Share

Chapter 37

last update Last Updated: 2025-04-05 14:30:52

Chapter 37

The Caldwell mansion sparkled with desperate opulence, chandeliers polished to a frantic shine as they celebrated their financial resurrection. Crystal glasses clinked with forced cheer, champagne flowed a touch too freely, and Emily held court in the grand salon like a queen restored to her throne after a brief but terrifying exile. Her designer dress, hastily retrieved from the consignment shop where it had been sent just days earlier, caught the light as she moved among the guests, her smile brittle but triumphant.

The remaining society members who hadn't abandoned them completely gathered in smaller numbers than before, drawn by morbid curiosity as much as loyalty. They whispered behind manicured hands, eyes darting to notice the cheaper champagne, the fewer servers, the subtle signs of recent distress hastily covered with fresh flowers and forced laughter.

"To our savior," Emily raised her glass toward Lora, her voice carrying with practiced authority. "The woman who p
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter
Comments (1)
goodnovel comment avatar
Heather W
As the last vestiges of secured dynasties shut the doors lol. Alexander is the red flag we love lol
VIEW ALL COMMENTS

Related chapters

  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 38

    Chapter 38The Caldwell mansion's morning room erupted in chaos as financial news blared from multiple screens. Lora stood barefoot on the Persian rug, her silk robe askew, last night's makeup smeared beneath eyes swollen from interrupted sleep. Her fingers clutched the remote so tightly her knuckles turned white as she jabbed at the volume button, forcing everyone to hear the news that had shattered her world."BENNETT EMPIRE SHIFTS: Heir Change Shocks Society""19-YEAR-OLD JAMES BENNETT NAMED SOLE SUCCESSOR""KANE INDUSTRIES SIGNS HISTORIC DEAL WITH BENNETT CORPORATION""Ten billion!" The words exploded from Lora's throat like shrapnel. She hurled her teacup with such violence that it left a dent in the wall before shattering, tea splashing across priceless artwork like blood. "Ten BILLION dollars! That witch orchestrated everything! She bought my grandmother's loyalty with a business deal!"Her chest heaved with each ragged breath, nostrils flaring, veins standing out on her neck.

    Last Updated : 2025-04-05
  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 39

    Chapter 39The morning sun colored New York's tall buildings gold as Mona sat by the window. She sipped hot coffee from a white cup, her eyes moving between three big TV screens. Each screen showed her latest win in different ways:"BENNETT EMPIRE SHIFTS: Lora Caldwell Cut Off Completely""MADAM LEAH NAMES TEENAGE GRANDSON AS SOLE HEIR""SOCIETY SHOCK: Bennett-Kane Alliance Reshapes Power Structure"Mona's lips curved into a slow smile. On the middle screen, cameras showed Lora screaming and fighting as two men in dark suits pulled her away from the Bennett family home. The same home Lora once thought she would own someday."Get your hands off me!" Lora's voice was high and broken on the TV. "I'm a Bennett! This is MY home! Grandmother! GRANDMOTHER!"But Madam Leah Bennett didn't come out. The grand doors stayed closed as Lora was forced into a car and driven away.Mona took another sip of coffee, letting the warm feeling of success wash over her.*Two Days Earlier*The room felt heav

    Last Updated : 2025-04-06
  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 40

    Chapter 40Blood-red rose petals created a fragrant path through the penthouse, starting at the private elevator and winding through rooms filled with priceless art and furniture. Mona followed the trail, her fingers brushing against marble countertops and silk wall coverings, wondering what occasion warranted this display. The path led to their terrace, where the evening air carried the scent of jasmine and distant rain.Candlelight flickered against crystal and silver, casting dancing shadows across a private feast laid out under a blanket of stars. The city stretched below them, a kingdom of lights and possibilities. Alexander stood waiting by the balustrade, Manhattan's glittering skyline behind him like a custom backdrop. He was still in his business suit, but his tie was loosened, and his expression held an uncharacteristic softness that made him look younger, almost vulnerable."What's all this?" she asked, taking in the romantic setting, white orchids floating in crystal bowls

    Last Updated : 2025-04-06
  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 41

