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

got plans tonight, so I’m

“Cool. Go ahead.”

to make good on the bold promise

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

Yeah, no.

just stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor when her

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

eyebrow.

You’re always on your own, never coming home. Thought

them for Kimberly. She probably needs them

and grab them. I’m parked

the entrance, a flicker of annoyance

Sally’s car

waved a little

Kaia paused.

with the Stepford smile? She’s

bag at her. “Read the instructions later, okay? If you can’t figure it out,

that Kaia

“Okay, thanks,” Kaia muttered.

Sally leaned in. “Oh no, sweetie, you’ve

react, Sally whipped

to pull back, but Sally’s

dizziness washed over Kaia.

god, is it

with surprisingly little effort,

smug smile as she told the driver, “Let’s

to stay conscious. “W-What the hell do you think you’re

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

seethed. “I am not

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

a mother tucking in a

Everything will be fine after

*****

stared daggers at the main gate of the Graves Manor.