Share

36: Busted and Refused

Author: Tarina
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-08 02:48:53

[Lincoln]

“Welcome home, Mrs. Sawyer,”

I say, my voice calm yet firm, startling Arella as she turns to see me seated on the dark leather couch, illuminated only by the soft amber glow of the fireplace.

The large living room seems even bigger in the dim light, with the fire casting moving shadows on the marble floor.

The staff retired to their quarters early today because I wanted to spend some quality time with my wife.

Imagine my shock when I didn’t see her home—no texts, no calls. I went a little paranoid—not that she needed to know that, though.

“Heyy…Lincoln,” she replies in an awkward voice, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the strap of her handbag.

My lips twitch, and I fight back a smile.

I’m supposed to be angry, but I guess I can’t—not when she looks like an adorably stunned hamster, her wide eyes shimmering under the soft light.

Keeping my voice flat, I continue with a practiced stoic face, “The driver tells me you declined his offer to take you out.”

My tone is even,
Locked Chapter
Continue Reading on GoodNovel
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    37: The New Vice President

    [Arella]The dim light from the bedside lamp fills our cozy bedroom with a soft, golden glow. The air smells faintly of lavender from the candles on the nightstand filling the silence between us. Lincoln’s shoulders slump, and my heart drops for some reason."I'm sorry," the words come out as a whisper, barely audible."You don't want to work with me?" His voice is low, tinged with disbelief.Deciding against lying, I nod truthfully, and he chuckles sadly, the sound hollow and distant."Can I at least have a reason? You declined it without going through it all" His gaze is steady."It's not what you're thinking, Lincoln. It's just that…it wouldn't be right handing me the position of Chief Officiating Officer of Sawyer Group," I explain, feeling my fingers tremble slightly."With your numerous qualifications, nobody would say a word even if I make you the CEO, Arella. Tell me the real reason." His voice tightens just enough to make my chest constrict.I swallow, reaching out to hold

    Last Updated : 2024-12-08
  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    38: Lunch With Wifey

    [Lincoln] "I wanted to see my wife," I reply, unashamed. Arella rolls her eyes. "You saw me this morning," she retorts, her tone clipped but playful. I shake my head slowly, holding her gaze. "Doesn't matter. Had lunch yet?" She flushes, her lips twitching with guilt. "Would you believe a yes?" "I wouldn't," I reply, my jaw tightening at her carelessness. "Get in," I command firmly, my voice leaving no room for argument. "What? Now? I’m at work, you know," she protests, exasperated but already moving toward the car. I give her a pointed look. With a resigned sigh, she slips into the passenger seat, smoothing her skirt with jittery fingers. Reaching into the back seat, I grab the small flask of food and place it in her hands. Her eyes brighten instantly, a spark of joy softening her tense features. "You got me food?" she asks, her voice rising with surprise. "Hmm." I hum, savoring her reaction. Before she can say more, I grab her chin with controlled intensity and press my li

    Last Updated : 2024-12-08
  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    39: The Mall

    [Arella]The weekend rolls by, and despite how drained I feel from my first week at Chanax, I’m excited to see my sister again.The car pulls up, its engine purring softly as it comes to a stop. Without waiting for Lincoln, I push the door open and step out, my shoes crunching against the gravel.“Careful,” he says behind me, his tone carrying a mixture of amusement and mild exasperation. I don’t even have to turn around to know he’s shaking his head at me.The camp air wraps around me, warm and inviting, with the faint scent of pine and freshly turned earth wafting through the breeze. The soft hum of nature fills my ears, broken only by the occasional chirping of birds. Beautiful birds flit between the trees, their bright colors streaking against the dense greenery.Tucked away in the busy city, this camp feels like a sanctuary—a place of hope for children with MDD. My heart swells at the thought of seeing Ava again, of being able to hold her.“Ava!” I squeal, excitement bubbling in

    Last Updated : 2024-12-09
  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    40: Back To Sqaure One

