Wedding My Ex’s Uncle

Chapter 39 The Scheme

“Kaia, isn’t that your ex? Looks just like that dude you dated!”

She offered a strained smile. “Jude, when did I ever say he was my boyfriend? And it’s not him! Different guy!”

“Oh, yeah, you’re right. Not exactly the same.”

Jude squinted. “Hmm. Yeah, you’re probably right. My bad-old man memory kicking in.

For a second there, he’d really thought Kaia’s ex was in their work chat.

Kaia managed a weak smile, her gaze dropping to the chat list. The starry night avatar flickered and changed, updated to a fluffy white rabbit.

She slammed her phone face down on the desk, terrified to even glance at the group.

Please, no more questions.

But fate had other ideas.

Jude texted: [Mr. Rhodes, our team’s all set. Looking forward to working with you all!]

Julian texted: [Thanks, Mr. Halston. The new member is Mr. Graves. A pleasure to be working with everyone!]

“Mr. Graves?” Warren gasped.

“Jude, that bunny avatar… That’s Mr. Graves? Wow. He seems so icy in person, but his avatar’s actually kinda cute.”

Jude didn’t dwell on it, though he did find Lucien’s presence in

the chat a bit odd.

“Yeah, well, maybe he’s secretly a softie. Or maybe it’s ironic. Either way, keep it professional in that chat. Most folks have their info up. If it’s sensitive, pick up the phone.”

Lucien joining the chat definitely made Jude uneasy.

The M&A wasn’t just a big deal-it was the deal. For the next few months, this case was going to be their entire world.

*****

As the workday wound down, Kaia packed her bag as usual.

he was settling in

got plans tonight, so

“Cool. Go ahead.”

to make good on the bold

the elevator still made Kaia’s stomach

Yeah, no.

the elevator on the ground

to wait ’til your

raised an eyebrow.

my trip. You’re

internally. “No, thank you. Save them

home! Just pop down and grab them. I’m parked right out front. The silver car. Won’t

Kaia walked toward the entrance, a flicker of annoyance in

spotted Sally’s

over here!” Sally waved a little too

Kaia paused.

the Stepford smile? She’s laying it

she approached, Sally thrust a bag at her. “Read the instructions later, okay? If you can’t figure it out, just call me; I’ll walk

concerned that Kaia

“Okay, thanks,” Kaia muttered.

leaned in. “Oh no, sweetie, you’ve got a

Sally

She instinctively tried to pull back, but Sally’s handkerchief

wave of dizziness washed over Kaia. Her knees

Oh my god, is it

like that, Sally, with surprisingly

as she told the driver, “Let’s go

into her palms, fighting to stay conscious. “W-What the hell

stay home for a few days. Just until the wedding. You’ll

Kaia seethed. “I am not

The invitations are out. The venue’s booked. You can’t back out

Kaia’s hair like a mother tucking

will be fine after a

*****

daggers at the main gate of