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Late Meetings

Author: Golden Butterfly
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-05-04 19:04:07

ARIA

I start noticing a pattern. Xavier and Vivian's cars are the last ones in the executive parking lot night after night, sometimes until dawn. At first, I can buy the excuses—Asian expansion needs attention, European acquisition has those regulatory headaches. Sure, work happens.

But then three nights a week becomes four, then five. They're staying past midnight no matter what's on the calendar the next day. And when they finally leave? They don't look exhausted like normal people after grinding through work all night. They look... energized. Sometimes disheveled. Often sharing little private jokes or lingering by their cars, talking low.

I try to join one of these sessions, keeping it casual.

"The European acquisition filing deadline's coming up," I mention when I catch Xavier alone. "I could stay tonight, help finish the documentation. Those financial disclosures need a careful eye."

Xavier doesn't even think about it. "Not necessary. Vivian and I have it covered."

"Those financi
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Mga Comments (1)
goodnovel comment avatar
KierraC
I wonder if Xavier is already sleeping with Vivian. The changes they’ve made and strategically excluding Aria speaks volumes. Hopefully she’s isn’t framed for whatever shadiness is going on like how her name is on whatever they are doing
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  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    Painful Revelations

    ARIAI arrive home drained, every muscle aching with the weight of the day.Too tired to think, I drag myself into a quick shower, hoping the water might wash away more than just the grime.But my chest still feels heavy with the ache lodged deep behind my ribs.I try to stay strong… to keep my head high, keep moving forward but nothing I do seems to lift the cloud settling over me.I flip through my leather journal, sitting cross-legged on my bed after a long shower, finally facing what I've been dodging for months.My hands are shaking as I read. The pages tell the whole embarrassing story of how I went from seeing Xavier as just a business partner to... God, I can barely admit it even to myself.May 22: Caught myself watching Xavier during the board presentation today. Not analyzing his strategy but noticing how his eyes crinkle slightly when he's pleased with a point well made.June 8: Missed Xavier during his three-day conference trip. House felt weirdly empty.My stomach twists

    Huling Na-update : 2025-05-04

  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    The Confrontation

    ARIAAfter another day of Xavier playing hide-and-seek, I've had enough.The manila envelope feels heavy in my hands. Inside are all the receipts I've been collecting.Hard evidence he can't just brush off with more of his bullshit excuses.My plan seems reasonable - leave this with a note asking for an honest conversation. No drama, no screaming match. Just grown-ups dealing with a problem.Xavier's study door is usually locked, his sacred man cave where even I'm not supposed to go without an invitation now. But today, the heavy oak door swings open when I push it.What I see makes my blood freeze.Xavier's on the leather couch with Vivian practically in his lap.Her blouse is half unbuttoned showing lacy bra underneath. His tie is thrown on the floor, and his hand is wrapped around her waist like he owns her.They break apart when they hear me with shocked expressions.For a second, nobody moves. The envelope dangles from my numb fingers as my brain struggles to process what I'm see

    Huling Na-update : 2025-05-04

  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    Divorce Demand

    ARIAThe morning after catching Xavier and Vivian together, I walk into my office to find a sealed envelope sitting dead center on my desk. "Personal and Confidential" it says in bold letters, with the fancy embossed logo of Xavier's personal lawyers, not Harrington's regular attorneys.I shut my door before opening it. Inside are about fifty pages of legal crap, with "Petition for Dissolution of Marriage" right at the top in big, bold letters.Divorce papers. Not exactly shocking after last night, but the timing right after the board meeting where they restructured everything shows this was all planned out.I flip through the document, my finance brain kicking in despite feeling being punched in the gut.The settlement terms jump out immediately. He’s offering a lump sum that's less than 20% of what our original contract guaranteed. The number completely ignores everything I've done for Harrington's growth, all the value I've created, and the specific compensation our prenup spelled