    [Arella]Turning my worried eyes away from Ava, who looked like she'd seen a ghost, I turn to none other than Deric. The air feels thick, like something heavy is about to drop, and it settles in the pit of my stomach. I swear, it’s like fate is always playing a cruel joke on me, making me cross paths with this scumbag at the worst possible time.I scoff immediately, the sound sharp and biting, as I feel the blood rush to my face in anger. "Why can't I be here? Is the mall yours?" He smiles smugly, his lips curling into a mocking grin. "I should be asking you this same question. I'm here to get an engagement ring for my soon-to-be wife, Vivian."He emphasizes her name like it’s some kind of victory. Like I should care. “Not like you would know anything about that”, he adds, the jab aimed right at me…I don't even know if I should call this a jab though, seems pathetic.My smile turns brighter, forced but sharp. "Well, my husband closed down the mall for today. It'd be in your best in

    Last Updated : 2024-12-10
  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    41: Sly Foxes

    [Arella]The hot summer sun beats down, its harsh rays bouncing off Mr. Malcolm's bald head. I sit up straighter, tilting my head to avoid the glare coming through the open window. The office feels warm, with the AC struggling to keep the heat at bay.“What is the matter, Mr. Malcolm?” I ask calmly, masking my irritation.“Oh, please, cut that bullshit, young lady!” he snaps, his voice sharp and abrasive, echoing through the quiet office.I arch a brow, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. Funny how bold he is now that Bridget is out on business. His audacity is as suffocating as the humid air hanging heavily in the office.“I'll ask again, Mr. Malcolm. What is the matter?”He storms forward and slams a crumpled piece of paper on my desk, his thick fingers trembling with barely restrained rage.“This! This is the matter! What do you think of yourself, eh? That you can just come here and change the order of things? My project with the Ames finances will not be cut off the vision board,

    Last Updated : 2024-12-11
  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    42: Tampered

    [Lincoln] The ambiance of the 7-star Michelin restaurant is almost suffocatingly posh, reeking of old money and self-importance. Crystal chandeliers dangle from the high ceiling, their cold light shimmering off gold-accented walls. The faint hum of soft classical music seeps into the room, blending with the clink of fine cutlery and quiet murmurs of privileged patrons. Why Clement Thompson chose this particular restaurant for a simple lunch is beyond me. It feels like I’ve walked into a live-action display of "Who’s the Richest?" “Right this way, Mr. Sawyer.” A lady with a crisp British accent, dressed in an immaculately tailored suit, leads me through the maze of lavishly decorated tables to a private room. The air is thick with the scent of aged wine and freshly baked bread. Seating in front of Mr. Thompson, I relax my posture, though every instinct tells me to be on guard. His sharp, calculating eyes study me like I’m both a challenge and a prize he intends

    Last Updated : 2024-12-12
  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    43: A Raspberry?

    [Lincoln] "W-what?!" Arella lets out a startled gasp. "H-how did it happen?" "I don't know," I say, trying to keep my cool despite the storm brewing inside me. "I'm going to need you to calm down, baby. Can you do that for me?" "Lincoln…" she starts, fear widening her eyes, her breath coming in shallow pants. "Please, Ella," I plead, my eyes flicking back to the road as the car swerves dangerously. There's a large field coming up. It's fenced, but that isn't going to be a problem—not if I can help it. "Are your seat belts on?" I ask, my voice tight with controlled urgency. Her watery eyes meet mine. "Lincoln… I'm scared," she admits, trembling. The car jerks violently, nearly spinning out of control. Despite my calm façade, my head pounds with a thousand chaotic thoughts. Nothing must happen to them. Nothing. "Are your seat belts intact, Arella?" I ask again, firmer this time. She nods with a sob, clutching her seatbelt tightly as if it could anchor her to safet

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13
  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    44: Blacklisted

    [Deric] "What do you mean you're canceling the deal? This is unacceptable, I–hello? Hello?!" "Fuck!" I snap, slamming my fist against the polished oak conference table, the sharp sound reverberating across the room. The board of directors seated across from me flinch, their faces pale and tense. "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" My breathing quickens, chest tightening. "We're losing everything! How did this happen?" My voice cracks with desperation. "W-we have no clue," one of the men stammers, beads of sweat gathering at his temple. "It's as if we're intentionally being blacklisted by some force." His words send a chill down my spine. Blacklisted? By who? Why now? "What does that even mean?" I respond sharply, my voice cutting through the stifling air. "This issue isn't confined to San Diego—our suppliers and recruits are terminating contracts across the entire state of California!" How is it possible that no one wants to work with Ames Finances? The company I built with blood, swe