    Chapter 41The Bennett estate's grand ballroom glittered under crystal chandeliers, the light dancing off jewels and champagne flutes as the city's elite gathered to celebrate young James Bennett's formal introduction as heir. Mona stood at the entrance, her hand resting lightly on Alexander's arm, taking in the scene with quiet satisfaction."Ready?" Alexander whispered, his breath warm against her ear.Mona nodded, her emerald gown catching the light as they stepped forward. Heads turned, conversations paused, and a wave of whispers followed them across the marble floor. Not the whispers of mockery she had once endured at Caldwell gatherings, but whispers of admiration, curiosity, respect.Madam Leah Bennett, regal in sapphire blue, broke away from her circle of admirers and approached them with outstretched hands."Mrs. Kane," she said warmly, taking Mona's hands in hers. "You honor us with your presence.""The honor is mine, Madam Bennett," Mona replied, the practiced words flowin

    Last Updated : 2025-04-07
  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 42

    Chapter 42The wall-sized screen in Alexander's private study lit up with the Caldwell family crest, casting a blue glow across Mona's face. She stood before it, arms crossed, studying every detail as if memorizing an enemy's weaknesses. The mansion was quiet tonight, most staff dismissed early to give them privacy for what Alexander called their "war council.""Are you ready?" Alexander asked, coming to stand beside her. His voice was soft but carried the sharpness of a blade beneath.Mona nodded, her eyes never leaving the screen. "I've been ready since the day they threw me out in the rain."Alexander tapped his tablet, and the Caldwell crest dissolved into an intricate web of connections, lines radiating outward from the center like a spider's web, each strand representing businesses, partnerships, investments, and social ties."The Caldwell empire," Alexander explained, "built over four generations through marriage, manipulation, and occasional theft." He glanced at Mona. "Much l

    Last Updated : 2025-04-07
  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 43

    Chapter 43Morning light spilled through the tall windows of Mona's private office in the Kane penthouse. Outside, the city hummed with activity, but inside, silence reigned except for the soft tap of her fingers on the keyboard. She had been working since dawn, her coffee growing cold beside her as she dug deeper into Davidson Shipping's financial records.A knock at the door barely registered in her focus."You missed breakfast," Alexander said, entering with a fresh cup of coffee and a plate of fruit.Mona looked up, blinking as if waking from a dream. Her eyes burned from staring at numbers for hours. "I found something," she said, taking the coffee gratefully.Alexander set the plate down and moved behind her, his hands resting lightly on her shoulders as he studied her screen. "Show me.""Davidson Shipping reported profits to their shareholders for the last eight quarters," she said, pointing to a colorful chart. "But I cross-referenced their shipping manifests with internationa

    Last Updated : 2025-04-08
  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 44

    Chapter 44Five days had passed since Mona sent the evidence to the regulators. Five days of checking news sites, of Alexander making quiet phone calls, of waiting for the first spark to catch fire. On the morning of the sixth day, Mona woke to the sound of her phone buzzing repeatedly on the nightstand.She reached for it, eyes still heavy with sleep. Twenty-three notifications. Her heart jumped."Alexander," she said, turning to wake him, but his side of the bed was empty.She slipped on her silk robe and padded barefoot through the penthouse. The sound of voices.... several voices speaking over each other guided her to the media room. Alexander stood in the center, remote in hand, surrounded by news on every screen."It's happening," he said without turning around.Mona froze in the doorway. The largest screen showed Davidson Shipping headquarters, where reporters crowded outside the main entrance. The scrolling headline read: "BREAKING: Davidson Shipping Under Federal Investigatio

    Last Updated : 2025-04-08
  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 45

    Chapter 45The morning sun bathed the Caldwell mansion in golden light, but inside the grand dining room, storm clouds gathered. Samuel Caldwell's phone rang for the fifth time in thirty minutes. He glanced at the screen, grimaced, and silenced it again."Will you answer that infernal thing?" Emily snapped, tapping her perfectly manicured nails against her teacup. "The noise is ruining my breakfast."Samuel loosened his tie. Sweat beaded on his forehead despite the room's perfect temperature. "It's Jim Harrington. Our biggest investor."Emily's fork clattered against fine china. "And why would he call at this ungodly hour?"Before Samuel could answer, Sarah burst into the room, still in her silk pajamas, clutching her tablet. Her face was pale, eyes wide with panic."Have you seen the news?" She thrust the tablet toward her parents. "Davidson Shipping is under federal investigation!"The blood drained from Samuel's face as he grabbed the device. The headline screamed across the screen

