Winning Back His Ex's Wife's Broken Heart by Hayley

Chapter 86

Sarah pov.

After that meeting with James, I left feeling like the air was heavier, clinging to me in a way I couldn't shake.

I should've known better than to think I'd get a straight answer from him, but the little he did share was enough to send my mind spinning.

Every word he said hinted at something deeper, something that could hurt Richard, and possibly, both of us.

I knew if Richard found out about this meeting, he'd go into protective mode, trying to shield me from all of it. But this time, I couldn't let him.

As I drove home, my mind kept replaying the conversation. James, calm and cold as ever, hinting at secrets and alliances, all while refusing to tell me anything that actually mattered.

But the way he looked at me, that smug look as he said, "Not everything is as it seems," sent a chill down my spine.

I knew there was more at play here, but what, exactly, I couldn't say. All I knew was that if James wanted something from us, he'd stop at nothing to get it.

The house was dark when I got in. Richard was still up, sitting in his office, tapping away at his laptop, the only light coming from the screen.

He looked up when I walked in, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "You're back late," he said, trying to sound casual, but I could see the worry in his eyes.

"Yeah, just went for a drive," I replied, hoping my tone sounded natural. My heart pounded as I hung up my coat, avoiding his gaze.

but I knew he'd only

with questions, but lately, he'd been too wrapped up in his own stress, too distracted to notice the little things. Part of me was relieved,

sit across from him, watching him work. His face

ask me something. Instead, he just offered me

in my chest. "Yeah. Just... thinking about some

gaze lingered on me, but he didn't press. Instead, he rubbed his

going in circles with all of this." He gestured at his laptop, frustration clear

pounding. I wondered if he'd tell me what was weighing on him, hoping

they don't add up." His voice trailed off, and I saw the

leaned forward, trying to meet his gaze. "Richard, you know you can tell me anything,

then he shook his head, his defenses going back up. "I know, Sarah. But...

bit back a sigh, frustration bubbling up inside me. Here we were, both keeping secrets, both trying to protect each other, and yet, it

just as I was doing the same for him. But instead of

between us. "Just... if you need

nodded, but the distance in his eyes was

forced a smile, but inside, I felt a pang of loneliness. I wanted to tell him about James, about the

throw himself into the fire to protect me, even if it meant risking everything he'd worked for. The days that followed felt like a delicate balancing act. I tried to be normal around Richard, pretending like everything was

ready to snap. Richard was lost in his own world, barely noticing the little

wrong. But another part of me was grateful for the space, knowing that it kept him safe, at least

evening, I sat in the kitchen, going over the notes

more questions than answers. I couldn't help but wonder what he had meant by "the network's power." How