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?"

don't care if he does. No matter what, Mave is my son,

then she asked, "Seriously, Ari, what's your plan? Are you really going to keep playing happy family just to keep his grandma content? I doubt Jared's motives are that simple. And

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

to Jared. I've had more than enough of his games. Whatever he's

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

to see you," she said,

turned to face her. "Who is it?

furrowed. "I don't think so... she's

that point, any thoughts of the visitor being

she confirmed. "And, um... she

one of the managers

her shoulder. "Stephan is dealing with her. But...I really think you should come. She... she

blacklisted and her engagement called off. Sighing, I washed my hands and followed the waitress out of the kitchen. As we walked out, I scanned the dining area, searching for

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

the bar, and that's when I saw

Sofia.

course. Not a

eyes locked into mine

hair looked somewhat tussled, her designer dress crinkled

breath, bracing myself. This wouldn't be

voice reeking with a sweetness and I

clearly irritated, though he kept a polite, professional smile. Turning to me, he whispered, "Should we

light pat, keeping my own

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

guards stepped forward, looking uncomfortable. "Ma'am, we tried to

then grew wilder, her eyes sparkling like

Let me tell you Ms Arielle," she announced, her voice loud enough

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!

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

need the

you to know that no

having his child now, Arielle It's time

came in, her brows raised as she took in the scene. Our eyes met, and I gave

of this entanglement, and most especially, I