Home / Romance / The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return / The Failing Project That Won’t Die 

Share

The Failing Project That Won’t Die 

last update Last Updated: 2025-02-11 04:53:37

The gentle scrape of a crayon on paper resonated in the stillness of my office. Jason sat with his legs crossed on the floor, bent over his newest creation, his tongue just peeking out as he focused.

I attempted to concentrate on the figures before me, my fingers moving smoothly over financial statements, yet my thoughts felt sluggish. The dinner that occurred two days prior. Gregory's arrogant expression. The dangers loom over me like a dark storm.

“Mommy?”

Jason’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

“Hmm?” I murmured, still scanning the documents.

“Why do people keep trying to take your things?”

My pen froze mid-stroke.

Slowly, I looked up, my heart skipping a beat. Jason wasn’t looking at me—he was still coloring, his small hands carefully shading in the outline of a house. The innocence in his voice made the question hit harder.

I swallowed. “What do you mean, sweetheart?”

Jason shrugged, still focused on his drawing. “Like Uncle Gregory. And those men who say bad th
Locked Chapter
Continue Reading on GoodNovel
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return   Lies and Warnings 

    When I got home, fatigue enveloped me as if it were a second layer of skin. The day had dragged on, packed with lies, control, and a headache that had taken residence behind my eyes like a bothersome visitor. However, as soon as I entered the room, Jason rushed over to me."Mother!" He threw himself into my embrace, holding me closely. I embraced him in return, pressing my face into his gentle hair. "Hello, darling." “Did you act well today?” Jason pulled back and nodded eagerly. “I practiced my handwriting! Granny helped.” I glanced toward the sitting room, where Granny West was seated in her usual chair, a cup of tea in hand. Her sharp eyes were already on me, studying me like she always did—assessing, calculating. I sighed, giving Jason a soft pat on the back. “Go grab your notebook. I want to see your hard work.” Jason beamed and scurried off. I walked over and sank into the chair across from Granny West. The warmth of home did little to ease the tension coiling in my s

    Last Updated : 2025-02-11
  • The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return   A Line Too Blurred  

    I walked into the boardroom with Stella right behind me, her presence a steady anchor as I prepared for the inevitable confrontation. The tension in the air was immediate, thick, and suffocating. The board members—men and women who had once feigned neutrality—sat stiffly in their leather chairs, their gazes cold and unreadable. The usual whispers of greeting, the polite nods—gone. Gregory sat at the far end of the long table, his fingers tapping lazily against the polished wood, his expression nothing short of pleased. I pulled my shoulders back and took my seat at the head of the table, locking eyes with each member before finally settling on Gregory. “I’m here to discuss the project I ordered to be shut down,” I said coolly. “Yet, despite my direct orders, it’s still bleeding funds. I’d like an explanation.” Gregory leaned forward, his smirk widening. “Oh, we’ll get to that,” he said smoothly. “But first, we need to address something more pressing.” A man to his left

    Last Updated : 2025-02-11
  • The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return   A Night of Celebration, A Reminder of Danger  

    I let out a sigh, massaging my temples as I closed my laptop. The office was almost vacant, with the final employees trickling out, leaving the soft hum of computers and a faint aroma of coffee lingering in the atmosphere. Facing me, Stella wore a smile, arms folded as she leaned on my desk. “Let’s go,” she urged, leaning her head in the direction of the door. “For a change, let’s acknowledge that Gregory *didn’t* fly you alive today.” I breathed out gradually, observing the documents that remained unread. "I wouldn't describe it as a victory." "Actually, I would," she retorted, snatching my coat from the back of my chair and throwing it at me. “And that implies we consume beverages.” I caught it, hesitating. “Stella, I have a—” “No.” She cut me off, hands on her hips. “For the love of everything holy, Natalie, you’re coming with me, and you’re going to have one drink. One.” I sighed. “Fine. One drink.” Stella beamed. “That’s my girl.” Natalie’s POV – A Drink, A Dance, A

    Last Updated : 2025-02-14
  • The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return   Roses, Lies, and a Trap I Didn’t See Coming 

    Dragging myself into my office felt like a monumental task. My head throbbed with every step, the sharp pain behind my eyes a cruel reminder of why I didn’t drink often. I tossed my bag onto the desk and collapsed into my chair with a sigh, pushing my sunglasses further up my nose as if that would block out the harsh office lights. Just as I considered whether dying would be less painful than this hangover, my office door creaked open. “Tell me you have coffee,” I muttered, not even bothering to look up. “I have something better than coffee,” came Stella’s far-too-chipper voice. I groaned, lifting my head just enough to see her waving a flash drive like it was a golden ticket. I squinted. “Unless that contains a cure for alcohol poisoning, I don’t want it.” Stella smirked. “Nope. Intel.” That got my attention. I sat up, rubbing my temples. “What kind of intel?” “The kind that’ll make you really wish you had that coffee.” She plugged the drive into my laptop, and th

