Lahat ng Kabanata ng Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife: Kabanata 71 - Kabanata 80

I was surprised to see my son, Connor. I don’t know how to explain that I can’t be with him tonight because I have a dinner with Mr. Ruiz outside. I lied to him and told him I have a business meeting tonight so I cannot sleep beside him. He was very disappointed, but I promised to sleep beside him later when I got home. I promised him to sleep beside him when I get home later.“Mommy,” he whined.“Baby, I have a very important business meeting tonight. I’ll be home later. I promise I’ll sleep beside you then,” I said, trying to sound reassuring.He pouted, but eventually, he gave in. I hugged him tight and kissed his forehead.“I love you, Buddy,” I said, my voice cracking.“I love you too, Mommy,” he mumbled.He went to his room, and I sat down on the edge of my bed, my emotions a tangled mess.The guilt gnawed at me. I felt like I was betraying Connor, my sweet, innocent son. He’s always been my priority, my world. I’ve never put anything before him, not even my own dreams.The cloc

A few moments later, the doorbell rang. I took a deep breath, hoping for the best. I opened the door and there stood Mr. Ruiz, a bouquet of lilies in his hand.“Ms.Winston, you look beautiful,” he said, his smile warm and genuine.“Thank you, Mr. Ruiz,” I said, trying to be polite.“Please, call me Harvey,” he insisted.I forced a smile, feeling the weight of my expectations pressing down on me. “Harvey, this is my son, Connor.”Connor stood behind me, his arms crossed, his face a mask of suspicion. He didn’t offer to shake Mr.Ruiz’s hand.“Hello, Connor,”Harvey said, extending his hand.Connor just stared at him, his gaze unwavering.“He’s just shy,” I said, trying to smooth things over.Mr.Ruiz who I used to called Harvey now was chuckled, “It’s okay, Connor. We all have our moments.”Connor didn’t respond.I took a deep breath, feeling my own frustration mounting. I had been so hopeful, so excited for this meeting. I had thought that maybe, just maybe, Harvey could be the person t

FRANCO'S POVWhile I’m signing all the bill papers that I get from my secretary to process the payments, the rhythmic scratching of the pen against the paper creates a white noise that fills my office. It’s just another typical Thursday in my life as a businessman, signifying the beginning of yet another mundane day. The fluorescent lights flicker above, illuminating the stark lines of my desk cluttered with paperwork, and my mind is only half-focused on the numbers in front of me. My world is a careful balance of spreadsheets, meetings and my desire to see Connor again.As I’m lost in thought, my phone suddenly buzzes against the polished wood of my desk. I glance at the screen, and my heart sinks. It’s a call from my in-laws. I can already feel a knot tightening in my stomach, and instinctively, I know that this call is not going to offer me good news."Hello?" I answer, trying to keep my voice steady, but I can hear the tremor beneath it.“Franco! It’s your mother-in-law! You need

CELINE'S POVI froze, my heart racing at the sound of that name.Franco stood at the counter, deep in conversation with the barista.Connor dashed forward, and I felt something cold grip my insides. Why was I feeling this way? My heart raced as he glanced at me.“Hey there!” Franco turned, his eyes alighting on Connor, and an easy smile broke across his face. “Look who it is! My favorite little guy!”Connor beamed as he bounded up to him, wrapping his arms around Franco’s waist. I felt a pang in my chest, something resembling jealousy, despite knowing that he was now with someone else—Athena, the woman with whom he had rebuilt his life, and the reason our marriage crumbled.“Franco,” I managed to say, forcing a smile. “What a surprise.”“Celine,” he greeted me warmly, as if we had seen each other just yesterday.“I’m just picking up some mango ice cream for Athena. How have you been?”I swallowed hard. So casual, so easy. I had expected discomfort, perhaps even a hint of guilt on his p

AUTHOR’S POVWhen Celine and Connor arrived at the mansion, Connor’s frustration was evident. He had been unusually quiet during the car ride, staring out of the window with a furrowed brow and tightly clenched fists. As soon as they stepped inside, he turned to his mother, his eyes brimming with confusion and hurt.“Mom, why did Daddy Franco act so weird today? He didn't even buy me ice cream. He just left us there,” Connor's voice trembled as he spoke.Celine sighed, her heart aching at the sight of her son's distress. She had been anticipating this moment, knowing that Franco's recent behavior would eventually force this conversation. Kneeling to Connor’s level, she gently took his hands in hers.“Connor, sweetie, sometimes people change,” she began softly.“Franco has been acting differently lately, and I think it's important for you to understand that it’s not your fault.”&ldq