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.

she sat with a

little ambition and leave your uncle alone. That, I will

looked over at Ashley who equally

know what to say," Ashley said, her voice cracking with emotion. "Thank you, I guess. You have no idea what peace it would bring to my family if we didn't have to live another

had to be a reason why Jared's mother of all people was willing to go against her son just to help

questions. Mrs. Smith cleared

began. "And believe me, it is nothing excessively demanding," she was quick to add. I exchanged

things haven't been exactly all sweet honey and pancakes between us.. But we've known each other for a while now and that should count for something. Yes, I know. I don't expect us to share some mother to daughter bond or anything silly like that. But I wouldn't want to

How does any of this have anything to do with my uncle's business?" Ashley

everything you need to know. Besides, there's more to this conversation than I have told you. I'd tell you

at least go check it out and despite my reservations, I conceded to having lunch with Mrs. Smith and

just help for my friend

You've always been very reasonable. It's a shame things didn't get

have your word then?"

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

heavy feeling of uncertainty about going with her to her house, but Ashley's

drive behind you..." I finally

I'd have a driver bring the car up to the house. There's enough space in the limo for us to go together," Mrs. Smith

immediately ushered

Mrs. Smith had made arrangements for us to be hosted immediately upon arrival. Whatever it was that she had to

have just

trained on Sofia the

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

to me while Mrs.

fine," I smiled and squeezed her

once the dishes had been

will try my

She stopped to look at Sofia briefly and turned

don't say this to placate you or anything whatsoever: But I'm not stupid. I know

you and Jared