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

No acknowledgement

(ARIELLE'S POV)

7pm, the Grand Imperial Hotel.

"You've got to pull yourself together," I said to myself, splashing cold water on my face.

The afternoon had passed in a blur-probably because my mind kept drifting.

Stephen had handled everything, and I arrived 20 minutes early. Now, I found myself here, stuck in this awkward limbo.

How hard could it be? Negotiate with dealers, help clients solve problems, assist blind dates, and maybe catch my ex-husband in the act?

"If I get through tonight, I'm buying a lottery ticket," I murmured, a bitter smile crossing my lips.

I checked the time again, then left the bathroom, taking a seat closer to the table with the sea view.

That's when I spotted Margaux, the young woman supposedly the Harrisons' granddaughter, waiting for her date.

She looked delicate, calm, almost ethereal in a beautiful blue dress-something straight out of a French film. She had this quiet, classical elegance about her. It was hard to believe she was the rebellious granddaughter the Harrisons had mentioned.

Her long, curly dark hair cascaded down her back, and I caught the glint of her bright blue eyes. She seemed irritated, though, her gaze sharp, as if she'd rather be anywhere else, and I couldn't blame her.

I continued to watch, glancing every so often at the entrance. What I only felt was an odd sense of anxiety, unsure if I was waiting for something to happen, or trying to avoid it.

All the memories of our recent fight, our past struggles-flashed in my mind. Six years of turmoil. I wasn't anyone to him anymore. Just his ex-wife. That's all.

Except for Maverick. I still needed to talk to him, explain why his father hadn't been around lately.

thing: I'd be happy if he really let it go. I should allow him to let

And then, he arrived.

Margaux's date.

in-charming, tall, sophisticated in a black suit, his hair

It wasn't Jared.

felt, but I

way about him not being Jared, but I

when I saw... Ashley suddenly appeared

to explain. This man was Ashley's boss-the one she often grumbled about, calling him a workaholic. I hadn't expected

the man's appearance or personality. Instead, she quipped, "Do you bring your secretary on every date?" Her voice dripped

simply nodding in agreement. Ashley shot him an exasperated look, as if his confirmation was going to

point, I couldn't help but chuckle under my breath at the growing awkward tension. I made a mental note not to

still unimpressed, shook her head and sighed softly. "That's why I always think arranged dates are so

she turned gently in my direction. "And what about you? Do you hear

washed over me as both Ashley and her boss turned to look at me. Ashley's eyes widened, clearly surprised

to seem rude by remaining seated, I stood

"Hello..." I greeted awkwardly.

off. "It's fine. know who you are. You're the restaurant lady they can't stop talking about. These old fellows always worry about me. I'm only mad at you because-" she glanced back at Ashley's boss, "-if you didn't want to come, you should've just said

spoke, his tone

the wrong thing to say. Margaux's irritation flared, but Ashley quickly stepped in,

introduce ourselves?" she

but it was obvious the energy

wasn't genuine.

at the absurdity of it all, as I watched them. But none of us refuted, and we agreed to the idea, the route of us officially exchanging self-introduction and

glance in my direction before turning to the man. "And your guest, supposedly," she added, her voice polite, though the coldness in her eyes was hard to miss. "Roman McFadden," Ashley's boss replied, his voice smooth and confident. "I own McFadden

for a moment. No