    Last Updated : 2025-04-09

Latest chapter

  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 79

    Chapter 79The morning sun had barely risen over Boston when a fleet of black SUVs pulled up to the Caldwell Industries headquarters. Men and women in dark suits emerged, their faces set with determination, government-issued badges glinting in the early light. Employees arriving for work stopped in their tracks, watching as the agents filed through the revolving doors with military precision.In the lobby, Melissa Porter, the newly appointed interim CEO, stood waiting. Her face betrayed no emotion as the lead agent approached."David Harrington, Securities and Exchange Commission," he announced, extending his credentials. "We have a warrant to search these premises and secure all financial records dating back fifteen years."Melissa nodded once. "We've been expecting you. The board has instructed all employees to cooperate fully."Behind Harrington, twenty agents spread out across the lobby. Some headed toward the elevators, others toward the security desk. The atmosphere grew tense a

  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 78

    Chapter 78Rain pelted the windows of Maya Chen's office at the Boston Investigator, the gray afternoon matching her mood as she sifted through the mountain of documents on her desk. The Caldwell exposé had dominated her life for weeks, and though the initial story had broken with spectacular impact, she knew there was more to uncover.Her phone buzzed. The receptionist's voice came through the speaker. "Maya, there's someone here to see you. No appointment. Says his name is Daniel Winters, former accountant at Caldwell Industries. Says it's urgent."Maya glanced at her watch. She had a conference call in thirty minutes with her editor about the Powell angle of the story. But something in the receptionist's tone caught her attention."How does he seem?" she asked."Nervous. Keeps looking over his shoulder. Brought a briefcase he won't let out of his sight."Classic signs of a whistleblower. Maya had seen it before, that mix of determination and fear that drove people to risk everythin

  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 77

    Chapter 77Emily stood frozen before the television in her private study, the remote control slipping from her fingers and hitting the carpet with a soft thud. On screen, Senator James Powell stood at a podium surrounded by American flags, his wife Ruth positioned carefully at his side, her hand resting on his shoulder in a show of marital solidarity."I categorically deny having any improper relationship with Emily Caldwell," Powell declared, his voice steady and assured. "Mrs. Caldwell was a business associate and nothing more. These fabricated allegations represent a desperate attempt to deflect attention from the serious ethical and legal issues facing Caldwell Industries."Emily's breath caught in her throat. Fifteen years of secret meetings, whispered promises, and private arrangements, all erased with a few carefully prepared sentences."The financial transactions in question," Powell continued, "were legitimate investments made through proper channels. My office has provided a

  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 76

    Chapter 76The Caldwell mansion's grand foyer, once a showcase of wealth and power, now felt like a tomb. The heavy double doors slammed behind Richard Caldwell as he stormed in, his face flushed with a rage Emily had never seen in their thirty-two years of marriage."Is it true?" he demanded, his voice echoing through the marble entrance hall.Emily stood at the base of the staircase, still wearing the tailored suit she'd had on when security had escorted her from the company headquarters hours earlier. The shock of their public removal from leadership positions had barely registered before this new storm broke."Richard, you need to calm...""Answer me!" he bellowed, throwing a newspaper onto the marble floor between them. It landed with a slap, the front page visible even from where she stood: "CALDWELL SCANDAL DEEPENS: EMILY CALDWELL'S SECRET AFFAIR WITH BANKING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN."The headline hovered above a grainy but unmistakable security camera image from the Boston Club. Em

  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 75

    Chapter 75"Twenty-one percent," Alexander murmured, eyes fixed on the financial news display. "Their stock is in free fall."Mona stood beside him, watching the numbers drop in real time. Morning sunlight flooded their penthouse, contrasting with the darkness of what they witnessed, the systematic destruction of the Caldwell empire."Did you see Samuel's interview?" she asked, sipping her coffee.Alexander smiled coldly. "I did. He couldn't have damaged his company more if he'd tried."On screen, the business anchor dissected Samuel's performance, highlighting his evasive answers, visible distress, and abrupt exit. The hashtag #CaldwellMeltdown scrolled across the bottom alongside the plummeting stock figures."He was never the strong one," Mona said distantly. "Emily would drill him before any appearance. Without her guidance, he falls apart."Alexander moved to his laptop showing a live feed of Caldwell Industries headquarters where reporters gathered in growing numbers. Security b

