Mr billionaire's regret chasing his irresistible wife by Gabby Emmanuel

She won't go down without a fight.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

"No way! You actually spent the night with him? Just because of his grandmother?" Ashley's voice rang with disbelief.

"Shh! We didn't sleep together, Ash!" I felt the heat rise to my cheeks at the memory of last night. "We just... stayed in the same room, that's all."

"Oh, sure," she teased. "So innocent. You know what that sounds like, right?"

I rubbed my temples, trying to sound less flustered. "Ashley, do you have something important to talk about? It's a busy morning here, and I thought you'd be drowning in work too."

"Pff. I'm doing you a favor, breaking up your focus on all those orders. And if you even think about contacting him again, I'll strangle you."

Her laughter was infectious, and I found myself smiling, despite everything.

"Right," she went on, her tone shifting slightly, "remember that time I mentioned the whole Italian mafia thing?"

I rolled my eyes. "Vaguely. You mean that fling you had with that 'charming, dangerous man'? Marco, or...?"

"Keith," she corrected, a hint of nostalgia creeping into her voice. "And no, we're not together anymore. But, well... I got some news, and you should probably know."

"Okay, go on," I said, only half-listening as I checked the kitchen orders.

"There's been a shake-up in leadership," she said slowly. "The new boss... he's supposedly even worse than the last guy."

I paused, giving her my full attention. "That sounds serious, Ash. Why are you telling me this?"

"Because he's expanding part of their operations to New York."

My smile faded. "Are you sure about that? I mean, I don't doubt you, but... why New York? Wasn't he running things just fine in Italy?"

She hesitated, then added, "Look, my old man's still connected to a few people from his old gang days. He told me to be careful. And considering your ties to Jared... well, I thought you should know. His family's business has always had certain connections, and I worry about you and the little boy getting mixed up in anything dangerous."

The whole thing felt surreal. Back when I was married to Jared, I'd never asked about the details of his family's business. And now that we were even divorced, did I really need to care about it?

"Thanks for looking out for me, Ash," I said, my mind half a world away. "But I have security here. And as for Maverick, he's perfectly safe. No one even knows his real background."

"Still my girl," she chuckled. "But really, how did you manage to keep Maverick's identity under wraps all that time? Maybe Jared suspects?"

he does. No matter what, Mave is

his grandma content? I doubt Jared's motives are that simple. And as for the 'fragile grandmother' excuse-last time I saw her, she looked like she could kick ten of

of me knew she was right. Jared likely had his own reasons for wanting me to play along. But

more than enough of his

up the phone, Emma, one of the newer waitresses, rushed

to see you,"

hands on a towel and turned to

don't think so... she's not a

of the

lady," she confirmed. "And, um... she specifically asked for

one of the managers check in

But...I really think you

something familiar. My mind immediately flashed to Sofia, but I dismissed the thought. She wouldn't dare return to the same place she was blacklisted and her engagement called off. Sighing, I washed my hands and followed the waitress out of the

of activities, as it was noon, it was bustling with lunchtime crowd

approached the bar, and that's when

Sofia.

Not a surprise for

bar, her eyes locked into mine with a

tussled, her designer dress crinkled

a deep breath, bracing myself. This wouldn't be

said, her voice reeking with a sweetness and I know was fake, as she

Stephan's eyes narrowed, clearly irritated, though he kept a polite, professional smile. Turning to me, he whispered,

gave his shoulder a light pat, keeping my own

frowning as I glanced at the security staff hovering nearby. "Why is she even here?

stepped forward, looking uncomfortable. "Ma'am, we tried to stop her, but she

then grew wilder, her eyes sparkling like someone who's just won a

Arielle," she announced, her voice loud enough to draw attention from nearby patrons, "I'm pregnant."

pregnant, with Jared's child," she reiterated, this time for more emphasis, her voice filled with satisfaction. The news hit me hard, that I had a problem still keeping my expression neutral. I managed to, but inside, I was reeling with shock. Good for you Jared! So much for "moving on"

do I need to know this?" Sofia's eyes narrowed, obviously taken aback by my response. I guess she was expecting a hurt reaction from me, but trust me, she wasn't getting

need the information

to know that

get back with Jared! I'm having his child now, Arielle It's time you stepped aside," she

her brows raised as she took in

thought. I have had enough of this entanglement, and most especially,