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Chapter 27

Penulis: Lauren
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-11-29 11:29:05

Caroline’s Point of View

Knoxx strides into the office, and the hum of conversation comes to an abrupt halt. His presence alone commands attention, and the energy in the room shifts as if everyone can feel it. Eyes dart toward me, wide with surprise, then back to him. It's not every day the King himself walks into my space unannounced, especially when we’ve been avoiding each other for weeks. My coworkers exchange nervous glances, whispering under their breaths, clearly unsettled by his sudden appearance.

I sit up straighter, determined to keep my expression neutral, even as I feel a prickle of anxiety creep up my spine. My pulse quickens, and I grip the edge of my desk just a little tighter. This is the last thing I need right now—another confrontation with Knoxx. Especially here, where everyone’s watching.

Knoxx doesn’t bother acknowledging the stares or the whispers. His sharp, focused gaze is locked on me, and with every step he takes, the air seems to thicken. His broad shoulders
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  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 28

    Caroline’s Point of ViewKnoxx stands up straight, rubbing the back of his neck. “Caroline, I need some time to think about this.”I nod, crossing my arms. “I understand. You can take until the final round of the competition. But I want you to be clear about what I’m asking.”“Right. I get it.” He looks away, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. “It’s a lot to process. I’ll think about it. Just give me some time.”“Time is all I can give you.” I take a deep breath, then step up. “I’ll leave you to it.”With that, I step out of his office, leaving him alone with his thoughts.When I get home, I check my phone out of habit. Almost immediately, I see it—the flood of notifications from social media, articles, and comments. My heart sinks as I notice Dolly’s name is trending again. Curious, I click on one of the links to see what the latest fuss is about.There it is—a flashy PR release with Dolly front and center, glowing in front of the cameras like she owns the spotlight. The headline scr

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-29
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 29

    Caroline’s Point of ViewWhen I see Lisa standing at my office door, her face is flushed with guilt and worry. She’s clutching her phone tightly in her hand, eyes darting around like she’s looking for the right words to say.“Caroline,” she begins, her voice shaky. “I saw the PR release.”I already know what she’s talking about. The flashy article showcasing Dolly as the "most beautiful and talented jewelry designer." The way they paint her as some kind of creative genius, a rising star in the industry. And the photos—Dolly front and center, wearing the ruby necklace that Knoxx had auctioned for me.Lisa steps inside, her eyes filled with guilt. “I—I went to Dolly,” she stammers. “I tried to get your design back. I couldn’t just stand by and let her take credit for your work.” Her hands are trembling now. “But she fired me, Caroline. She threw me out without even listening.”For a moment, I can’t speak. My chest tightens with anger, but not at Lisa. No, my frustration is entirely rese

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-29
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 30

    Dolly’s Point of ViewI sit back in my chair, scrolling through the comments on my latest PR post, feeling a rush of satisfaction. They’re calling me “the most beautiful and talented jewelry designer,” “the perfect match” for Knoxx. I see comment after comment about how Knoxx and I look great together, how we make such a powerful couple. I smile to myself, imagining how perfect my life will be once all of this falls into place. Each comment strokes my ego, making me feel like I’m exactly where I deserve to be.I lean back in my chair and close my eyes, replaying the last few months in my mind. Everything has been leading up to this moment. But it wasn’t always like this. There was a time when I almost lost it all.I had Knoxx wrapped around my finger, but back then, it wasn’t enough. I craved more. More money, more prestige. Knoxx was successful, yes, but there was another man. I met an old, rich, charming, powerful man—he had promised me the world. So, I left everything behind to be

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-29
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 31