  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 74

    Chapter 74The electronic stock ticker in Samuel Caldwell's office blinked mercilessly, each update delivering another blow. Red numbers flashed across the screen with downward arrows tracking their free-falling fortune.Samuel stood frozen before it, clutching a tumbler of scotch despite the early hour. His tie hung loose and his normally perfect hair stuck out in several directions."Fifteen percent," he whispered, watching the numbers tumble again. "Fifteen percent in three hours."Behind him, financial news played on mute. The crawl showed the same disastrous numbers, but the main image was Maya Chen's article, with occasional cuts to Caldwell family photos from happier times.His personal phone buzzed. The screen showed "Mother.""Yes?" he answered, voice rough from lack of sleep."Turn on CNBC immediately." Emily's voice was tight with barely controlled fury.Samuel switched channels and unmuted the sound."....largest investor in Caldwell Industries has announced they're sellin

  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 73

    Chapter 73Mona sat alone, a cup of coffee growing cold beside her as she stared at the newspaper spread before her. Her fingers traced the headline: "EMPIRE OF LIES: THE CORRUPT BUSINESS PRACTICES OF CALDWELL INDUSTRIES."Maya Chen's article filled the front page and continued for three more inside. The journalist had done what Mona once thought impossible, exposed the Caldwells' decades of wrongdoing for the entire world to see.Mona's phone buzzed with another notification. She'd lost count of how many people had sent her links to the story since it broke at dawn. Yet unlike the warm satisfaction she had expected to feel, Mona found herself caught in a storm of conflicting emotions.She read the section about employee pension funds again, picturing Frank Donovan's weathered face as he described his wife's illness and their lost medical coverage. The article detailed how Emily had personally authorized the transfer of these funds to offshore accounts, using the money for family vaca

  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 72

    Chapter 72The headline sprawled across the front page of the Boston Investigator in bold black letters that seemed to shout from the newsstand: "EMPIRE OF LIES: THE CORRUPT BUSINESS PRACTICES OF CALDWELL INDUSTRIES."By 7 AM, the digital version had already crashed the newspaper's servers twice due to unprecedented traffic. By 8 AM, three national news networks had picked up the story. By 9 AM, the Caldwell family's phones wouldn't stop ringing.The Caldwell mansion vibrated with tension. Emily paced the study, newspaper crumpled in her fist, while Samuel sat motionless, staring at the article displayed on his tablet. Sarah slouched in an armchair, refreshing social media with growing horror. Lora stood by the window, face pale, watching reporters gather at the gates."This is worse than we thought," Sarah said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's everywhere. Twitter, Instagram, news sites. #CaldwellCorruption is trending nationally."Emily stopped pacing. "How bad?"Sarah scroll

  • RISE OF THE EX WIFE : Mona's Revenge   Chapter 71

    Chapter 71Maya Chen clutched her bag tighter as she entered Caldwell Tower. Once buzzing with life, the marble lobby now felt hollow. Empty. Just like the company's promises to its workers."Ms. Chen? Mr. Caldwell will see you now."The elevator ride to the top floor gave Maya time to steady her nerves. For weeks, she'd dug through the Caldwells' dirty laundry. Now she'd face Samuel himself.He stood by the window, gazing at Boston Harbor, a king surveying his crumbling kingdom."Ms. Chen." His smile never reached his eyes. "Welcome to what's left of the Caldwell empire."Maya took him in expensive suit hanging loose, dark circles under bloodshot eyes. The family's fall from grace had clearly taken its toll."Thank you for meeting me, Mr. Caldwell.""Samuel, please." He motioned to a chair. "Water?"As he poured, Maya noted the empty spaces on the walls where artwork had hung, likely sold off to cover mounting debts."My lawyers advised against this," Samuel said, settling into his c

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status