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.

however, looked like he was settling in for a late

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

“Cool. Go ahead.”

on the bold promise she’d made

made Kaia’s stomach clench, but walking

Yeah, no.

stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor

to wait ’til your next visit, but since I’m here, I figured

raised an eyebrow.

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

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

grab them. I’m parked right out front. The silver car. Won’t

the entrance, a flicker of annoyance in

spotted Sally’s

over here!” Sally waved a

Kaia paused.

smile? She’s laying it on

instructions later, okay? If you

Kaia felt bad refusing such a seemingly kind

“Okay, thanks,” Kaia muttered.

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

could react, Sally

instinctively tried to pull back, but Sally’s

wave of dizziness washed

is it your low blood sugar

that, Sally, with surprisingly little effort,

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

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

home for a few days. Just until the

Kaia seethed. “I am

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

Kaia’s hair like a mother

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

*****

the main gate of