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.

she had insisted on picking me up today just so she could hear the gist first hand. I don't think anyone likes to listen to gossip like my best friend. "Ready to go?" she asked the second I slid into the passenger

go," I said,

waste a second before diving in. "Alright, spill it!

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

her in on the

with you?"

I nodded.

added for

cocked her eyebrows.

my eyes, hitting her slightly on the shoulder.

is you calling for disaster upon

shaking my head. "Not

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

obvious," I teased. "Let me

she groaned, rolling her

intrigued now. "What? Bad

she said with a dramatic shake

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

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

burst into

parked the car and

have been great to you, but I doubt he'd let

words settling some

she called after me.

warm smiles of the staff. The soft clatter of dishes, the cheerful buzz of conversation, and the cozy ambiance immediately

always been a dream to not just create a standard restaurant for people, but also

my office when Rebecca appeared out

the latest economic news?"

curiosity piqued. "No,

around cautiously, ensuring we were out of earshot and

Smith, the infamous billionaire, has just announced his bankruptcy," she read the news headline

has made his financial woes public knowledge. Was it also part of his

me when I didn't respond.

my thoughts and attention to her. In a hushed tone I revealed, "Yeah, I know. He's actually staying with

cycled through shock, disbelief, and finally,

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

I appreciate that," I said,

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

to see how that turns

Stephen burst into the hallway, looking

is bad. Really bad," he kept murmuring. "You need to see

suddenly worried.