    Huling Na-update : 2025-05-04

  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    Refusal

    ARIAThe 48-hour deadline ticks down to its final hours when I return the divorce papers to Xavier's office. Each page is covered in my red ink markings, rejecting every inadequate term.My note stays simple: "Inadequate and unacceptable!"I also attach all my documentation: financial reports showing company growth directly from my projects, client acquisition records with revenue impact, strategic initiatives I developed with resulting profitability metrics. The evidence creates an undeniable record of value creation far exceeding the settlement he offered.I add a final page quoting specific language from our original contract about dissolution terms—language Xavier's proposal completely ignores.The message is simple: I know exactly what I'm legally entitled to, and I have the documentation to back it up.Xavier responds through his lawyers rather than personally. They send another threatening message giving me 48 more hours to accept the original terms before they "pursue alternati

    Huling Na-update : 2025-05-06

  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    Legal Consultation

    ARIAKatherine Deck' office takes up the top floor of a discreet building in the financial district.The reception area screams understated elegance. Quality furniture without being flashy, showing professional success without needing to brag about it.The vibe matches what my research revealed about Katherine herself: substance over style, real excellence over appearances.The receptionist takes me straight to Katherine's office despite the late hour.The attorney stands up as I enter. She’s a tall woman in her fifties with dark hair and sharp eyes that miss nothing.Her handshake is firm and direct, her assessment equally so as she gestures toward a seating area more comfortable for a long conversation than her formal desk."Thanks for fitting me in on such short notice," I start, placing my document portfolio on the table between us."High-conflict divorces rarely come with convenient scheduling," Katherine responds. "My assistant mentioned business complications mixed with the divo

    Huling Na-update : 2025-05-06

  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    Clients Support

    ARIAMorning light filters through my office blinds as I methodically skim through evidence of my contributions to Harrington.I pull up emails showing my strategic input on our most successful projects.Financial reports tell their own story. I create a spreadsheet tracking quarterly growth under my financial direction, highlighting the upward trajectory since I took over as CFO.The numbers don't lie—our profitability has increased consistently under my leadership."Rebecca," I call through the intercom. "Could you gather the client testimonials from the Asian projects and the Davidson account? The ones where they specifically mentioned my involvement?"She appears in my doorway minutes later, files in hand. "I added the Archer Group testimonial too. They were explicit about working with us because of your reputation.""Perfect!" I smile gratefully. "And could you pull the documentation on the automated reporting system I implemented last year? The one that reduced our quarterly clo

    Huling Na-update : 2025-05-07

  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    Public Image & Ultimatum

    ARIAAnother sleepless night spent staring at the ceiling passes before I finally drag myself out of bed, bracing for yet another draining day ahead.Xavier hasn’t returned home since the divorce battle began and honestly, I prefer it that way. In this house, with enemies lurking behind every polished smile, one mistake could cost me everything… even my life.The lights of the convention center ballroom blaze down on me as I prepare to give the keynote at the Annual Financial Innovation Summit.The room buzzes with industry leaders sipping champagne. My keynote. My moment."You ready?" Rebecca asks, offering a glass of water."Born ready." I smooth the lapel of my red suit. I don’t blend in. I stand out. “Mrs. Harrington,” the summit organizer calls me.“I’d prefer to be addressed as Ms. Taylor. Professionally,” I correct her with a calm smile and a subtle separation from Xavier’s shadow as I take the stage.My accolades are listed: my consultancy roots, my innovations, the 30% intern

    Huling Na-update : 2025-05-08

  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    Vivian's Plan

    ARIAI head to Xavier’s office the next morning, closing the door behind me.The familiar scent of Vivian’s strong cologne turns my stomach.He sits behind his massive mahogany desk like a physical barrier between us and a symbol of the power he thinks gives him the right to invade my privacy."Surveillance, Xavier? Really? That's your play now?""I don't know what you're talking about." His fingers continue typing on his keyboard, not even bothering to look up at me."The bugs in my suite. The security restrictions. Reassigning Rebecca."Xavier finally leans back in his chair with his expression cold. "Business decisions, all of them. Nothing personal.""We both know that's a lie." My voice remains steady, controlled, though my hands shake with rage.Xavier flash me a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "Be careful, Aria. You should consider your safety before continuing this... resistance. Things can happen. Accidents. Misunderstandings." He adjusts his platinum cufflinks with delibe

