Share

Chapter 9

Author: Lauren
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-10 10:51:09
Caroline’s Point of View

"Caroline," he begins, his voice uncharacteristically tentative. "I want you to know... I didn’t hide my connection to Knoxx on purpose. I didn’t want to overwhelm you with my past, and, truthfully, I haven’t been in that family’s inner circle for years. Being Knoxx’s brother… it’s complicated.” He pauses, looking away as though gathering his thoughts. “Our father pushed me out of the picture a long time ago. I haven’t had a stake in the family business or influence over them in years.”

The sincerity in his tone makes my heart ache a little. Adrian has always been someone I could count on, especially recently, yet he’s been carrying the weight of his own complicated family history this whole time.

“I know you didn’t mean to hide anything, Adrian,” I say softly, hoping to reassure him. “And it’s not your fault. I don’t hold any of it against you.”

He offers me a small, grateful smile, but his expression grows serious again as he glances toward the door of the l
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter
Comments (1)
goodnovel comment avatar
bellatriks
So... I'm not believing for a minute that he slept with this Dolly chick BUT that 100% doesn't excuse his behavior of putting his wife second to whatever Dolly wants... nor does ir excuse his stupidity in believing that his wife cheated on him... with her father...
VIEW ALL COMMENTS

Related chapters

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 10

    Knoxx’s Point of ViewI hang up the phone, my hand lingering on the receiver as if it could somehow undo what just happened. Caroline wants a divorce. The words echo in my head, harsh and final, but I can’t wrap my mind around it. I never thought she would actually go through with it. Not Caroline.For years, she’s been there for me. Despite my coldness, my distance, she’s always stayed. She’s always cared for me, no matter how much I tried to push her away. She cooks for me, even when I tell her it’s unnecessary, that the maids can handle it. But she insists, saying something about wanting to be a wife who takes care of her husband. I didn’t understand it then. I thought it was just another way for her to fit into the role she was forced into—just like I had been forced into this marriage.I rub my forehead, trying to shake off the memories, but they keep flooding back. I can still feel her hands against my skin, pressing gently on my forehead when I was feverish after a long night o

    Last Updated : 2024-10-10
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 11

    Caroline’s Point of ViewI stare at the divorce papers on the kitchen counter, the crisp white pages mocking me with their emptiness. Weeks have passed, and Knoxx hasn’t signed them yet. I know he’s avoiding it, but I can’t help but feel trapped, like I’m stuck in this limbo, waiting for something that will never come. I can’t keep pretending like things are fine. We’re done.My phone buzzes on the counter, dragging me out of my thoughts. I glance at the screen and feel a surge of irritation. Dolly. She just can’t leave me alone, can she? She’s always been impatient, wanting things her way right when she demands them.With a sigh, I pick up the call, bracing myself for what’s about to come.“Caroline,” Dolly’s voice cuts through the silence, sharp and impatient. “What’s taking so long? Why haven’t you gotten divorced yet?”I blink, taken aback by her bluntness. No greeting, no small talk, just straight to her demands. Of course. She always gets right to it, like I owe her something.“G

    Last Updated : 2024-10-10
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 12

    Caroline’s Poin of View[Come home.]I glance down at my phone, seeing a text from Knoxx. My brows furrow as I read it again. Home? Why? The confusion lingers in my mind as I sit down on the edge of the bed, staring at the message. There’s no explanation, just a request, or rather, a command.A part of me wants to ignore it, to keep the distance I’ve been trying to build between us. But then I think about Grandpa. His birthday is today, and I know I’m doing this for him, not for Knoxx.Reluctantly, I reply, [I’ll be there.]When I arrive at the house later that day, I’m surprised to see a team of stylists waiting for me. One of them approaches with a warm smile, holding a bundle of clothes. “We’re here to help you get ready for the party, Mrs. Hamilton.”My confusion deepens. "It's just Grandpa's birthday. Why do I need all this?" I ask, looking around at the racks of dresses and trays of makeup.Knoxx steps into the room, his tall frame taking up space like it always does. "There wil

