All Chapters of From Discarded Wife, Now the Untouchable Heiress : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

I woke up the next morning later than I had intended, the soft morning light spilling across the large bed. For a few moments I simply lay there, letting the events of the previous night settle over me like a heavy fog–the gun lesson with Kai and the way my body had reacted to this touch immediately. I didn’t know what that meant because yesterday was actually the first time I've felt a man this close. I have never been touched like that in my twenty-six years of living, so I didn't know what meaning to give that. I got up, washed my face, and changed into one of the comfortable outfits that had been placed in the wardrobe for me. When I stepped out of the bedroom, the staff greeted me with a polite smile. “Good morning, Miss Rossi,” one of the maids said. “Mr. Vale left instructions that you may have anything you wish. Breakfast is ready on the terrace whenever you are.”I smiled back at her and nodded, “Where is Kai?” “Oh Mr Valentino stepped out earlier this morning to attend a

I stood in front of the full-length mirror in the guest room, adjusting the elegant but simple navy dress the staff had prepared for me. It fit perfectly, of course. Everything in this house seemed tailored to make me feel both cared for and slightly off-balance. My hair was pulled back neatly, and I had applied just enough makeup to look put-together without trying too hard. Still, my stomach twisted with nerves.I was really doing this.I was going into Kai Valentino’s world.When I came downstairs, Kai was already waiting in the dining room. He stood near the long table, looking devastatingly polished in the black suit he wore, it made his shoulders look even broader. He turned when he heard my footsteps, and his gaze moved over me slowly, like he was appreciating my look before settling on my face.“You look good,” he said simply.I ignored the small flutter in my chest and gave a short nod. “Thank you.”Before I could say anything else, the dining room door swung open.A man walke

The car ride back to the mansion was quiet.I sat with the thick folder of property listings on my lap, flipping through pages without really seeing them. My mind was still spinning from the morning at Valentino Enterprises, from the building to the people in it and everything Kai had said to those executives in the conference room. It was a lot to take in.Reed had left us at the entrance with his usual dry comment and a small wave. Now it was just Kai and me in the back seat, the city sliding past the tinted windows.When we pulled up to the mansion, I stepped out before the guard could open my door. I needed air. I needed space. I needed to feel like I was still in control of something.Kai followed me inside, his footsteps calm and measured behind mine.“The study will be unlocked and set up for you,” he said. “Whatever you need for the business, tell the staff and they’ll arrange it.”I nodded, clutching the folder a little tighter to my chest. “Thank you.”He paused at the botto

~~ Hazel's POV ~~I was in the middle of going through supplier contacts when my phone rang. I looked at the screen and felt my stomach drop immediately.Clara Rossi. My stepmother.I stared at it for two rings or perhaps three. Then I picked up because I knew from experience that not picking up only made whatever was coming worse."Hazel." Her voice was warm. That particular kind of warmth that she only used when she wanted something. I had grown up listening to that voice and I knew every version of it. This one was her “I'm calling because I care” version. "Sweetheart. How are you?""I'm fine," my voice was flat "What do you want, Clara?"There was a small pause because she didn't like being called Clara. She had always wanted me to call her Mom but I had stopped doing that the day she chose Melissa over me without blinking."I'm calling because I'm worried about you," she said. "We all are. Your father hasn't been sleeping well since everything happened.""That's quite unfortunate

~~ Kai's POV ~~The elevator doors opened on the top floor of Reeves’ casino tower, and I stepped out with Reed at my side and four of my men behind us. The air smelled of expensive cologne, cigar smoke, and whiskey.Reeves was waiting in his overdecorated office, standing behind a desk that was meant to intimidate. He was a big man who had gotten soft around the middle from too many years of easy money and political protection. He smiled when he saw me, the kind of smile that didn’t reach his eyes.“Kai Vale,” he said, spreading his arms like we were old friends. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”I didn’t smile back. I never did in these meetings.I walked straight to the chair opposite his desk and sat down without being invited. Reed remained standing near the door. My men positioned themselves along the walls, silent and watchful.“You’re three months behind on two-point-eight million,” I said calmly, crossing one leg over the other. “I’ve been patient, Reeves. More patient than I