MasukShare
39: The Mall
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2024-12-09 23:57:49
Bab terkait
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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-10The 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,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-11The 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-12The 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-13The 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-15The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 44: Close Call
[Arella]"I'd gladly bring you to Nevada next time, even if you don't have a doctor's appointment. You really seemed to enjoy yourself," Lincoln says, his deep, smooth voice carrying a teasing undertone as he leads me out of his Bentley. The cool evening air brushes against my skin, a stark contrast to the cozy warmth inside the car. His hand rests on my lower back, steady and protective.We spent the weekend in Nevada, indulging in a world that felt distant from reality, only landing this evening. It's a weekday already. Bridget's gonna give me an earful for vanishing like that. "I'd like that," I say, meaning it more than I should. His lips curl into a slow, satisfied smile that makes my heart lurch, traitorous as ever."Or we could go somewhere more exotic for our honeymoon," he whispers that last part just for me, his breath grazing my ear like a forbidden secret.The mansion looms before us, grand and imposing, its towering pillars gleaming under the soft glow of garden lights
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-16The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 45: Dodging A Corporate Bullet
[Arella]Vivian turns to face me, her eyes widening in shock. Her blood-red lipstick falters slightly, though she quickly schools her expression. She’s dressed to impress, wearing a fitted white blazer with gold accents and matching high-waisted trousers, her stilettos clicking nervously against the tiled floor. Her sleek, chestnut-brown hair falls perfectly over her shoulders—too perfect, too practiced.“A-Arella?” she says incredulously, her voice trembling just enough to seem genuine. “What are you doing here?”I arch a brow, my pulse quickening—not with fear, but with simmering resentment. Her audacity still manages to surprise me.“I should be asking you that, Vivian,” I snap, keeping my voice cold and steady. “Haven’t you already been informed that we do not wish to work with Ames Finances?”The flicker of embarrassment in her eyes is brief before she recovers, her expression hardening.“And what gave you the right to turn down Ames Finances?” she prods, her voice sharp. Gon
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-17The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 46: Chilvarous Arella
[Arella] “Oh, it’s you, my dear. Hi!” She waves, a crinkle forming at the corners of her warm, hazel eyes as she smiles. Her whole face lights up with genuine warmth, something almost tangible radiating from her like a soft, comforting blanket on a chilly day. She doesn’t seem any older than Mom, but there’s this... feeling I’m getting from her. It’s like she carries sunshine within her, and I can’t explain why I suddenly feel safe, like I’m wrapped in a long-forgotten hug. “Hi,” I squeak out, feeling like a shy kid caught staring at candy. “Thank you for the other day, hon.” She chuckles, a rich, melodic sound that instantly calms my racing heart. It’s the kind of laugh that could make flowers bloom. “Oh, it’s okay. It was a pleasure. I hope your feet didn’t blister too much.” “No, no, they’re fine,” she rushes to say, heat creeping up her neck. “I should be asking you that though. You look so... confused choosing between these two.” “Oh,” I say, flushing like som
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-18
Bab terbaru
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 184: Steel & Softness
[Arella]SEVEN MONTHS LATER"Mrs. Sawyer! Over here! Mrs. Sawyer, one picture, please!"The flashes are relentless, blinding. Cameras snap like a firing squad, their rapid shutters echoing through the grand hall. My smile is practiced, perfect—curved just right to look pleasant but not warm, professional but not too inviting. A mask I’ve worn so well, it’s almost second nature now.My grandfather steps beside me, his presence commanding the room with effortless authority. He pulls me in for a brief hug before turning to the podium, his voice rich with pride."Thank you all for joining us today for this historic handover ceremony."Applause ripples through the crowd, excitement buzzing like an electric current. Months of grueling work, endless negotiations, and sleepless nights have led to this moment. I’ve trained, fought, and bled to earn my place here, and now—"After extensive strategic planning, rigorous restructuring, and unwavering commitment, I am proud to announce the rebrandi
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 183: Joy & Ruin II
[Arella]"Wait! Come back!"My feet pound against the ground as I chase after Lincoln’s retreating figure. He moves farther and farther away, his broad shoulders rigid, his pace unwavering. Panic grips my chest, crushing the air from my lungs."This is goodbye, Ella." No! It’s not."Stop! Stop!" I scream, my voice shattering in the empty void between us.But he doesn’t stop.With a startled gasp, I jolt upright, my breath coming in rapid, uneven pants. My chest rises and falls erratically, my heart hammering against my ribs like it’s trying to break free. The force of my abrupt movement sends sharp, agonizing waves of dizziness crashing through my skull, a pounding headache threatening to split my head open. My throat feels raw, my skin clammy with sweat.Disoriented, I reach up, fingers trembling as they graze my head, feeling the rough texture of gauze wrapped tightly around it. Where am I?My instincts take over, and my hands fly to my stomach. The panic sharpens, squeezing my lun
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 182: Joy & Ruin
[Arella]"Move out of the way! Move!"The voices around me blur together, frantic, overlapping, desperate. Hands grasp at me, shifting my body, prodding, fussing. My head lolls to the side, the world a hazy, spinning mess of colors and noise.A guttural scream rips through my throat as another wave of unbearable pain tears through me. My body jolts, arching off the surface I’m lying on, my fingers clawing at the sheets beneath me. It feels like my insides are splitting apart, as if something is twisting and wrenching me from the inside out."You have to hold on—please, Arella!"I shake my head weakly. I can't. I can't do this.“My baby—” I gasp, barely able to get the words out. “It’s coming. I—I can't—”I sob through gritted teeth, my breath coming in sharp, shallow gasps. Panic claws at my chest, tightening like a noose.Loud beeps pierce through the room—machines, monitors, voices shouting medical jargon I can’t comprehend. A sharp, burning pressure builds in my stomach, spreading