    Last Updated : 2025-02-27
  • The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return   A Night That Turned Sour  

    I squared my shoulders, masking the unease creeping up my spine, and forced a smirk onto my lips. “I was just freshening up,” I lied smoothly, stepping past Lucas toward the door. Lucas didn’t buy it. Of course, he didn’t. He fell into step beside me, his long strides easily matching mine, his sharp gaze never leaving my face. “Should I be concerned that I always find you two together?” he drawled, the amusement in his voice doing nothing to mask the edge underneath. I rolled my eyes. “That’s none of your business.” Lucas hummed. “That sounds like a yes.” I huffed. “It’s not.” “Mm.” He didn’t sound convinced. “Funny. You used to tell me everything.” The words hit harder than they should have. I clenched my jaw and kept walking, refusing to let him drag me into whatever game he was playing. “Really, why are you here, Lucas?” He sighed as the answer itself exhausted him. “My mother insisted.” I smirked. “So you’re suffering through the night.” Lucas chuckled, sha

    Last Updated : 2025-02-27
  • The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return    A Chase Through the Shadows 

    Lucas POV The moment the masked men disappeared into the night, Ethan and I took off after them. The streets were dark and near-empty, the quiet hum of the city an eerie contrast to the chaos unfolding. I caught a glimpse of a shadow slipping into an alleyway. “There!” I growled, sprinting forward. Ethan was right behind me, his breathing steady. “You take left—I’ll cut them off from the main road.” I didn’t argue. I veered left, darting between buildings, my shoes pounding against the pavement as I locked onto my target—the leader. He was fast, but I was faster. I reached for him, grabbing the back of his jacket—He twisted sharply, slamming a fist into my ribs. Pain shot through my side, but I barely flinched. I retaliated immediately, slamming him against the brick wall. “Who sent you?” I demanded, my grip tightening. The man laughed, a low, distorted sound beneath the mask. “You’ll find out soon enough.” I had zero patience for cryptic bullshit.I pulled ba

    Last Updated : 2025-02-27
  • The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return   A Trap of My Own Making  

    Lucas stood by his car, his usual composed mask firmly in place, but something about his stance was too rigid, too tight. “Where are you heading?” I asked, adjusting my coat. Lucas’s eyes flickered toward me briefly before he focused on straightening his cuffs. “To see my mother.” Ethan let out a low whistle, smirking. “Ah, right. Wouldn’t want to keep the Queen waiting.” Lucas’s jaw tensed. Ethan, of course, noticed immediately.“Dutiful as always,” he drawled, crossing his arms. “Tell me, Knight—do you ever do anything without her approval? Or are you still playing the role of the perfect son?” Lucas’s grip on his car door tightened for half a second before he masked it with a sharp exhale. I saw it. Ethan saw it. He had struck a nerve. Lucas met Ethan’s gaze, his voice cool, composed—but laced with something colder underneath. “At least I know where my loyalty lies.” Ethan’s smirk didn’t falter, but something flickered behind his eyes. Tension crackled between

    Last Updated : 2025-02-27
  • The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return   The Morning That Shouldn’t Have Happened  

    The first thing I noticed was the smell. Rich coffee, warm pancakes, something savory sizzling in a pan. The second thing I noticed was that I wasn’t in the chair. My eyes snapped open. I was in a bed. Not mine. Not just any bed. Ethan’s.Panic flickered through me until I realized I was still fully dressed in his sweatshirt. The blanket had been tucked around me at some point in the night, and my chair—the one I distinctly remembered falling asleep in—was empty. My jaw clenched. That manipulative little_ The sound of plates clinking pulled my focus. I sat up, shoved the blankets off, and stormed into the hallway.The scent of breakfast grew stronger as I stepped into the sleek, modern kitchen. And there he was. Ethan Sterling, half-naked and making pancakes like he belonged in a goddamn cooking show. His sweatpants sagged on his hips, his back muscles contracting with each easy motion.He tossed a pancake with one hand, barely looking as it landed flawlessl

    Last Updated : 2025-03-02

Latest chapter

  • The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return   The Escape – Getting Out Without Being Seen 

