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.

looked like he was settling in for a late

him. “I’ve got

“Cool. Go ahead.”

on the bold promise she’d

the elevator still made Kaia’s stomach clench,

Yeah, no.

the elevator on the ground floor when her phone

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

raised an eyebrow. “Drop

You’re always on your own, never coming

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

at home! Just pop down and grab them. I’m parked right out front. The

walked toward the entrance, a flicker of annoyance in her

spotted Sally’s car

here!” Sally waved a little

Kaia paused.

smile? She’s laying

thrust a bag at her. “Read the instructions later, okay? If you can’t figure it out, just call me; I’ll walk you through

so sweet and concerned that Kaia felt bad refusing such a

“Okay, thanks,” Kaia muttered.

“Oh no, sweetie, you’ve got a little something

Kaia could react, Sally whipped out a

instinctively tried to pull back, but Sally’s

wave of dizziness washed over

my god, is it your low blood

surprisingly little effort,

a smug smile as she told

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

need you to stay home for a few days. Just until the wedding.

Kaia seethed.

girl. The invitations are out. The venue’s booked. You can’t back out now-not without

smoothed Kaia’s hair like a mother tucking in

be fine after a few

*****

at the main gate of the Graves