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe stack of divorce papers stares at me from across the room. Every time I look at it, I feel the weight pressing down on my chest. It should be simple. Just sign my name, walk away, and finally free myself from the mess of being Mrs. Wayne. I’ve already made up my mind not to take a single penny from Knoxx or his family—not that I want anything from them.But it isn’t that simple.I’ve been telling myself for weeks that I’m ready to move on. That I deserve better. That I’ve had enough of Knoxx’s lies, his betrayals, and the toxic web his family has spun around me. And yet, here I am, frozen in place, unable to sign those damn papers.Knoxx sits on the opposite side of the room, his face unreadable as he scrolls through his phone. He’s been like this since I brought up the divorce—calm, detached, and frustratingly silent. It’s like he’s waiting for me to make the first move, to give up and walk away without forcing him to face any consequences.I glance at th

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-17
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 32

    Caroline’s Point of View“If you’re so desperate to end thismarriage,” Knoxx says, his voice steady but with a faint edge of challenge,“then sell the beach house.”The words hit me like a slap. I freeze,feeling my chest tighten with something I can’t quite describe—anger,frustration, and an ache that cuts deep. Sell the beach house? The very thoughtof it feels like a betrayal to everything we once were. That house wasn’t justa place; it was where I had believed, even for a brief moment, that we could behappy.But now, standing here, I know that Knoxxdoesn’t understand what it means to me. But I can’t just walk away from it. Ican’t make it that easy.I swallow hard, my fingers gripping theedge of the table as I force myself to look at him. “I’m not selling it,” Isay, my voice quieter than I mean it to be. But I stand by it. That house isthe last piece of something real, something I’m not ready to give up.Knoxx’s expression shifts just slightly,amusement flickering in his

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-17
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 33

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe morning sunlight filters through thecar window as we approach the beach house. My chest tightens with anticipation,the waves of nostalgia already lapping at my thoughts. This house held so many memories—momentsI had carefully buried but now seem intent on resurfacing.As Knoxx parks the car, I take in thefamiliar sight of the house. Its pale blue shutters and wraparound porch lookjust as they did when we first arrived here after our wedding. The salty breezecarries the faint cries of seagulls, and the rhythmic sound of the wavescrashing against the shore fills the silence between us.Knoxx steps out of the car and moves to thetrunk to retrieve our bags. I stay seated for a moment, letting the memorieswash over me. Our honeymoon. I thought it would be the start of everythingperfect between us. Back then, I believed this house symbolized a dream—apromise of the life we would build together.“Caroline,” Knoxx calls gently, pulling meout of my thou

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-17
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 34

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe morning sunlight streams through the large windows of the beach house, painting the room in warm gold. I’m sitting on the edge of the bed, the soft breeze from the ocean brushing against my skin. Knoxx stands across from me, his gaze intent. There’s a vulnerability in his eyes that I haven’t seen before, and it disarms me just enough to let him speak.“Caroline,” he begins, his voice steady but filled with an undertone of desperation. “Before we go any further, I need to ask for something… something I know I don’t deserve.”I cross my arms, my guard firmly in place despite the lingering warmth of our shared memories from the day before. “What is it, Knoxx?”He exhales deeply, running a hand through his hair. “One last chance.”I blink, stunned. “What?”He steps closer, closing the distance between us, but I don’t move. My heart pounds in my chest, each beat like a warning bell.“I know I’ve made mistakes—more than I can count,” he says, his voice softening.

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-17
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 35

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe following morning, I wake up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore. The warmth of the sunlight filters through the curtains, casting golden streaks across the room. The events of the previous night replay in my mind—Knoxx’s promises, his touch, and my momentary surrender. A strange mix of regret and hope weighs heavily on my chest as I pull myself out of bed and head downstairs.The scent of coffee greets me before I reach the kitchen, and for a brief second, I assume Knoxx has made it. But as I step into the room, I freeze. Sitting at the counter, her back perfectly straight, is Dolly.“Good morning,” she says, her voice dripping with smugness. Her perfectly manicured nails tap lightly against the ceramic mug in her hand as she sips her coffee.“What are you doing here?” My words come out harsher than intended, the shock and unease coursing through me.She sets her cup down, her lips curling into a smile. “I was in the area and thought I’d drop

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-18

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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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