    “I swear to God, these vultures never sleep,” 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. “It’s like I’m some kind of fugitive.” Lucas, standing beside Ethan, looked unimpressed. “Well, considering half the country thinks you bullied your assistant into attempted suicide and orchestrated corporate fraud, it tracks.” I shot him a death glare.Ethan snorted. “Jesus, Knight. You have the emotional intelligence of a brick.” Lucas didn’t even look up from his phone. “I’m just saying, walking out of here isn’t an option.” He wasn’t wrong. I clenched my fists, feeling my freedom slipping further away with each passing second. If we wanted to get out unnoticed— We needed a di

  • The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return   The Intruder – Or So I Thought  

    The house was silent. Until it wasn’t. I had been lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind too wired to even think about sleep when I heard it— 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 wouldn’t be stupid enough to break in.Then who? A kidnapper?The very idea froze my blood. I grabbed the first solid object I could find— which, unfortunately, was a decorative metal candle holder—and 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. “What the hell—?” 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.“What the fuck, Natalie?” H

  • The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return   Nowhere to Hide  

    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 knight… but then the rook moves, and I’m trapped." Fitting. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. It didn’t matter anyway. My mind wasn’t on the game—it was on everything else. The kidnapping. The threats. The scandal. My career—my entire life—falling 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 Return   Debating Solutions  

    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 didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Did you see the news?” "I did," she said, clipped, controlled. Too controlled. There was no outrage, no shock—just an eerie, calculating stillness. My fingers tightened around the phone. “The board,” I exhaled. “They voted me out, Granny. Suspended me.” A pause. Then—"I’ll get to the bottom of it." I closed my eyes, exhaling shakily. “And Jason?” "He’s safe," she assured. "And he will stay that way." A weight lifted—but only slightly. Because Jason might have been protected. But I wasn’t.The second I lowered my phone, I turned to face Lucas and Ethan. Both men stood like statues, unreadable, waiting for me to speak. “What do we do?” My voice was sharp and straight to the point. Lucas exhaled, crossing his arms. “First, we cont

  • The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return   When Chaos Knocks  

    The moment I hung up, I knew Ethan wouldn’t 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. “West!” 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 didn’t believe I was unharmed. Then, slowly, his gaze snapped to Lucas. And just like that, the temperature in the room dropped. Ethan’s jaw was tight, rigid with restrained fury. “You really stayed here,” he said, his voice lower now—but no less dangerous. I crossed my arms. “Yes, Ethan.” His gaze hardened. “You should’ve called me.” Lucas, standing casually beside the counter, smirked over his coffee cup. “She did,” he said smoothly. “Just… after me.” Ethan’s eyes darkened.“You think this is

  • The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return    A Morning of Ghosts 

    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. Just… silence.For a moment, I let myself pretend. That I wasn’t caught in a corporate war. That I wasn’t being hunted by shadows. That I wasn’t 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 didn’t belong here. Lucas’s house was too familiar, too foreign. Every corner of it whispered of a past I had tried to bury. In the past where I wasn’t Natalie West, CEO. The past where I was Natalie Knight—his 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 didn’t 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 Return   The Return & Lucas’s Warning  

    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 didn’t move. I could still sense the heaviness of that voice, how it crept into my thoughts as if it had embedded something within me—something I couldn’t 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.“You’re home,” he said, voice eerily neutral. I hesitated. Like nothing had happened. Like I hadn’t been kidnapped. Like I hadn’t been warned. Like I hadn’t just been pulled into a game I didn’t 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 parting—to say what, I wasn’t sure. But before I could blink— The car was gone. No screeching tires. No roaring engine. Just… gone. Like it had never been there at all. I stood frozen in plac

  • The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return   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. “This isn’t my house,” I blurted. “No, it isn’t,” he said flatly. Another turn—we 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. “What if I say no?” His jaw twitched. "Then I'll carry you." I gasped. “That’s rude! That’s—God, *do you even know who I am? There are rules about this kind of thing! This isn’t how kidnapping works—” He exhaled sharply, clearly running out of patience. Before I could talk my way into more trouble, he grabbed my wrist— firm, but not brutal— "Don't make this harder than it has to be," he muttered. My pulse po

  • The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return   Wrong Driver

    The door swung open moments later, and Amanda strutted in—head 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. “You called?” she said, her voice bored. I folded my hands on the desk, studying her. “Tell me, Amanda… do you like working here?” She blinked, clearly not expecting that. “Excuse me?” “It’s a simple question,” I said smoothly. “Do you enjoy your job?” Amanda scoffed. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.” I hummed, tilting my head. “That’s interesting. Because lately, it seems like you’ve been more focused on certain extracurricular activities rather than your actual responsibilities.” Her smirk wavered. “What are you talking about?” 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. Amanda’s face palmed instantly. I leane

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status