    Huling Na-update : 2025-05-09

Pinakabagong kabanata

  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    The Setup

    ARIAXavier approaches me in the parking garage the next morning, his manner surprisingly friendly.I brace myself and square my shoulders."Aria, I think we've let this situation get way too nasty." His voice bounces slightly off the concrete walls.He's dressed perfectly as always in a charcoal suit.I keep my distance, very aware we're in a blind spot between security cameras. The garage's pillars block the view from both directions.Not a coincidence, I'm sure."Really? The bugs in my house and threats suggest otherwise.""Maybe things have gone too far on both sides." His tone is all friendly and body language open. "I propose we talk about divorce terms like adults over dinner. On neutral ground.""Why the sudden change of heart?" I study his face, looking for tells.The tiny twitch at the corner of his mouth. The fake warmth that doesn't reach his eyes all suggest something fishy."The board's concerned. I'm just being practical." He shrugs, too casual to be real. "This battle

  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    Vivian's Plan

    ARIAI head to Xavier’s office the next morning, closing the door behind me.The familiar scent of Vivian’s strong cologne turns my stomach.He sits behind his massive mahogany desk like a physical barrier between us and a symbol of the power he thinks gives him the right to invade my privacy."Surveillance, Xavier? Really? That's your play now?""I don't know what you're talking about." His fingers continue typing on his keyboard, not even bothering to look up at me."The bugs in my suite. The security restrictions. Reassigning Rebecca."Xavier finally leans back in his chair with his expression cold. "Business decisions, all of them. Nothing personal.""We both know that's a lie." My voice remains steady, controlled, though my hands shake with rage.Xavier flash me a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "Be careful, Aria. You should consider your safety before continuing this... resistance. Things can happen. Accidents. Misunderstandings." He adjusts his platinum cufflinks with delibe

  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    Public Image & Ultimatum

    ARIAAnother sleepless night spent staring at the ceiling passes before I finally drag myself out of bed, bracing for yet another draining day ahead.Xavier hasn’t returned home since the divorce battle began and honestly, I prefer it that way. In this house, with enemies lurking behind every polished smile, one mistake could cost me everything… even my life.The lights of the convention center ballroom blaze down on me as I prepare to give the keynote at the Annual Financial Innovation Summit.The room buzzes with industry leaders sipping champagne. My keynote. My moment."You ready?" Rebecca asks, offering a glass of water."Born ready." I smooth the lapel of my red suit. I don’t blend in. I stand out. “Mrs. Harrington,” the summit organizer calls me.“I’d prefer to be addressed as Ms. Taylor. Professionally,” I correct her with a calm smile and a subtle separation from Xavier’s shadow as I take the stage.My accolades are listed: my consultancy roots, my innovations, the 30% intern

  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    Clients Support

    ARIAMorning light filters through my office blinds as I methodically skim through evidence of my contributions to Harrington.I pull up emails showing my strategic input on our most successful projects.Financial reports tell their own story. I create a spreadsheet tracking quarterly growth under my financial direction, highlighting the upward trajectory since I took over as CFO.The numbers don't lie—our profitability has increased consistently under my leadership."Rebecca," I call through the intercom. "Could you gather the client testimonials from the Asian projects and the Davidson account? The ones where they specifically mentioned my involvement?"She appears in my doorway minutes later, files in hand. "I added the Archer Group testimonial too. They were explicit about working with us because of your reputation.""Perfect!" I smile gratefully. "And could you pull the documentation on the automated reporting system I implemented last year? The one that reduced our quarterly clo