    Last Updated : 2024-12-15

Latest chapter

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    82: AB negative

    [Lincoln]My drive to the hospital is a blur of passing speed limits and tightly coiled tension. Zach has been texting me updates every five minutes—says she's fine, says she's getting first aid, says she didn’t suffer any major injuries, says she’s okay. But I’ll believe that when I see it. When I see her.A photo of the explosion was forwarded to me, and I grit my teeth so hard I can almost feel them cracking. When I find out who did this... Dread fills me at the thought of what could’ve happened if I hadn’t reinforced all my vehicles with impact-resistant designs. The thought of losing her gnaws at my mind, sharp and unrelenting. She could’ve been gone. Just like that. The universe seems to enjoy tossing curveballs at me—like it lives to stir up trouble, to see how much more I can take before I snap.“Where’s she?” I ask immediately, stepping out of the car and tossing my keys to Zach.“At the highest floor, sir. Getting her treatment,” he says.I nod gravely, my footsteps carryi

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    80: Odette

    [Arella]Twenty minutes earlier.Pushing open the car door, the acrid smell of smoke fills my nostrils. My legs tremble beneath me, shaky and unsteady, as I step out into the chaos. A dull ache pulses in my head like a relentless drumbeat. The driver exits too, a small gash on his forehead oozing blood. Relief floods me as I see he’s otherwise unharmed.“Madam, are you okay?” His voice is frantic, his eyes wide with panic.“Yes, yes, I’m fine. The car?” I mutter, brushing off his worry as I briskly approach our vehicle.Our car seems almost untouched, only minor scrapes visible. But the other car... it’s a crumpled wreck, metal twisted and mangled as if it were paper. The stark contrast makes my stomach churn.A cough breaks through the heavy silence, dragging my attention to the smashed vehicle. Then it hits me—there are people in there.“There are people inside!” I yell, panic lacing my voice as I race toward the wreckage. My driver hurries behind me, and together we struggle to pry

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife     80 Accident

    The whole feel of Sawyer estate changes as soon as my car pulls up to the curb. The air feels thicker here, a stale, heavy weight pressing down like it's been waiting for me. My long, heavy steps echo through the quiet, each one carrying me closer to what feels like an inevitable confrontation. I barely nod at the staff's greetings, too focused, too restless, as I make my way upstairs. My mind races, an angry storm brewing inside me.I turn quickly at the top of the stairs, pushing open the door with little care. The heavy wood groans in protest."S-sir," the Albert stutters, his voice high-pitched with anxiety. He’s startled, practically jumping out of his skin, when I push open the inner tea room. The sound of the tray he’s holding crashing to the floor."Where's she?" I growl at him and he looks back up at me, stunned."Don't act fucking dumb today, Albert. Open that door."My voice comes out cold, too calm for the anger that roils under the surface. I want to choke the life out o

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    79: Crashed

    [Arella]"What's wrong?" Lincoln pulls me closer, his strong arms encircling me like a fortress. My head finds solace against his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat grounding me."She's getting better, Linc. She's actually getting better." My voice cracks with emotion, and my fingers clutch at his shirt as if holding onto this moment will make it last forever.I feel his smile, warm and reassuring, as his jaw rests gently on my forehead."Is that why you're crying?" he asks softly, his deep voice laced with curiosity and a hint of amusement.A small laugh escapes my lips, shaky and tear-streaked, as I lift my head. "It's the damn pregnancy hormones. I'm actually very happy. Too happy." I sniffle, swiping at my cheeks, embarrassed but too overcome to care."You're adorable," he says, his eyes glimmering with an emotion so intense it steals my breath.Heat floods my cheeks, and I look away, suddenly self-conscious under his gaze. Why does he always manage to look at me like I’m t

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    78: A Cosy Morning

    [Arella] "Ouch!" My yelp is instant as the burning sensation spreads through my finger, sharp and biting. The sting blooms, leaving a fiery trail across my skin. My thumb immediately finds my lips, and I nibble on it, desperate to soothe the hot pain. Tears prickle at the corners of my eyes, but I blink them back, annoyed at my clumsiness. "Ella, what's wrong?" Lincoln’s voice calls out. He’s by my side in an instant, his large hands gripping my shoulders and cradling my face. His sharp, honey brown eyes dart over me, searching worriedly. "Are you okay? Are you fine?" His concern is so raw, so palpable, that it cracks my heart a little. The kitchen, with its warm lighting and faint aroma of bacon, feels suddenly stifling under his intense worry. I turn off the stove with and face him, cupping his cheeks. A chuckle escapes me, soft but genuine. "I'm fine, Linc. Just a little scalding here and there." "Are you sure?" he presses, his brows knitting tightly. He takes my ha

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    77: Anger? Pain? Jealousy?

