Semua Bab The Billionaire Married Me, Then Forgot How to Love Me: Bab 151 - Bab 155

(James)The boardroom is full.Every major investor who matters is represented here.Key partners in global tech, encrypted defense, AI transport logistics. Quiet power players, each with their own empires, here to check the pulse of mine.To my left and right, my trusted executive team… Theo, Arden, Felix, Leo, Camilla, and Ezra… sit composed.Either side of the table closest to me, the Hales: my father Charles, my Uncle Victor, my cousins Elliott and Brandon.All here to present an image of stability.But I know what this is. It’s a test.They want to see if I’m going to do as I’m told.I stand.“You’ve all seen the media coverage. Heard the whispers. People calling this a destabilization of Hale Industries. A fracture. Some even speculating about my future as CEO of Hale.”A few glances exchange down the table. Some amused. Some cautious.“It’s noise,” I continue, voice calm, direct. “This is a press narrative crafted by people with very personal agendas. People who are personal to

(Serena)I wake up to an empty bed.I smile to myself. Classic Haylee.She probably woke up at dawn as usual, needing coffee and went straight home to die in her own bed.I’ll call her later.My head is pounding and my mouth feels like it has wall to wall carpet installed.I check my phone: 7:42 a.m. One unread message from the group chat… just a fire emoji from Marcy.I grin. Last night was great. I feel renewed in many ways. I certainly feel like I know how I want to move my life forward, at least for now.We survived tequila and late-night secrets.I stretch, yawn, and pad over to the bathroom, brushing my teeth while avoiding looking too hard at my reflection.I look down and my eyes lock onto men’s underwear on the floor.Ewww. Wes must have dropped them.I back away. Mom can deal with those. I’m not touching them.I go to the toilet, pop back to wash my hands and head for the breakfast.Downstairs, the smell of toast and coffee greets me like a warm hug.Mom’s already at the tab

(Serena)The streets are already buzzing by the time I swing by Haylee’s apartment.I’d planned to head straight to the bakery, but figured I’d try my luck at a surprise pitstop.If she’s hungover, she’ll be at home. If she’s not home, no harm done.I text her from the car:I’m downstairs. Buzz me up.Haylee: Wait…what?! Gimme two seconds!The door unlocks and I head up the stairs.I knock once as I push the door open. “Hey, you left early...”Haylee is in a massive hoodie, sleeves pulled over her hands, her hair up in a tragic pineapple bun. “I did but I came home and crashed out till about ten minutes ago.”“You feeling better?”“I think I preferred when I was still drunk. You heading to the bakery?” she asks.“Yep. But I was hoping you’d help plan the grand opening of the new one. I’ll have a soft launch to make sure things are running smoothly.”Haylee nods, eyes still half-lidded, sipping. “I can do that. I mean, yeah. Just let me… sober up mentally. And I can think of planning.”