  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    Legal Consultation

    ARIAKatherine Deck' office takes up the top floor of a discreet building in the financial district.The reception area screams understated elegance. Quality furniture without being flashy, showing professional success without needing to brag about it.The vibe matches what my research revealed about Katherine herself: substance over style, real excellence over appearances.The receptionist takes me straight to Katherine's office despite the late hour.The attorney stands up as I enter. She’s a tall woman in her fifties with dark hair and sharp eyes that miss nothing.Her handshake is firm and direct, her assessment equally so as she gestures toward a seating area more comfortable for a long conversation than her formal desk."Thanks for fitting me in on such short notice," I start, placing my document portfolio on the table between us."High-conflict divorces rarely come with convenient scheduling," Katherine responds. "My assistant mentioned business complications mixed with the divo

  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    Refusal

    ARIAThe 48-hour deadline ticks down to its final hours when I return the divorce papers to Xavier's office. Each page is covered in my red ink markings, rejecting every inadequate term.My note stays simple: "Inadequate and unacceptable!"I also attach all my documentation: financial reports showing company growth directly from my projects, client acquisition records with revenue impact, strategic initiatives I developed with resulting profitability metrics. The evidence creates an undeniable record of value creation far exceeding the settlement he offered.I add a final page quoting specific language from our original contract about dissolution terms—language Xavier's proposal completely ignores.The message is simple: I know exactly what I'm legally entitled to, and I have the documentation to back it up.Xavier responds through his lawyers rather than personally. They send another threatening message giving me 48 more hours to accept the original terms before they "pursue alternati

  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    Divorce Demand

    ARIAThe morning after catching Xavier and Vivian together, I walk into my office to find a sealed envelope sitting dead center on my desk. "Personal and Confidential" it says in bold letters, with the fancy embossed logo of Xavier's personal lawyers, not Harrington's regular attorneys.I shut my door before opening it. Inside are about fifty pages of legal crap, with "Petition for Dissolution of Marriage" right at the top in big, bold letters.Divorce papers. Not exactly shocking after last night, but the timing right after the board meeting where they restructured everything shows this was all planned out.I flip through the document, my finance brain kicking in despite feeling being punched in the gut.The settlement terms jump out immediately. He’s offering a lump sum that's less than 20% of what our original contract guaranteed. The number completely ignores everything I've done for Harrington's growth, all the value I've created, and the specific compensation our prenup spelled

  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    The Confrontation

    ARIAAfter another day of Xavier playing hide-and-seek, I've had enough.The manila envelope feels heavy in my hands. Inside are all the receipts I've been collecting.Hard evidence he can't just brush off with more of his bullshit excuses.My plan seems reasonable - leave this with a note asking for an honest conversation. No drama, no screaming match. Just grown-ups dealing with a problem.Xavier's study door is usually locked, his sacred man cave where even I'm not supposed to go without an invitation now. But today, the heavy oak door swings open when I push it.What I see makes my blood freeze.Xavier's on the leather couch with Vivian practically in his lap.Her blouse is half unbuttoned showing lacy bra underneath. His tie is thrown on the floor, and his hand is wrapped around her waist like he owns her.They break apart when they hear me with shocked expressions.For a second, nobody moves. The envelope dangles from my numb fingers as my brain struggles to process what I'm see

  • The Substitute Bride's Revenge    Painful Revelations

    ARIAI arrive home drained, every muscle aching with the weight of the day.Too tired to think, I drag myself into a quick shower, hoping the water might wash away more than just the grime.But my chest still feels heavy with the ache lodged deep behind my ribs.I try to stay strong… to keep my head high, keep moving forward but nothing I do seems to lift the cloud settling over me.I flip through my leather journal, sitting cross-legged on my bed after a long shower, finally facing what I've been dodging for months.My hands are shaking as I read. The pages tell the whole embarrassing story of how I went from seeing Xavier as just a business partner to... God, I can barely admit it even to myself.May 22: Caught myself watching Xavier during the board presentation today. Not analyzing his strategy but noticing how his eyes crinkle slightly when he's pleased with a point well made.June 8: Missed Xavier during his three-day conference trip. House felt weirdly empty.My stomach twists

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