All Chapters of No Way to Win Me Back: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Celeste’s POVRyan was a lifesaver.I don’t know what we would’ve done without him, given the exhibit preparations and the overwhelming number of orders. We had been working nonstop to get everything ready in time. My new assistant made the challenge manageable.I sat at my desk, organizing a few design drafts I had been working on. Looking around for my file, I saw it placed at the top of a tall shelf. Ryan had tidied the space after the mayhem of completing and submitting my jewelry designs for the exhibit. I stretched on the tips of my toes, but I didn’t come close to reaching it–even with tall heels on for the event. Sighing, I brought out a ladder. I’d sent my tall assistant to fetch materials that were delivered at the front desk. I heard Ryan put down the package behind me as I climbed the ladder.“Celeste, you should have waited for me.” “No, it’s fine.” I said, pulling the file out of the shelf. “I’ve got it.”“That doesn’t look safe.” I looked down at him as he stood beh

Celeste’s POVI fumed at Damien’s pigheaded words. He believed that everyone was beneath him and had no qualms about letting them know. But he couldn’t be more wrong. Ryan and I were more valuable as individuals than whatever Damien’s current net worth was.I deeply regretted marrying that man.“What?” he scoffed. “You have nothing to say for yourselves?” “You’re simply not worth our time.” I shook my head at him. “Come on, Ryan. We have better things to do than entertain this pompous jerk.”I reached for his hand–hoping to walk away before Damien could waste any more of our time. But he wasn’t finished yet.“I’m surprised you know such big words.” Damien smirked. “Are you here scouting for your next rich victim to mooch off of?”Did this man get off on insulting people?The lean muscles of Ryan’s body were coiled–just begging for release–as he looked back over his shoulder and his eyes found mine. His voice was low and dangerous as he said, “Celeste, please let me knock this asshole

Celeste’s POVI stood with my mouth agape as Damien burst into obnoxious laughter, Vanessa quickly joining him.Did they think this was a joke?“I’m being serious, Damien.” I said through gritted teeth. “You’ve gone too far this time.”“You’re fighting me for custody? That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard in a while.” He said with his signature sneer.“Right, babe?” Vanessa wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. “Celeste has nothing to her name, and this loser with her won’t be of any use.”Damien’s laughter simmered down. He regarded Ryan with distaste as he shifted Bonnie to his other arm.“Who is this guy, anyway?” He asked.Ryan stepped forward, carrying himself with confidence. He stood a full head taller than Damien, who was already a large man.“I’m Ryan Edwards, an old friend of Celeste’s.” He said, extending his hand.Damien shook it. My eyes widened as his knuckles turned white from the force of his grip.“I’m sure I don’t need an introduction.” He said with a smirk.Ry

Ryan’s POV“Why are you provoking such an important guest?” Mr. Davis, my father’s assistant, asked.I subtly shook my head, and his eyes narrowed. People showed their true colors when they didn’t know I was Maximilian’s son, heir to an empire. I wanted to keep my identity a secret for as long as possible.Thankfully, I could rely on Damien’s arrogance.“I had the situation under control, but I appreciate your consideration, Mr. Edwards.” He said with a friendly smile. “I’m Damien Kent. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”He stepped forward and held out a business card. My father assessed him with a stony gaze.Damien stood awkwardly as the silence stretched. He’d grossly misunderstood the situation–he had insulted the son of a very important man in the industry. After a tense minute, my father nodded to his assistant.Mr. Davis took the business card, and Damien bristled at the slight.“Mr. Edwards, I have always admired your business acumen. You have been a great inspiratio

Damien’s POV“Mr. Kent’s company has been producing imitations of Rosemary’s designs.”I was momentarily frozen as Ryan dropped a massive bombshell and ran away, leaving me to deal with the fallout. “Is your company plagiarizing other designers’ work, Mr. Kent?” Maximilian asked, his grave tone ripe with accusation.Panic and rage flooded my veins.“That’s a baseless rumor, Mr. Edwards.” I responded with a straight face. “My designers work tirelessly to produce original pieces.”I swallowed–it was an unavoidable lie.Maximilian studied me with an intensity that made my pulse stutter.“Then you have nothing to hide.” He said coolly. “I will present this serious allegation to the International Jewelry Association for thorough investigation.” He turned to leave.My mind flashed back to our design department, the walls and tables covered in other designers’ work–especially Rosemary’s. It was my most recent attempt at boosting sales.I couldn’t let this investigation happen.“Wait, Mr. Ed