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

(ARIELLE'S POV)

We walked like robots, mechanically, still stunned by the unexpected turn of events. Who would have known we were walking right into the arms of Jared's mother?

Ashley was silent beside me on the sofa. She had her arms folded across her chest, and I could see the apprehension on her face as she stared at Sofia.

For moments after Sofia opened the door for us, my ears lost their ability to receive sound, or perhaps my brain halted abruptly with processing the received sound waves.

Either way, I heard nothing but silence and the muffled sound of voices as Jared's mother called out to the housekeeper.

From the edge of my vision, I could see her approach, but I'd been too lost in my mind to realize she was coming over to me.

"Shall I get you tea or coffee?" the lady asked politely. I blinked furiously to draw my mind back to the present. All the while, I'd been looking at the pair of Sofia and Mrs. Smith through skeptical eyes. Something didn't sit right and I could feel it in my gut. "Sorry?" I turned to look at the housekeeper.

"Get the lady some tea and cookies, Emilia. Those should be quite okay, I suppose?" Mrs. Smith turned to ask me.

"Of course," I nodded.

"And your friend?" she asked.

"We'll eat together, thank you," Ashley said with a curt smile.

"So... how's any of this related? Why... Why are we here?" I finally found the voice to ask after the housekeeper left.

"Yes. Why did my boss send us to you?" Ashley asked with an underlying tone of contempt in her voice. I squeezed her hand by my side and she sat back on the sofa.

Mrs. Smith sat up in her chair and took a sip of the glass of water sitting on a stool beside her. "I'll explain. All of it. At least the part you need to hear. You're not wrong. I in fact orchestrated the move for Mr. Roman to lead you both back to me. It was all planned. I'll tell you something you must know. I know that my son's been busy with plans, all aimed at sinking your uncle's business," she said to Ashley.

"Perhaps he wishes to acquire it for himself. But I know it is against your wish and that of your uncle's. So I have a little proposal to make.." she paused for effect and sat back in her chair.

Both myself and Ashley sat up, our ears scratching to learn what she had to say.

If Ashley was surprised that the older woman knew about the issue with her uncle's business, she did a good job of hiding it well, because her face was drawn out in a different expression. She looked more eager to hear what Mrs. Smith had to propose.

woman seemed to enjoy the suspense she'd created and she sat with a

to drop his silly little ambition

eyes widened in surprise and I looked over at Ashley who

to my family if we

to be a reason why Jared's mother of all

answer to my questions. Mrs. Smith cleared

need a little favor in return," she began. "And believe me, it is nothing excessively demanding," she was quick to add. I exchanged skeptical glances with Ashley and turned to listen

I don't expect us to share some mother to daughter bond or anything silly like that. But I wouldn't want to be enemies with you, nor would I

do with my

that conversation. How about lunch at my house? I'll tell you everything you need to know. Besides,

the silent plea in her eyes for us to at least go check it out and despite my reservations, I conceded to having

want any drama. All we want is just help for my friend and then you tell us what we have to do in

very reasonable. It's a shame things didn't get to

word then?"

friend. Certain things are beyond my power, Arielle. Time has taught me not to make promises I can't keep," she said cryptically. I narrowed my eyes at her skeptically and wondered what she meant with her statement. Most importantly, I was curious to know why she intentionally evaded giving a direct answer

feeling of uncertainty about going with her to her house,

then. We'll just drive behind

There's enough space in the limo for us to go together," Mrs. Smith explained with

home, we were immediately ushered to the

upon arrival. Whatever it

have just spoken

trained on

quiet and to herself, her eyes trained on the floor and only looked up to acknowledge a statement addressed to her from Mrs. Smith. Otherwise, she was barely present. There was a distant look in her eyes, akin to the demeanor of a woman in mourning. I could only wonder what it had to do with our

while Mrs. Smith was busy speaking with

I'm fine," I smiled and squeezed her hand

Smith announced once the dishes had been set

I will try my best

to look

son failed those many years ago, and believe me, I have my regrets. I don't say this to placate

and Jared