The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 31 - チャプター 40

Breakfast at the West estate was usually a quiet affair—except when Jason was involved. This morning, he was in full energy mode, bouncing in his seat as he recounted every single detail of last night’s outing. “And then! Then Uncle Ethan let me be the *captain* of the pirate ride! And Lucas—*I mean, Uncle Lucas*—he won me this giant stuffed tiger! And Mommy screamed so loud on the roller coaster, you should’ve heard her, Granny!” I nearly choked on my coffee. “Jason.” Granny West, seated at the head of the long dining table, didn’t even glance at him. No, her sharp, dagger-like gaze was entirely *focused on me*. Mrs. Pat, ever the quiet observer, simply refilled Jason’s glass of orange juice, nodding along to his endless chatter. “Oh, oh! And then the fireworks! They were *so cool*! And—and Uncle Lucas and Uncle Ethan kept fighting! They kept trying to impress Mommy—” I shot up, clamping a hand over his mouth. “Okay, Jason, that’s enough. Finish your breakf

I gazed at my image in the mirror, my fingers clutching the chilled marble of the vanity. The face looking back at me was calm, inscrutable—but underneath, I sensed the tempest brewing. The inquiries. The uncertainty. The truth struggling to emerge, insisting on being recognized. Stella sat behind me with one leg crossed over the other, observing me through the reflection in the mirror. Her fingers tapped on the chair's armrest, her irritation barely held back. "This is completely nonsensical," she whispered, looking disapprovingly. “If you’re the daughter of James West, why doesn’t Granny West just say that?” I exhaled deeply, running my fingers through my hair. “I don't know.” Stella leaned in, placing her elbows on her thighs. "You ought to have the right to inherit the business if he is your father." Honestly, you shouldn't need to act like his widow at all.” I let out a humorless laugh. “And yet, here we are.” She huffed. “Maybe it’s Gregory? Maybe they’re afraid if he fin

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

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

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