Semua Bab Mr. Sterling, Your Ex-wife is a Famous CEO : Bab 51 - Bab 60

Arabella was halfway to the lobby when footsteps rushed up behind her. "Arabella, wait."Adrian caught her wrist gently. She stopped, but didn't turn around. "Did Serena—" His voice faltered. "Did she really do it?” He needed to know.Arabella turned slowly."Have you forgotten?" Her voice was flat. "I'm a scheming liar."His own words. Five years old. Still sharp. "Go ask Serena. She always has the best version of events.” She pulled her wrist free."Or wait for the police to arrive. Ask them.” “I have to pick up Axel.” She walked away without looking back. Adrian stood frozen.He didn't follow. Didn't call after her. Every conversation with him was a minefield for her. Every word a reminder of what he'd done. Two police officers entered the lobby. Adrian's eyes widened. ‘She actually called the police.’Serena walked into the lobby from the opposite direction, having finally escaped the press. "Adrian!" Her voice was sharp. "How could you just leave me in there like tha

"I can see why this place has a Michelin star." Arabella took a sip of her juice. "The food is incredible." Richard smiled from across the table."Do you like it? I could buy the restaurant for you.” Arabella laughed. "Right. So I can eat myself into a coma.”They ate in comfortable silence for a while. The spread was impressive—fresh seafood, wagyu beef, delicate French pastries. "You eat your chicken wings first too?" Richard held up his own wing, grinning. "Same.” Arabella glanced at his plate.He'd cut his wing exactly the same way she had. She looked down, suddenly uncomfortable."Weird. Axel always goes for the wings first too.”Richard's smile softened."Strong genes, I guess." Pause. "I hope I get to meet him soon.” Arabella's smile didn't reach her eyes.She said nothing. They finished eating in silence. "Tell me something." The words felt heavy. "What happened between you and my mom?”She met his eyes."How did I end up in an orphanage? How did she end up dead in pri

The room erupted in gasps.Serena's heart stopped.She'd just confessed. On record. In front of the entire board. If Ivan's investment went through, she was finished. Adrian shifted in his chair.Everyone else looked relieved. Excited.He felt sick.Ivan had no business investing in a law firm. His company was tech-based. Russian.He was doing this for Arabella. His eyes widened as he mind caught onto something. No one invested a billion dollars out of generosity.Unless—What if Arabella is with him because he can do things like this? Things Adrian never could?Arabella gestured to an empty chair at the end of the table.Ivan sat.She turned back to the board. "Still think a billion dollars is impossible?”Phones came out around the table.Quick searches.Volkov Tech. Valued at fifty billion dollars. Old money. A billion-dollar investment was pocket change for him. Serena found her voice."I've researched you, Mr. Volkov. You've never invested in a law firm. Your operations ar

Arabella expected Catherine to be waiting in the living room, ready to complain.She wasn't.Strange. The next morning, Arabella slipped into the kitchen early."Don't prepare Axel's breakfast," she told the staff. "I'll handle it.” She made waffles from scratch.The scent of vanilla and cinnamon drifted through the house. At the dining table, the staff set down plates.Bread. Eggs.Catherine frowned."Bread and eggs?" She looked at the kitchen. "I smell waffles.” The staff exchanged glances.Said nothing.Arabella appeared from the kitchen carrying a tray.Two plates of golden waffles drizzled with syrup. Fresh cut strawberries. Two glasses of milk. Axel's eyes lit up when she set the plate in front of him. She ruffled his hair."Eat up.” She sat in the chair beside him. She looked up.Catherine and Adrian were both staring.Not at her.At the waffles. Arabella had learned to cook from a professional chef years ago.Spent hours perfecting recipes to impress them.They'd neve

Arabella drove away.Left Adrian standing in the empty rink.She didn't go to the office.She went to Vera's.The only safe place left. Vera was dressed for work. Heels on, keys in hand.But she hadn't left yet.Arabella collapsed onto the sofa, hands covering her swollen eyes. Vera dropped everything.Sat beside her. Pulled her close."What happened? Did he hurt you? Are you okay?” Arabella shook her head.Wrapped her arms around Vera.Buried her face in Vera's shoulder.And sobbed.For three solid minutes, Vera just held her.Vera didn't ask questions.Just rubbed her back in slow circles.After a while, the sobs quieted.Arabella pulled back, wiping her face."I thought I was ready." Her voice cracked. "I thought seeing him wouldn't affect me anymore."She wiped her eyes roughly."But lately I keep thinking—maybe I shouldn't have come back. Maybe I should've just stayed away. Stayed dead."Her voice broke completely."It hurts so much, V. I hate it.”She covered her mouth.Tried