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 don't think anyone likes

I said, fastening my

"Alright, spill it! And don't you dare hold back.

laughed, shaking my head at her enthusiasm. "Fine, fine. Here's

drove, I filled her in on the latest drama

he's staying with

I nodded.

added

cocked her eyebrows.

my eyes, hitting her slightly on the shoulder.

saying, this is you calling for disaster upon yourself," she

blushed, shaking my

said with a knowing smirk. Then, her expression shifted as I pointed to the faint hickey

"Let me guess-last

don't even," she

leaned closer, more intrigued now.

said with a

barely suppressing a laugh, "maybe hold out for someone who doesn't make you

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

both burst into

restaurant. Ashley parked the car and turned to me,

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

words settling some of my nerves.

the car, she called after me. "And keep

a laugh before stepping into the restaurant, greeted by the warm smiles of the staff. The soft clatter of dishes, the cheerful buzz of conversation, and the cozy ambiance immediately wrapped around me like a familiar embrace. It was the kind of environment

always been a dream to not just create a standard restaurant

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

the latest economic news?"

smile faltered, curiosity

earshot and no one

announced his bankruptcy," she read the news headline

his financial woes public knowledge. Was it

nudged me when I didn't

a hushed

shock, disbelief, and finally, a

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

appreciate that," I said, grateful for

but then a mischievous grin spread across it. "You know, this is

"I can't wait to see how that turns

more, Stephen burst into the hallway, looking utterly

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

suddenly