    Last Updated : 2024-10-10
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 13

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe loving couple we played fooled everyone, even Knoxx himself, who now looked like a devoted husband. His hand rests lightly on the small of my back, guiding me through the grand ballroom with ease, and his smile is warm and practiced, as though none of this is fake. To the guests, we’re the perfect picture of a happy couple, but I know the truth.Every glance he gives me, every small gesture, feels rehearsed. It’s all part of the act. The man beside me is the father of another woman’s child. My stomach churns at the thought, but I keep my face calm, offering smiles and polite nods. Tonight, none of this is for me—it’s for Grandpa.When we arrive at the dinner party, the grandeur of the venue hits me. The room is draped in golden fabric that glimmers under the light of massive crystal chandeliers, casting a warm glow across the tables adorned with pristine linens. Elaborate floral arrangements sit in the center of each table, and servers in black-and-white un

    Last Updated : 2024-10-10
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 14

    Knoxx’s Point of View“Wha…what did you just say, Karen?” Grandpa opens his mouth, but suddenly, his face drains of color. His hand shoots to his chest, and his breathing becomes ragged. He looks like he’s about to collapse, as if he’s having a heart attack.“Grandpa!” My heart stops for a second, panic gripping me as I watch him struggle.“Grandpa, calm down!” Caroline notices the change in Grandpa too. Her eyes widen with alarm, and she rushes toward him. “Take deep breaths. It’s okay.”I can see the worry in her eyes, and I know she’s thinking about what mom just said. Then, she turns her head to me. Her expression hardens and confuse. She swallows hard and speaks, “Knoxx, maybe we should just tell him now… he deserves to know.”“No!” I reach out to grab her arm, urgency flooding my voice. “Not now, please. Let’s not do this for now.”Grandpa's breathing grows more uneven, and he grips the table for support. “What is happening? Knoxx, Caroline—what are you two hiding from me?”I l

    Last Updated : 2024-10-10
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 15

    Caroline’s Point of ViewI sit in the car, my heart still racing after everything Knoxx just told me. I can’t believe what I’ve just heard, and yet, the way he looked at me—desperate, almost broken—makes me want to believe him. But after everything we’ve been through, trusting him feels like stepping onto thin ice."Caroline, please," Knoxx says quietly, glancing at me from the driver’s seat. "I just need you to understand. I never wanted to hurt you."I lean my head against the window, fingers fidgeting with my phone. The memory of Dolly’s articles and their implications lingers like a shadow I can’t shake.I nod slowly, unsure of what to say. Part of me wants to scream, wants to ask why he didn’t tell me all of this sooner. But another part of me—the part that still loves him—wants to believe him. That part feels foolish, but it’s there, clinging to the hope that things could still change."I just don’t understand," I finally say, my voice edged with frustration. "Why didn’t you tell

    Last Updated : 2024-10-10
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 16

    Caroline’s Point of ViewIt’s Saturday, and my hands tremble as I adjust my dress for the hundredth time in front of the mirror. Today is supposed to be a turning point—Knoxx is finally going to meet my dad. The knot of nerves in my stomach tightens, but there’s a flicker of excitement too. For once, I have a chance to prove myself, not just to my dad but to myself as well.I glance at my phone, seeing a message from my father:[When will the young master come? Should I take out my fine china to entertain him?]The sarcasm in his words stings. He’s never been a fan of Knoxx, and his mocking tone makes it clear that he still doesn’t think highly of him. I grit my teeth, typing back a reply.[We’ll be there soon, Dad. Please just give him a chance.]I hit send, determined not to let his doubt ruin this day. Today isn’t just about Knoxx meeting my father—it’s about proving that this misunderstanding won’t define us. Once the air is cleared, I know we’ll be happy again.Knoxx walks into th

    Last Updated : 2024-10-10
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 17

