses to settle, refuses to let me breathe. I replay every word of that kindergarten disaster, every sharp remark Dolly threw at me like knives, aiming straight for the parts of me she knew were already bruised."A child raised without a real father is bound to be unruly.""No wonder Knoxx replaced you."My jaw clenches, my teeth grinding together.How dare she?How dare she stand there, smug and victorious, as if she has some moral high ground over me?Dolly—the woman who stole my designs, my husband, and now wants to act as if she has the right to look down on me?The very thought of it makes my blood boil.I should have said more. Should have ripped her down from that pedestal she’s so desperate to stay on.

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 153

    Caroline’s Point of View The call from the kindergarten comes when I’m in the middle of reviewing some design sketches. "Ms. Hill," the teacher's voice is tight with concern. "I'm sorry to bother you, but there's been… an incident with Liam." My heart stops for a second. I grip the phone tighter. "What happened?" The teacher sighs. "There was a disagreement between the children. Some of the kids… well, they were saying that Liam has no father. Another child defended him, but it escalated into a physical altercation." My breath catches. Liam. They bullied him again. I inhale sharply, trying to control the sharp sting in my chest. "Who defended him?" A pause. "Bryan." I blink, stunned. Bryan? Lorenzo’s son? That… that doesn’t make sense. Bryan had always been distant towards Liam, not outright cruel, but he never stood up for him either. So why now? I shake off the confusion, focusing on what’s important. "Is Liam hurt?" "No, but we need to address this

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 152

    Knoxx’s Point of ViewThe moment Dolly steps into my house, holding our daughter in her arms, I feel nothing.Absolutely nothing.I stand there, watching as she moves past me with her usual bright, expectant smile, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor like she already owns the place. She looks around, her eyes lighting up, as if she’s envisioning the future she’s always wanted—the future she thinks she’s about to have.I should feel something.Satisfaction, maybe.Relief, even.But instead, there’s only this dull, suffocating weight in my chest, this gnawing emptiness that refuses to go away no matter how hard I try to convince myself otherwise.This was supposed to make me feel better.I brought them here for a reason.To prove a point.To show Caroline that I didn’t need her. That I moved on. That I had a family now, a woman who stayed by my side instead of walking away.But the moment I saw her face twist with that cold, indifferent expression, the moment she looked

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