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

A rival.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

The next day was a Saturday, and Maverick was not going to school. I woke up early, feeling a mix of anxiety and uncertainty.

It would be my first time leaving Jared alone with Maverick for the day, and I couldn't shake the nagging worry that he might-well, not exactly cause trouble-but stumble into it somehow. Still, I had little choice. Mom was leaving for her trip, and taking Maverick to the restaurant wasn't an option, because I didn't want him in public eyes these days.

After getting dressed, I walked into the living room. Jared and Maverick were on the couch, watching CoComelon, their laughter filling the space.

"Morning," Jared greeted, his gaze flicking to me.

"Morning," I replied, taking a seat beside Maverick.

Maverick grinned up at me, his cheeks bulging with what looked like a candy bar.

"Mom, can I go for a walk with Dad later?" He asked.

"Not today, dear," I said, and turned to Jared.

"I need to talk to you," I said, my tone serious so I could drive home how important what I had to say was.

"Of course," Jared replied, giving me his attention.

"I'm leaving Maverick with you today," I began, keeping my voice calm but direct. "Mom's heading out for her trip, and I can't take him with me to work. I don't want him in the public eye." Jared nodded. "Don't worry, I've got this," he said reassuringly.

"I know you do, but I still need to warm him," I said, turning to Maverick again.

I turned to Maverick, who had already peeled his gaze from the TV to focus on me.

"Remember what I told you? Be good, okay? And don't give your dad any trouble," I said, crouching beside him for emphasis.

He nodded. "I'll be good, Mommy."

I smiled, and pulled him into a hug. "I know you will."

Standing up, I grabbed my bag and turned back to Jared. "Call me immediately if there's any issue. Promise?"

"Got it," he saluted.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

"That's Ashley," I said, heading toward the door. "I've gotta go. Bye, baby!"

Maverick waved at me, his candy bar still clutched tightly.

Outside, Ashley waited in her car, her signature mischievous grin already in place.

picking me up today just so she could hear the gist first hand. I

go," I said, fastening

it! And don't you dare hold back.

her enthusiasm. "Fine, fine. Here's the

I filled her in on the latest drama with Jared

staying with you?"

I nodded.

added for

her

rolled my eyes, hitting her slightly on the shoulder.

saying, this is you calling

blushed, shaking my

see," she said with a knowing smirk. Then, her expression

obvious," I teased. "Let

even," she groaned, rolling

leaned closer, more intrigued now. "What?

she said with a

laugh, "maybe hold out for someone who doesn't

I'm waiting for the right one, I'm having fun with the

burst into

later, we arrived at the restaurant. Ashley parked the car and turned to me, her expression

about Maverick," she said. "Jared might not have been great to you,

her words settling some

I stepped out of the car, she called after me.

cheerful buzz of conversation, and the

a dream to not just create a standard restaurant for people, but also a conducive environment for

almost at my office when Rebecca appeared out of nowhere, her eyes wide and her

the latest economic news?" As asked, her

curiosity piqued.

cautiously, ensuring we were out of earshot and no one was in sight, before leaning

just announced his bankruptcy," she read the news headline from her

made his financial woes public knowledge.

when I didn't respond. "Arielle,

and attention to her. In a hushed tone I revealed, "Yeah,

dropped as her expression cycled through shock, disbelief, and finally, a

"I don't know what's going on, but I won't say a

that," I said, grateful

softened, but then a mischievous grin spread across it. "You know, this is giving me a fresh

chuckled. "I can't wait to see

more, Stephen burst into the hallway, looking

is bad. Really bad," he kept murmuring. "You need to see this, Arielle," he said, his

tensed, suddenly worried. "What