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Natalie's Pov
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๋ฐ์ดํธ:
2025-01-23 01:43:05
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The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย The Stakeholders Meeting
The city rushed by the shaded windows while I reclined in my seat, releasing a soft sigh. Another day, another series of conflicts was anticipated at West Corporation. The challenge wasn't running the company, but rather dealing with the underlying power struggles that exhausted me. Gregory, specifically, possessed a skill for sabotaging me at every opportunity. The vehicle decreased speed as we neared the towering glass structure of West Corporation. It shimmered in the morning light, representing strength, opulence, and heritage. I adjusted my posture, flattening my blouse as the driver held the door open for me. "Good morning, ma'am," my assistant Stella welcomed me at the doorway, walking alongside me. "The stakeholders have already arrived in the conference room." Mr. Gregory is here too." "Naturally he is," I whispered quietly, my jaw clenching. I could already foresee the discreet insults and sly comments he would express. We stepped into the building, and I sensed the usua
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-23The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย Unexpected Encounter
I hung up the phone, clutching it firmly as a storm of feelings swirled within me. My thoughts surged as I attempted to concentrate, yet all I experienced was a blend of guilt, frustration, and anxiety. Jason had engaged in a fight to defend meโupholding my honorโagainst the rumors propagated by Gregoryโs deceitful methods. โStella, please cancel the remainder of my agenda for today,โ I said assertively while picking up my bag. Stella blinked in astonishment but quickly agreed. "Certainly, ma'am." "Is everything alright?" โNot really,โ I sighed softly, making my way to the elevator. โbut, I will take care of it.โ The descent was painfully slow. As I exited the building and got into the car, my thoughts were racing. Jason was only a kid. He shouldn't be facing the consequences of my struggles, but here he was, already trapped in the conflict. "West Elementary," I said to the driver, my voice tense with urgency. The roads faded away as we raced toward the school. I drummed my fing
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-30The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย The Chair, Coffee, and the Cracks in the Armor
I slumped into my chair, sensing as if the entire world had taken rest upon my shoulders. The comforting buzz of the office enveloped me, providing a sense of normality, but my thoughts raced with turmoil. This week has been nothing short of a storm. The outrageous gossip in the newspaper, Jasonโs eruption at school, and the troubling secret Mrs. Pat was concealingโeverything had worked together to deprive me of a complete nightโs rest. Even now, I sensed the weariness dragging at me like a weight. Stella walked into my office, holding a tray filled with coffee and croissants. I could hardly recall requesting them from her earlier, yet the scent alone caused my stomach to growl with excitement. With a smile, she set the tray on the edge of my desk, her dark curls bouncing a bit. "You appear as if you've just come through a battle," Stella joked, folding her arms while she leaned on the edge of my desk. I let out a soft laugh, moving a loose strand of hair away from my face. "You wo
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-30The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย Sweet Lies and Shared Moments
โIt's Natalie,โ I corrected, shaking her hand briefly and motioning for her to take a seat. "Are you the person overseeing the Evergreen Expansion project?" "Certainly," she answered, sitting neatly with her hands clasped. โI was given it six months prior.โ "Is there a problem?" I examined her closely, curious if she was as oblivious as she seemed. "Could you clarify why the records from previous years of the project are absent?" "And why is the budget losing funds without any noteworthy advancements to demonstrate?" Her eyebrows knitted together in what appeared to be true perplexity. "Previous years?" I was informed it was a recent initiative. I reclined in my chair, thinking about her reply. If she really believed this was a new undertaking, it might suggest that Gregory or another individual had intentionally concealed its beginningsโand possibly its intent. Pressuring her wouldnโt provide any valuable information at this moment. "I understand," I replied calmly, shutting the
