Dear Ex, I'm More Than Your Plan B のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 71 - チャプター 80

Asher turned his head toward her, studying her profile."You mean career wise or life wise?"She shrugged, fiddling with a thread on the carpet. "Both, I guess."He was quiet for a moment, thoughtful."Career wise... who knows? I might not even be with the Donovans anymore," he said, surprisingly casual for such a heavy statement. "I've been thinking about... starting my own thing."Vera turned to him sharply. "Really?"He nodded. "Yeah. Something that's mine, without strings attached to family expectations."There was a heaviness behind his words that made Vera’s chest ache."And life wise?" she asked, softer now.Asher's eyes met hers. There was no hesitation this time."Hopefully... with you."Vera’s breath caught."I know it's early," he continued, voice low, almost hesitant. "But I don't want to pretend like I don't know what I want anymore. And what I want... is to build something real. With you."For a long moment, Vera just stared at him, heart pounding so loudly she was sure

“She’s a distraction,” Charles agreed, raising an eyebrow. “And a dangerous one. These types, the ones who come from nowhere, they always latch onto power like it’s oxygen. They don’t love. They cling.”Sarah glanced at the floor, then back up with a fragile smile. “I tried warning him, you know? I told him she wasn’t right. That she’d drag him down. But he wouldn’t listen.”Helena took her daughter’s hand and patted it affectionately. “That’s because you’re too kind, Sarah. But now that we’re here, we all agree, drastic measures must be taken.”Everett, who had remained quiet for most of the conversation, finally spoke.“Asher’s position as CEO is not untouchable,” he said firmly. “His appointment was based on merit, yes, but also loyalty to the company’s long term vision. And this,” he gestured vaguely to the tabloids lying on the nearby side table, “is not part of that vision.”Richard’s gaze hardened. “We’ve started the motions already. Evelyn and I have spoken to the board. A few

Vera had barely finished reheating some leftover pasta when the intercom buzzed through the penthouse.She frowned, glancing at the screen. The building’s security never let anyone up unless cleared, which meant...Her heart dropped a little as the name flashed.Sarah Langford.Vera hesitated. She could ignore it. Pretend she wasn’t home. But Sarah didn’t strike her as someone who’d just walk away quietly.She pressed the button.“Yes?”“I’m coming up,” Sarah said coldly. “Don’t even think of locking the door.”The line went dead before Vera could respond.Vera stood frozen for a second, then quickly wiped her hands on a kitchen towel, straightened her hoodie, and walked to the entrance just as a soft knock came.When she opened the door, Sarah stood in a long beige coat, designer bag on her arm, stilettos clicking against the marble floor like she owned the place. Her lips curled into a bitter smile.“Cozy little setup you’ve got here,” Sarah said, glancing past Vera into the penthou

He had skimmed through the items. She was investing in tools. Art supplies. Equipment for digital design. Software only professionals used.Things Vera had clearly dreamed of having but never had the means to get.He could picture her, messy bun, glasses slipping off her nose, hunched over a tablet as she sketched something for hours and forgot to eat.The image warmed something in his chest he didn’t know was cold until she walked into his life.“Sir,” came his assistant Evelyn’s voice over the intercom.“Yeah?”“Board’s requesting to move tomorrow’s meeting up by three hours.”He frowned. “That’s short notice.”“I know. But they’re pressing.”Asher leaned forward, eyes narrowing. “Did they say why?”“No. But… it’s Everett Donovan pushing it. He’s also made requests for sensitive files from legal. I thought you should know.”Asher’s smile faded just slightly.Everett Donovan, his uncle, the chairman, didn’t make moves without reason. And if legal files were involved, something was ha

The doorbell echoed sharply through the penthouse.Vera’s head snapped toward it, heart stalling.She hadn’t been expecting anyone.She moved cautiously, setting her half empty wine glass aside and walking barefoot across the cool marble. The hallway camera feed popped up on the screen near the door, and the sight made her stomach drop.Richard Donovan.And Evelyn.In their tailored coats, sunglasses still perched on their heads despite the fading daylight outside, both of them standing there as if this were their home.Vera hesitated. She could pretend she wasn’t in. But she knew they wouldn’t leave easily. And the last thing she needed was them making a scene in a building full of media hungry eyes.She opened the door, spine straightening even though her throat was tight.“Mr. Donovan. Mrs. Donovan,” she greeted coolly, not bothering to invite them in.Evelyn didn’t wait.She stepped in past Vera with an air of practiced superiority, her heels clicking with authority. Richard follo