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Chapter 313

Author: Lauren
last update Last Updated: 2025-10-13 15:17:05

Adrian's Point of View

The courtroom is packed for Charles Wayne's sentencing. I almost didn't come, almost just left for California without witnessing this final chapter. But something made me stay—maybe closure, maybe morbid curiosity.

Charles sits at the defense table looking frail. The cancer is eating him alive. He's lost at least thirty pounds since the trial started.

"Does the defendant wish to make a statement before sentencing?" Judge Martinez asks.

Charles stands slowly, his lawyer supporting his elbow. "Yes, Your Honor."

He turns to face the courtroom, his eyes finding mine, then Knoxx's.

"I've spent my entire life building power. I believed that strength meant control, that love was weakness, that sentiment was a liability." His voice is weak but steady. "I was wrong about everything that mattered."

He looks at Knoxx. "I spent your childhood teaching you that emotions were flaws to be eliminated. I made you believe you were never good enough, that love was something to be
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  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 320

    Caroline's Point of ViewExactly one year after Knoxx and I became official, he takes me back to Central Park. The same park where I met Adrian to discuss my mother's murder. The same park where so much pain unfolded."Why here?" I ask."Because we're transforming this space. Turning painful memories into beautiful new ones." He leads me to a different section—the Conservatory Garden, which is blooming with spring flowers.Liam runs ahead, giggling with excitement. He's in on whatever Knoxx has planned, which makes me both nervous and curious."Close your eyes," Knoxx says when we reach a specific spot."Seriously?""Trust me."I close my eyes, letting him guide me forward. I hear rustling, whispered instructions to Liam, then silence."Okay. Open."I open my eyes to see a beautiful picnic setup under a flowering tree. But what makes my breath catch is the display surrounding it—dozens of photographs chronicling our year together. Pictures from our first real date, from Foundation's l

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 319

    Knoxx's Point of ViewI visit Charles Wayne at the federal medical facility where he's serving his sentence. I haven't seen him since the sentencing three months ago, and I'm not sure why I'm coming now.Maybe closure. Maybe curiosity. Maybe duty.He's in a hospital bed, hooked up to various monitors. The cancer has ravaged him—he's skeletal, his skin gray, his breathing labored. He opens his eyes when I enter."Knoxx." His voice is barely above a whisper. "You came.""Yeah." I sit in the chair beside his bed. "How are you feeling?""Like I'm dying. Because I am." He attempts a smile. "Doctors say maybe two weeks left.""I'm sorry.""Don't be. This is what I deserve." He studies my face. "You look good. Happy. I heard about Foundation.""News travels even here?""I have internet access for limited hours. I've been following your progress." Charles coughs, a horrible rattling sound. "You're doing good work. Building something ethical. Tell me about Caroline. About Liam."I'm surprised

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 318

    Caroline's Point of ViewThe Foundation launch party is held in what used to be Wayne Enterprises' main conference room. We've transformed it completely—gone are the intimidating dark woods and formal portraits. Now it's bright, open, welcoming.Over three hundred people attend: employees, business partners, media, community leaders. Even Logan video-calls in from prison to watch the announcement.Knoxx and I stand at the podium together, ready to introduce the world to Foundation."Thank you all for coming," I begin. "Six months ago, Wayne Enterprises and Hill Group were separate companies with complicated histories. Today, we're proud to announce Foundation—a completely new entity built on transparency, ethics, and accountability."Knoxx continues: "Our fathers built empires on secrets and exploitation. We're building something different. Foundation will prioritize three things: ethical business practices, employee welfare, and community impact."I pull up our presentation. "Specifi

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 317

    Knoxx's Point of ViewSix months into the merger process, I take Caroline on a proper date. Not a working dinner or a quick lunch between meetings—a real, romantic date."Where are we going?" she asks as we drive out of the city."It's a surprise. Just trust me.""You know I have trust issues.""I know. That's why I'm working hard to prove I'm trustworthy." I glance at her. "How am I doing?""Pretty well, actually." She smiles. "Okay, I'll stop asking questions. Surprise me."An hour later, we pull up to a small vineyard in the Hudson Valley. Caroline's eyes widen."This is beautiful.""Wait until you see inside." I help her out of the car and lead her to a private tasting room I've reserved. It's warm and intimate, with a fireplace and view of the rolling hills.A sommelier greets us with a selection of local wines and artisanal cheeses. "Mr. Wayne has arranged a private tasting experience. We'll go through six wines, and I'll leave you alone between each one to enjoy them at your ow

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 316

    Caroline's Point of ViewThe merger process is exhausting. I spend twelve-hour days in meetings with lawyers, accountants, board members, and regulatory officials. Everyone has opinions about combining Wayne Enterprises and Hill Group."The pharmaceutical division needs complete restructuring," I argue in yet another strategy session. "We can't just merge the existing operations—we need to build something ethical from the ground up.""That will cost millions," the CFO protests."Yes. And it's worth it." I pull up my presentation. "Here's what happens if we don't: continued lawsuits from the illegal trials, damaged reputation, loss of consumer trust. Here's what happens if we do: industry leadership in ethical pharmaceuticals, competitive advantage, long-term sustainability."Knoxx nods from across the table. "Caroline's right. We're playing the long game, not quarterly profits."The debates continue for hours. But slowly, we're building consensus. The new company will prioritize ethic

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 315

    Knoxx's Point of ViewThree months after Charles Wayne's sentencing, I stand in front of the Wayne Enterprises board with a proposal that would have given my father a heart attack."Merge with Hill Group?" Harrison Chen repeats, studying the documents I've distributed. "That's... ambitious.""It's necessary," I counter. "Hill Group has the pharmaceutical expertise and ethical framework we need. Wayne Enterprises has the infrastructure and capital. Together, we can build something better than either company alone."Margaret Sullivan raises her hand. "What about Logan Hill's criminal conviction? Won't that complicate things?""Logan has stepped down from all leadership positions. Caroline Hill will represent Hill Group's interests during the merger. She has her MBA and spent years learning the business from her father—the legitimate parts, anyway.""And your personal relationship with Ms. Hill?" another board member asks. "Won't that create conflicts of interest?"I take a deep breath.

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