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

nodded at him. “I’ve got plans tonight,

“Cool. Go ahead.”

the bold promise she’d made that

made Kaia’s stomach clench, but walking down

Yeah, no.

on the

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

raised an eyebrow.

You’re

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

we’ve got plenty at home! Just pop down and grab them. I’m parked right out

up, Kaia walked toward the entrance, a flicker of annoyance in

Sally’s

Sally waved a

Kaia paused.

with the Stepford smile? She’s

“Read the instructions later, okay?

and concerned that Kaia felt bad refusing

“Okay, thanks,” Kaia muttered.

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

react, Sally whipped

instinctively tried to pull back, but

of dizziness washed over Kaia. Her

it

just like that, Sally, with surprisingly little effort, bundled Kaia

smug smile as she told the

nails into her palms, fighting to stay

you to stay home for a few days. Just

you.” Kaia seethed.

invitations are out. The venue’s booked. You

like a mother tucking

there. Just rest. Everything will be fine after a few good days of

*****

daggers at the main gate