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-31The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย Haux Project
"First, we have to measure out the ingredients," I said, taking a recipe book from the shelf. โMacarons revolve around accuracy.โ Jason nodded seriously as if I had just revealed the secret of existence. As we started our task, the kitchen resonated with the clatter of bowls, the buzz of the mixer, and Jasonโs constant flow of conversation. โMommy, did you know that macarons are French?โ he remarked while delicately sifting the almond flour. "I did," I responded, grinning at his excitement. "Did you know that Lucas mentioned he had some when he visited Paris once?" I paused for a brief moment before adopting a relaxed tone. "Did he really?" โYeah,โ Jason went on, unaware of my response. He mentioned they had a flavor reminiscent of clouds. โDo you believe ours will have a flavor similar to clouds?โ "I believe ours will be even more delicious," I remarked assuredly, tousling his curls. Jason chuckled and returned to his work, his small hands steady as he adhered to my guidanc
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-31The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย A Rainy Night
Upon arriving at my office, Stella was already present, sorting a pile of papers on my desk. She glanced up upon our arrival, her eyebrow-raising in intrigue. "What is happening?" Stella inquired, putting the papers down. "This young lady," I remarked, pointing in her direction, "was let go earlier today." "I must understand the reason." Everyone took a seat, the girl shifting anxiously in her chair. โBegin at the start,โ I encouraged her. "What took place?" She inhaled unsteadily. "I observed a few inconsistencies in the project documentation following our meeting yesterday." I believed it was important to notify them, so I approached my boss first thing this morning to inform her that the project may require suspension for additional evaluation. "And then?" I inquired, already anticipating where this was leading. โSheโฆ she didnโt handle it well,โ the girl went on. โShe became furious and stated that I was crossing my limits.โ She charged me with incompetence and asserted that
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-31The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย An Unwelcome Ride
"That's what we're attempting to understand," Stella remarked with a slight smile, giving his head a pat as he walked by her. Jason hopped up onto the couch, his little legs dangling as he gazed at us with big eyes. "You might be able to use Mrs. Patโs car." "Itโs quite old, yet it still functions." Stella laughed softly. "That's kind of you, Jason, but I doubt Mrs. Pat's car can reach Town B." I exhaled a breath, massaging my temples. โStella, did Gregory mention anything regarding why this event couldnโt be delayed?โ She nodded her head. "Not at all." Typical Gregoryโpulls a trick like this and leaves you to handle the consequences. "Certainly," I whispered, pressing his number once more. On this occasion, he answered. โNatalie,โ Gregory remarked, his tone frustratingly nonchalant. โWhy didnโt I get notified about this event sooner?โ I insisted, my tone strained. "Arrangements made at the last minute," he responded effortlessly. โYouโre aware of how it works.โ โAt the last
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-31The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย Stepping Into Chaos
The โdiscussionโ continued. Jason leaped from one subject to another, from his beloved TV series to his ideas for a hidden treehouse (which seemingly wasnโt hidden anymore). I attempted multiple times to interrupt him. "Jason, allow Mr. Lucas some peace and quiet." "He's the one driving," I remarked, hoping to make him feel guilty enough to be quiet. โItโs okay,โ Lucas replied calmly, keeping his gaze focused on the road. โIโm okay with it.โ "It's pleasant to have companionship." I stifled a groan, realizing I was losing the struggle. At one moment, Jason pulled on my sleeve. "Mommy, I have to go to the bathroom." "Why couldn't you have done that before our departure?" I whispered, even as I was searching for an appropriate stop. Lucas noticed a tiny rest stop in the distance and stopped. The moment the car halted, Jason rushed out, pulling me by the hand. As we stood in line for the bathroom, I squatted to meet his height. โJason, dear, you need to stop talking so much.โ Mr. Lu
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-31
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The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย The Escape โ Getting Out Without Being Seenย