    "Yes, you did all that!" Vivian yells, her voice cracking, then clenches my shirt tightly, her knuckles turning white. There’s a slightly crazed look in her eyes, a mix of desperation and something darker that makes my stomach twist. "Remember what you t-told me. Remember what you promised, Deric! You can only be with me, okay? Please… please don't go back to her. I can't live without you. I won't!" Her chest heaves, rising and falling so fast it looks like she might collapse any second."It's okay, Vivi. Come here."I pull her against me, her trembling body fitting awkwardly against mine. My mind flashes back to the crazed look in her eyes, and a shiver skates down my spine. That look… it clings to me, like an unwanted ghost in the back of my head."Nothing of that sort will happen," I say, forcing my voice to stay even. "I'm all yours, okay? Just yours."She sniffles, her tears soaking into my chest like raindrops on parched earth. For the first time, irritation sparks somewhere

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife     76: Remember anything?

    [Deric]“What do you mean by he’s having flashbacks?”“Yes, ma’am, that can be the only reason behind his violent behavior.”“What can I do to...you know, stop them?”Their words blur together, echoing like a distant hum in my ears. The pounding in my head grows unbearable, each throb feeling like a hammer against my skull. My chest feels heavy, like someone is sitting on it, as I fight to pull myself back to consciousness.A sliver of light seeps through my eyelids. I force them open, but the brightness sends sharp pain shooting through my temples.“Ow, fuck.” My voice comes out hoarse, barely above a whisper.“Deric!”Vivian’s voice rings out, sharp and frantic, cutting through the haze. I hear the rustle of hurried footsteps before her hands grip my arms, warm and trembling. She pulls me up gently, her scent, vanilla and cherries, wafting into my nose.“What happened to me?” I manage to rasp, blinking at her blurry figure. Her face freezes, the usual softness in her features replac

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    75: Awake

    [Lincoln]“C'mon, Ella, open your eyes,” I plead, shaking her slightly. My voice cracks, betraying the panic clawing at my chest. Her face is so pale, so unnervingly still, I almost feel like I’m holding a lifeless doll.“Drive faster!” My voice thunders, raw with urgency, urging the driver on. The air in the car feels suffocating, thick with tension and the metallic scent of blood. My hands tremble as I cradle her closer.She’s bleeding. She’s fucking bleeding! What had they done to her?My mind is a whirlwind, flashing back to the vision of her in Deric’s arms. My blood boils in my veins, rage simmering just below the surface. What had they planned? What the hell kind of sick game were they playing?Gritting my teeth, I whisper more to myself than to her, “C'mon, Ella, stay with me.”Her head lolls against my chest, her warmth slipping away by the second. A small part of me is screaming that I’m losing her, and that terrifies me more than I’ll ever admit.“You’ll be fine, Ella. You’

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    74: Public Humiliation

    [Arella]My blurry gaze shifts to the man storming toward us, his sharp footsteps echoing in the tense atmosphere. His expression is thunderous, a storm of rage written on his face. Not just any man, but… Deric Smith? You've got to be kidding me.For a second, I’m too stunned to move. The scent of spilled soup mingles with the faint aroma of soy sauce from nearby tables. My wet hair clings to my face, soup trickling down my neck, adding to my humiliation.His eyes don’t meet mine; they’re laser-focused on Lincoln’s grandmother, burning with fury."Why the fuck would you do that to her?" he yells, his voice slicing through the air like a blade. Heads turn at the commotion. I feel the weight of their stares, making the heat on my cheeks even worse.Lincoln’s grandmother freezes, her lips parting in surprise before she recovers with a smirk. She turns her sharp gaze back to me, her smile venomous."Is this one of your lackeys?" she sneers.I want to retort, but my throat tightens. Before

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status