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 181: A Hero's Fall
[Lincoln]"I can't find her Lincoln!" Ryder’s voice is hoarse, nearly drowned out by the chaos around us. The building groans under its own destruction, flames licking at the walls like ravenous beasts. Smoke burns my throat, but I push forward.Part of me feels gut-wrenchingly guilty for leaving Arella behind. The other part knows she’d never forgive herself if something happens to Bam Bam tonight.The masks we hastily put on do little against the toxic air. My lungs burn with every breath, and more blood spills from my mouth as Ryder stumbles, barely able to stand. His face is pale, sweat streaking through the soot clinging to his skin. I don't think he can go any further.Looking at Zach, I grit out, "Take him out. I'll check the eastern side.""But sir—" he starts to protest, his own steps faltering."Go!" I bark, shoving him toward Ryder before forcing my way deeper into the hellscape.I surge forward, weaving through the inferno, lungs screaming in protest. The cyanide gas hiss
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 180: His Promise
[Arella]Lincoln looks conflicted, his jaw tightening like he’s holding back a war inside himself. His body is tense, his breaths uneven, like he’s trying to convince himself of something even he doesn’t believe. Then, suddenly, he presses a lingering kiss to the top of my head. It’s warm, firm—full of something unspoken. It should calm me. It should tell me everything will be okay.But it doesn’t.Not when I don’t know what’s coming next.Not when something in my chest screams that this moment is slipping away—slipping through my fingers like sand.“I swear, I’ll come back.”His voice is rough, almost torn. There's something final in the way he says it, something that sends an icy wave crashing through my veins. Before I can respond, he steps back, pulling free from my grasp. My fingers, weak and trembling, try to hold on, but it’s like trying to catch smoke.No.A frail voice breaks through the tension. "Are you sure about this, son?"The words barely register, but I know that voice
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 179: Smoke And Cyanide
[Arella]“Lin…coln…” My voice is dry and coarse, barely more than a whisper, but he hears it.He’s kneeling beside me in an instant, his face twisted in a mixture of fury and raw pain as his gaze lands on the gash at the side of my head. His touch is gentle but trembling, like he's afraid to hurt me more."Who did this to you? How did you—" He coughs violently, the sound wet and ragged.A drop of blood falls from his lips.My heart clenches.Tears well in my eyes, blurring my vision as they spill like heavy rain. A thick, metallic scent clogs my nostrils, and my stomach turns."What’s that smell, Linc?" I murmur, my body swaying.Before I can process anything, I feel myself lifted, cradled in his arms. My body is too weak, too heavy, but the movement jolts another coughing fit from my burning throat.A firm hand presses something against my nose. His handkerchief.“Cyanide,” he rasps.My heart sinks into my stomach.My body tenses, horror gripping my chest like a vice.I know what cya
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 178: Under Attack II
“We’re under attack!” my father rasps between violent coughs, his voice hoarse, barely audible over the chaos erupting around us. His eyes are bloodshot, his face paling by the second as the toxic air claws its way into his lungs.“Who would dare do such a thing?!” Grandfather barks, his voice raw, but the words barely make it out before another violent cough racks his body.My heart slams against my ribcage as I take in the horror unfolding around me. My mother suddenly appears, her face pale as a sheet, her breathing labored. She looks frantic, her eyes darting around until they land on me.“Lincoln—”“Don’t say anything, Mom. Reserve your breath.” My tone is sharp, commanding, but I can’t afford for her to waste energy. “Where’s Arella?”Her eyes widen. Panic flickers across her face. “I—I don’t know. We were all just having a conversation, and she wanted to ease herself. Then, after a while, fumes started pulling out of the vents—” She breaks into a coughing fit, struggling to fin
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 177: Under Attack
[Lincoln]My father and I settle into the dimly lit study of my grandfather-in-law. The heavy scent of old books and polished mahogany fills the air, mixing with the faint aroma of cigar smoke that seems embedded in the very walls. The room is grand—intimidating even—with its high ceilings, dark oak shelves lined with legal tomes, and an air of quiet authority that only men like my Harold Walcott can command.My father shifts in his chair beside me, his hands clasped tightly in his lap, his shoulders stiff. He’s nervous—hell, even I’m a little uneasy. Grandfather sits across from us, his expression unreadable, but the slight downturn of his lips is enough to tell me this won’t be a pleasant conversation.He clears his throat, his voice steady and sharp. “There are some matters that still need settling, and I’d like us to be clear on the Clement Thompson situation before we move on.”Straight to the point, as always. No sugarcoating, no unnecessary pleasantries.My father exhales, nodd
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 176: Locked In
[Arella]"Are you okay, Arella? I heard voices."Mila’s voice startles me as I turn around to see her standing at the top of the stairs. My chest is still heaving, my breathing erratic from Deric’s antics, but my heart warms at the thought of Lincoln keeping me safe—even at a party like this.I force a breath, shaking my head. "It's nothing, don't worry. Just some random stranger."Mila doesn’t look convinced. Her brows furrow in skepticism, but she lets it go."Oh… okay," she says slowly. "What are you doing up here anyway? Looking for Lincoln?" She smirks, throwing in a cheeky wink.I palm my face, shaking my head. "I came to pee, and I didn't want to use the guest restroom downstairs. Could you point me to the one here?""I mean, I could follow you. I just peed now myself," she offers after pointing the way.I roll my eyes. Why is everyone trying to babysit me?"Don’t act like my husband, Mila. You look like you could explode any minute. Go sit down," I tease, shoving her playfully