โI swear to God, these vultures never sleep,โ Ethan muttered, peeking through the curtains. Outside, the front gates were swarming with reporters, their cameras flashing like tiny, desperate explosions in the dark. The murmur of frantic voices and shouting news anchors filled the air. A drone hovered overhead, circling like a mechanical hawk. I exhaled sharply, arms wrapped around myself. โItโs like Iโm some kind of fugitive.โ Lucas, standing beside Ethan, looked unimpressed. โWell, considering half the country thinks you bullied your assistant into attempted suicide and orchestrated corporate fraud, it tracks.โ I shot him a death glare.Ethan snorted. โJesus, Knight. You have the emotional intelligence of a brick.โ Lucas didnโt even look up from his phone. โIโm just saying, walking out of here isnโt an option.โ He wasnโt wrong. I clenched my fists, feeling my freedom slipping further away with each passing second. If we wanted to get out unnoticedโ We needed a di
The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย The Intruder โ Or So I Thoughtย ย
The house was silent. Until it wasnโt. I had been lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind too wired to even think about sleep when I heard itโ A thud. Then the softest creak of a floorboard. My breath hitched.I sat up immediately, heart pounding, listening as the faintest sound of movement came from downstairs. Reporters? No. They wouldnโt be stupid enough to break in.Then who? A kidnapper?The very idea froze my blood. I grabbed the first solid object I could findโ which, unfortunately, was a decorative metal candle holderโand crept toward the bedroom door. I pushed it open carefully, slowly, moving down the stairs on silent feet.My grip tightened around the candle holder.Then, just as I reached the living room, a dark figure moved. I swung. โWhat the hellโ?โ A strong grip caught my wrist mid-air, stopping my attack effortlessly. The familiar scent of woodsy cologne hit me a second before I recognized the voice. Lucas.โWhat the fuck, Natalie?โ H
The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย Nowhere to Hide ย
After days, the house was still for the first time. No arguing. No tension is dense enough to slice with a knife. No urgent gatherings regarding abductions, controversies, or corporate treachery. Lucas departed early to visit his mother, while Ethan answered a call and went upstairs. That resulted in me being isolated in the living room, sitting with my legs crossed on the floor, gazing at an unfinished chess match. I glared at the chessboard. "Bishop takes knightโฆ but then the rook moves, and Iโm trapped." Fitting. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. It didnโt matter anyway. My mind wasnโt on the gameโit was on everything else. The kidnapping. The threats. The scandal. My careerโmy entire lifeโfalling apart. I exhaled sharply, leaning back against the couch. How the hell had it come to this? Footsteps echoed down the hallway. A moment later, Ethan strode in, stretching as he flopped onto the couch beside me. "God, I needed that call," he groaned, rubbin
The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย Debating Solutions ย
The moment I hung up on Stella, my fingers were already dialing Granny West. She answered on the first ring. "Natalie." Her voice was as sharp as a blade, sending both relief and dread through me. I didnโt bother with pleasantries. โDid you see the news?โ "I did," she said, clipped, controlled. Too controlled. There was no outrage, no shockโjust an eerie, calculating stillness. My fingers tightened around the phone. โThe board,โ I exhaled. โThey voted me out, Granny. Suspended me.โ A pause. Thenโ"Iโll get to the bottom of it." I closed my eyes, exhaling shakily. โAnd Jason?โ "Heโs safe," she assured. "And he will stay that way." A weight liftedโbut only slightly. Because Jason might have been protected. But I wasnโt.The second I lowered my phone, I turned to face Lucas and Ethan. Both men stood like statues, unreadable, waiting for me to speak. โWhat do we do?โ My voice was sharp and straight to the point. Lucas exhaled, crossing his arms. โFirst, we cont
The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย When Chaos Knocks ย