    Caroline’s Point of ViewI step into my father’s office, the heavy wooden door creaking slightly as it closes behind me. The room feels cold and imposing, just as I remember it—lined with towering bookshelves and dominated by the massive mahogany desk in the center. My father doesn’t look up right away, his pen scratching against paper as he finishes whatever task has his attention.When he finally glances up, his piercing gaze lands on me, dissecting me in an instant. “So,” he says, leaning back in his chair. “What brings you back here, Caroline? Should I take out my finest china to entertain the young master, or is this a solo visit?”I square my shoulders, ignoring the sarcasm that drips from his words. “I lost,” I admit, my voice steady even as the admission slices through me. “I’m going to divorce him.”He sets his pen down, folding his hands neatly on the desk. “Ah,” he says, a bitter smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “The last time you appeared in this office, you wanted

    Last Updated : 2024-10-21

Latest chapter

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 180: The Warehouse

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe air is damp and cold. My skin sticks to the back of the chair I’m tied to, my wrists aching where the ropes cut into them. There’s a dull throb at the base of my skull—probably from being knocked out—but it’s nothing compared to the twist of fear in my chest.I don’t know how long I’ve been here. There are no windows in the warehouse, just faint light from a single flickering bulb above me. I keep waiting for someone to come in. Waiting for anything—another voice, footsteps, even a cough.But it’s been hours. Or maybe minutes. I can’t tell anymore.I test the ropes again. They’re tight. No give. My ankles are bound too, and the chair creaks every time I shift.Liam.The thought of my son rushes in like a knife. What if I never see him again? What if he wakes up tomorrow and I’m not there? What if no one tells him what happened? What if he grows up thinking I abandoned him?I breathe through my nose, trying to stay calm. If I break down now, I won’t think s

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 179: The Search

    Adrian’s Point of ViewI can’t feel my legs as I stand in the middle of Caroline’s bedroom, staring at the chaos left behind. Her phone is still on the floor, screen cracked. Her scent lingers faintly in the air. Lavender and something sweet. Her wine glass is still in the sink. The blankets are twisted, half hanging off the bed. The small signs that she was just here. Alive. Safe. Real.And now she’s gone.I report her missing to the police. My voice shakes, but I keep it together long enough to give them every detail I know. They dispatch officers and promise to send someone over right away. I don’t wait for them to show. I head back to the living room and pace. My phone buzzes with notifications—calls I made, texts I sent, all unanswered.I call Penelope.She picks up, groggy. “Adrian? What’s wrong?”“Is Liam with you?”“Yes, of course. He’s asleep. Why?”“Don’t let him out of your sight,” I say tightly. “Caroline’s gone. Someone took her.”Penelope gasps. “What? Are you sure—”“I

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 178

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe room is quiet, save for the faint hum of the night. The curtains shift gently with the breeze slipping through the slightly cracked window. I’m curled under my blanket, drowsy but content. My cheeks are still warm from the wine Adrian and I shared earlier. He walked me home, held my hand the whole way. When I tried to pull him into something more, he kissed my forehead instead and told me I deserved more.God. The man is too kind. Too patient.I roll over and glance at the clock. 1:47 a.m.I should sleep, but my heart’s still fluttering from that soft look in his eyes when he said goodbye. The way his thumb brushed my knuckles. The way he hesitated before walking away, like he didn’t want to.And then—A sound. A soft creak.I freeze.At first, I think I imagined it. But then it comes again. Louder this time.The floor marbles in the hallway. I know that sound.My entire body goes rigid. I sit up slowly, heart racing so loud it drowns out everything else.

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 178

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe room is quiet, save for the faint hum of the night. The curtains shift gently with the breeze slipping through the slightly cracked window. I’m curled under my blanket, drowsy but content. My cheeks are still warm from the wine Adrian and I shared earlier. He walked me home, held my hand the whole way. When I tried to pull him into something more, he kissed my forehead instead and told me I deserved more.God. The man is too kind. Too patient.I roll over and glance at the clock. It’s 1:47 a.m.I should sleep, but my heart's still fluttering from that soft look in his eyes when he said goodbye.And then—A sound. A soft creak.I freeze.At first, I think I imagined it. But then it comes again. Louder this time. The floorboard in the hallway. I know that sound.I sit up slowly, heart racing. My hands instinctively reach for my phone on the nightstand. My breath catches.Penelope has Liam tonight. They planned a little movie night at her place. I thought I’d

