All Chapters of Dear Ex-husband, My Stepbrother is Your Replacement.: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

ASTRIDToday, his deep, husky voice doesn’t melt my bones like it used to. It makes me shake with rage.“I think it’s high time you stopped interfering in my life, Silvan.”Silence. I can tell he’s surprised by my harsh tone.“Did something happen?”“Yes! Why do you have men stationed outside my property?”“Hold on.” His voice takes on a predatory intensity that would scare the average human being shitless.Luckily, I’m not the average human.“You’re upset that I sent bodyguards to protect you and my children after you were stalked barely 24 hours ago?”I pause, my anger tittering helplessly.Why does he have to sound so damn logical all the time?“Have I ever told you that I was incapable of protecting myself and my children?” I asked through clenched teeth.“You’re a busy man, Silvan Rourke. I’m sure you have better things to worry about. I think it’s high time you stopped sticking your nose where you’re not wanted.”My voice is sharp and filled with accusation. My words are hurtful

ASTRIDThe organizers of the Pacesetter awards pretty much outdid themselves.New York’s international conference centre is decorated to perfection, spotting fresh, beautifully scented red roses on each table, a buffet stand that would send any big back — like me — into a food coma, and a chandelier that probably costs more than the salaries of fifty civil servants combined. For years, the Pacesetters organization, one of the most prestigious civil society organizations in America, has awarded CEOs and companies who have made extraordinary contributions to the world of business.It is an absolute honour to be recognized by them. If I win, this award will open opportunities for myself and Machiavelli wineries that even the devil cannot shut and propel me into rooms that several multi-national companies only dream of.People sell their souls for opportunities like this. The only person standing in my way is Silvan Rourke, and I cannot afford to lose to that dark-eyed devil. When Gemin

ASTRID“…this table was also reserved for the Montessori’s.”I freeze, certain that he’s messing with me. But the dangerous glint in Gemini’s eyes says otherwise.Slowly, I turn around and sure enough, the Montessori family are already headed towards us. I swallow quickly, stamping down the panic that threatens to tear through my veins.Gemini leans closer and takes my hand in his, massaging each of my fingers in slow, soothing circles.“We can change tables if you want.”“And why would you do that?” A low, deep baritone cracks through the air.I would recognize that voice even in my dreams. Silvan.I don’t bother turning around. The image of Claire latching onto him like a needy octopus has already caused my mind enough damage.My heart thrums like a bullet train as they occupy the seats opposite us. At that moment, I question fate — why do I always end up in less-than-pleasant situations such as this one?“Astrid, dear, you look wonderful this evening.” Mrs. Montessori says, loud an

ASTRIDAfter I escaped the Montessori family three years ago, I deliberately taught myself to develop a heart of stone.And I succeeded. People’s words and actions no longer hurt me like they used to in the past. Anyone who acted out of order around me was shoved in their place immediately.I thought I developed thick skin… until I returned to New York and Silvan Rourke barged into my world once again.Every single word he utters pricks my skin like heated glass. All his actions leave me fighting for breath and my damned sanity. Watching him climb that stage hand in hand with Claire ignites a fire inside my chest and fills my lungs with poisonous fumes.I know exactly what he’s doing. The two-faced bastard is trying to torture me. He's pushing for a reaction, desperate to provoke me. Silvan is trying his best to test my limits. He and the rest of his horrible family are desperate to see how far I can go before I finally explode. Too bad that I vowed two nights ago that Silvan Rour

ASTRIDMy emotions go from zero to boiling in a matter of seconds.Gemini grabs my hand, a subtle reminder that I should keep my emotions in check. The touch does little to calm my erratic temper.I will never stoop to the point of exchanging words with a Montessori in a public setting, so I glide back to my seat and cross my legs.“You would know one or two things about selfishness, Claire, wouldn’t you? Seeing that you’re in the habit of hogging things that are not rightfully yours.”Her lips pucker with rage and she stamps her feet on the floor like a recalcitrant teenager. Security finally arrives and Nathan is quickly pulled out of the room. Funny enough, he doesn’t fight or even argue with the officials. His nose is smashed in. Gallons of blood pour down face in torrents. He’s definitely missing a tooth and his once pristine suit is soaked with blood. Most men would be writhing in pain in situations like this. But Nathan is smiling. At me.“I’ll see you later, Astrid.” He gri