The moment I hung up, I knew Ethan wouldnโt let this go.And I was right.Less than twenty minutes later, the sound of screeching tires echoed outside. I barely had time to brace myself before a familiar voice boomed through the house. โWest!โ Lucas and I both turned toward the front door at the same time. I barely had time to process before Ethan stormed in, looking like he was ready to murder someone. His eyes landed on me first, scanning me for injuries, like he still didnโt believe I was unharmed. Then, slowly, his gaze snapped to Lucas. And just like that, the temperature in the room dropped. Ethanโs jaw was tight, rigid with restrained fury. โYou really stayed here,โ he said, his voice lower nowโbut no less dangerous. I crossed my arms. โYes, Ethan.โ His gaze hardened. โYou shouldโve called me.โ Lucas, standing casually beside the counter, smirked over his coffee cup. โShe did,โ he said smoothly. โJustโฆ after me.โ Ethanโs eyes darkened.โYou think this is
The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย ย A Morning of Ghostsย
I woke up peacefully for the first time in a long time. No threats. No masked figures whispering cryptic warnings. No paparazzi flashing cameras in my face. Justโฆ silence.For a moment, I let myself pretend. That I wasnโt caught in a corporate war. That I wasnโt being hunted by shadows. That I wasnโt a woman who had lost everything. For a fleeting second, I was just Natalie.But then reality crept in.I exhaled, pushing the covers off. I didnโt belong here. Lucasโs house was too familiar, too foreign. Every corner of it whispered of a past I had tried to bury. In the past where I wasnโt Natalie West, CEO. The past where I was Natalie Knightโhis wife. As I walked down the hallway, my fingers brushed against the walls. I used to live like this. In a house too big for two people. With floors too polished and rooms too pristine. But back then, I didnโt feel out of place. Back then, this was my home. I used to wake up before him, slipping out of bed quietly to m
The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย The Return & Lucasโs Warning ย
The car slowed to a stop in front of my house, the quiet hum of the engine the only sound filling the tense space. For a moment, I didnโt move. I could still sense the heaviness of that voice, how it crept into my thoughts as if it had embedded something within meโsomething I couldnโt remove. I wet my lips, looking at the driver, my heart racing. He didn't even glance my way. Just reached across the console and unlocked the door.โYouโre home,โ he said, voice eerily neutral. I hesitated. Like nothing had happened. Like I hadnโt been kidnapped. Like I hadnโt been warned. Like I hadnโt just been pulled into a game I didnโt understand. My fingers trembled as I pushed open the door and stepped out. The night air felt too cold, too sharp against my skin. I turned back, my lips partingโto say what, I wasnโt sure. But before I could blinkโ The car was gone. No screeching tires. No roaring engine. Justโฆ gone. Like it had never been there at all. I stood frozen in plac
The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย The Wrong Destination
The car took a sharp turn, veering off the familiar road to my home and into a secluded area of the city. I stiffened. โThis isnโt my house,โ I blurted. โNo, it isnโt,โ he said flatly. Another turnโwe entered a covered parking lot. My stomach plummeted. Panic clawed at my throat as the car rolled to a stop. My last chance.I grabbed the door handle and yanked.Locked. I tried again, harder. Still locked. Oh, hell no.Before I could start screaming, the driver stepped out, rounded the car, and yanked my door open. "Out," he ordered. I stared at him. โWhat if I say no?โ His jaw twitched. "Then I'll carry you." I gasped. โThatโs rude! ThatโsโGod, *do you even know who I am? There are rules about this kind of thing! This isnโt how kidnapping worksโโ He exhaled sharply, clearly running out of patience. Before I could talk my way into more trouble, he grabbed my wristโ firm, but not brutalโ "Don't make this harder than it has to be," he muttered. My pulse po
The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Returnย ย ย Wrong Driver
The door swung open moments later, and Amanda strutted inโhead held high, completely unaware she was walking into a trap.She barely spared me a glance before flipping her hair over her shoulder and plopping down in the chair across from me. โYou called?โ she said, her voice bored. I folded my hands on the desk, studying her. โTell me, Amandaโฆ do you like working here?โ She blinked, clearly not expecting that. โExcuse me?โ โItโs a simple question,โ I said smoothly. โDo you enjoy your job?โ Amanda scoffed. โI wouldnโt be here if I didnโt.โ I hummed, tilting my head. โThatโs interesting. Because lately, it seems like youโve been more focused on certain extracurricular activities rather than your actual responsibilities.โ Her smirk wavered. โWhat are you talking about?โ I picked up my tablet and turned the screen toward her.The policy handbook glowed under the office lights. Specifically, the section on workplace relationships. Amandaโs face palmed instantly. I leane