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 177

    Caroline’s Point of View“Caroline, are you really going to keep staring at the same three dresses?” Penelope stands behind me, arms crossed as I flip through my closet for what feels like the hundredth time.“I’m not used to this,” I murmur, fingers grazing a pale blue silk dress. “It’s been… years.”“You’ve gone to galas looking like a queen. You’ve pitched to billion-dollar investors without blinking. And now you’re freaking out over one date?” She raises an eyebrow and snatches the blue dress from the rack. “Wear this.”I look at it, then at her. “Is it too much?”“No. He asked you out. It’s your first real date in—God knows how long. And Adrian’s not the type to judge. He’ll be looking at your face the whole time anyway.”My chest tightens. “That’s what scares me.”Penelope softens. “You like him.”“I do,” I whisper, barely admitting it to myself. “And it’s not just gratitude.”“I know.” She hands me a pair of earrings. “Now sit, I’ll do your makeup.”Adrian is waiting just outsi

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 176

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe shop is unusually quiet this morning.No tinkling bell from customers entering. No chatter from Penelope rearranging the displays. Just the soft whirr of the heater and the gentle clinks of tools on glass.My eyes aren’t on the silver chain I’ve been trying to polish for the last thirty minutes. They’re not even on the sketchpad beside me, where a new pendant design waits to be finished.They’re on him.Adrian.He’s sitting at the far end of the worktable, inspecting a few invoices I’d asked for help with—focused, calm, and... completely unaffected.He flips through the pages like it’s the most natural thing in the world, brows slightly furrowed, lips pressed into a firm line. His jaw flexes every time something catches his attention. I know that look. I’ve seen it before. But today—today it’s different.He hasn’t looked a

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 175

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe wine goes down smoother than I expect.It’s the third glass, maybe the fourth—I’ve stopped counting. I know I shouldn’t drink this much on a weekday, especially after such a long meeting, but the private dinner room is warm, the lighting is soft, and Adrian’s sitting across from me in a dark dress shirt with the top two buttons undone like he doesn’t know what it’s doing to me.He probably does. He’s too aware of everything.The restaurant is quiet now. Our supplier left an hour ago, and somehow we’re still here, lingering over half-empty glasses and the remnants of dessert. I should get up. I should say goodnight, thank him for being the calm, professional man he always is. But I don’t. I just keep looking at him.And he keeps looking right back.I set my glass down. My fingers brush against the stem a second too long."You always look like

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 174

    Caroline’s Point of ViewBy the time I make it to the office, my head’s still spinning from last night.I didn’t expect to sleep well, and I didn’t. Not because of Knoxx—he’s finally out of my system—but because of everything I said, everything I finally let go of. There’s a strange kind of peace in knowing you’ve drawn a line and meant it.It still feels new.I’m halfway through sorting orders when I hear the click of shoes approaching. I look up just in time to see Alessandro leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, grin already tugging at his mouth.“There she is,” he says. “La mia bella designer.”I raise a brow. “It’s nine in the morning.”He shrugs. “Beauty deserves a greeting, even at ungodly hours.”I shake my head, smiling despite myself. “Do you ever turn it off?”He steps inside, the

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 173

    Caroline’s Point of ViewIt’s almost midnight by the time I step outside.The air is cold, but I welcome it. After the day I’ve had—the press conference, Dolly’s performance, the recording—I need a second to breathe. My head’s still buzzing from the adrenaline. My hand still feels tight around the phone, even though I put it away hours ago.I step into the empty parking lot behind the building. Adrian’s inside talking with the last few reporters. I told him I needed a moment alone.Now I’m regretting that.I hear the sound before I see him. Shoes scraping against pavement. Heavy steps.I turn slowly.Knoxx.He’s standing just a few feet away, in the shadows near a lamppost, his hands in his coat pockets. His tie is loose, jacket wrinkled. There’s something off in his posture—tense, like a man clinging to what little pride he has left.“You wait

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status