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.

was settling in

got plans tonight,

“Cool. Go ahead.”

had to make good on the bold promise she’d made

thought of the elevator still made Kaia’s stomach clench, but walking down eighteen

Yeah, no.

the elevator on the ground floor when her

to wait ’til your next visit,

an eyebrow.

Just some special health tonics from my trip. You’re always on your

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

grab them. I’m parked right out front. The silver car.

entrance, a

spotted Sally’s car

over here!” Sally waved a little too

Kaia paused.

with the Stepford smile? She’s laying it on

instructions later, okay? If you can’t

and concerned that Kaia felt bad refusing such a seemingly

“Okay, thanks,” Kaia muttered.

Sally leaned in. “Oh

Kaia could react, Sally

something was wrong. She instinctively tried to pull back, but Sally’s handkerchief brushed against

of dizziness washed over

my god, is it your low blood

with surprisingly little effort, bundled Kaia into the

smug smile as she told the

stay

home for a few days. Just

Kaia seethed.

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

smoothed Kaia’s hair like a mother tucking in a

fine after a few

*****

stared daggers at the main gate of the Graves