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 for a late

him. “I’ve got plans tonight, so I’m heading

“Cool. Go ahead.”

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

made Kaia’s stomach clench, but walking down

Yeah, no.

the elevator on the ground floor when her phone rang. It was

past your office. I was going to wait ’til your next visit, but since I’m here, I figured I’d just drop

an eyebrow. “Drop

trip. You’re always on

Save them for Kimberly. She probably needs them

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

the entrance, a flicker of annoyance in

spotted Sally’s

Sally waved a little too

Kaia paused.

Stepford smile? She’s laying it

instructions later, okay? If you can’t figure it out, just call me; I’ll walk you

sounded so sweet and concerned that Kaia felt bad refusing

“Okay, thanks,” Kaia muttered.

Kaia took the bag, Sally leaned in. “Oh no, sweetie, you’ve got a

Sally whipped out a

sensed something was wrong. She instinctively tried to pull

of dizziness washed over Kaia.

my god, is it your low

that, Sally, with surprisingly little

she told

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

Sally cooed. “I just need you to stay home for a few days. Just until the wedding. You’ll

Kaia seethed. “I

venue’s booked. You can’t back out now-not without humiliating all of

like a mother

Everything will be fine after

*****

daggers at the main