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.

like he was

got plans tonight, so

“Cool. Go ahead.”

make good on the bold promise

elevator still made Kaia’s stomach clench, but

Yeah, no.

stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor when her

I’m driving right past your office. I was going to wait ’til

an eyebrow.

“Oh, nothing much. Just some special health tonics from my trip. You’re always on your own, never

internally. “No, thank you. Save them for Kimberly. She

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

toward the entrance, a

spotted Sally’s

Sally waved a little

Kaia paused.

with the Stepford smile? She’s laying it

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

Kaia felt

“Okay, thanks,” Kaia muttered.

leaned in. “Oh no, sweetie, you’ve

react, Sally whipped

wrong. She instinctively tried to pull

dizziness washed over Kaia. Her knees

is it your low

with surprisingly little effort, bundled

smile as she told the driver,

dug her nails into her palms, fighting to stay conscious.

“I just need you to stay home for a few days. Just until the wedding.

seethed. “I am not

just chuckled, “Silly girl. The invitations are out. The venue’s booked. You can’t back out now-not without

smoothed Kaia’s hair like a mother tucking in a

will be fine after a

*****

daggers at the main gate of the Graves Manor.