All Chapters of The Billionaire’s Discarded Bride : Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Bella POVThe press conference was a nightmare wrapped in professional smiles and careful PR statements. Caleb and I stood side by side announcing the Meridian partnership while reporters shouted questions about Tom, about Jade's stunt at the penthouse, about whether we were back together."Ms. Hart, is it true you kept Mr. Black's son from him out of spite?""Our personal matters are being handled privately," I said into the microphone, my voice steady despite wanting to scream. "Today we're here to discuss a business partnership that will create jobs and drive innovation in emerging markets.""Mr. Black, do you plan to seek full custody?"Caleb's hand found the small of my back, a gesture of support that the cameras caught immediately. "Tom's wellbeing is our priority. Ms. Hart and I are co-parenting successfully, and that's all we'll be discussing on the matter."After thirty excruciating minutes, our PR director finally ended it. Caleb and I escaped to his office where I collapsed

Bella pov The board meeting lasted another two hours. In the end, the vote was unanimous—Richard was out as CEO and chairman, and I was in. He'd keep his shares, what few he had left, but he'd have no control, no authority, nothing.As the board members filed out, Richard stayed behind, his face twisted with rage and something that might have been fear."You can't do this," he said again, but there was desperation in his voice now. "This company is all I have.""You should have thought of that before you tried to destroy mine." I gathered my materials. "You'll receive a severance package, enough to live on if you're careful. That's more than you gave me.""I gave you everything! A marriage to the richest man in the city""You sold me like property to save this company, then threw me away when I was no longer useful." I met his eyes. "Now you know how it feels.""Bella, please." He actually looked pathetic now. "I'm your father, I made mistakes, but you can't just""I already did." I

Caleb pov Before I could respond, the baby monitor on the counter crackled to life. Tom's small, tearful face appeared on the screen, his penguin pressed tight against his chest.I had set up the monitors the first week he was brought to the penthouse— one in his room pointed at the crib, one in the hallway outside his door, one in each living room, down to my bedroom, always within reach no matter what room we were in. It had felt like overkill back then. Now I was grateful for every single camera."Buddy, what's wrong?" I asked."I had a nightmare," Tom said, his voice shaking. "The bad lady came back and took me away from you and Mommy.""Oh baby." Bella's voice broke. "That's not going to happen. We're right here.""But where are you?" Tom looked around his dark room. "I went to Mommy's room and you weren't there. I went to Daddy's room and you weren't there either.""We're in the sitting room working," I explained. "We're sorry we weren't closer, buddy. We didn't mean to scare y

Bella pov"Why not?" His hand lifted, hovering near my face but not touching. "Give me one good reason that isn't about the past.""Because" I struggled to think, to remember why this was a bad idea when all I could focus on was his bare chest inches from me, the smell of scotch and his cologne, the heat radiating off his body. "Because if this goes wrong, Tom suffers.""And if it goes right?" His thumb finally touched my cheek, barely a whisper of contact. "If we actually try and it works?"I closed my eyes, unable to handle the intensity of his gaze. "You can't promise it will work.""No, but I can promise I'll fight for it with everything I have." His voice was low, intimate. "I can promise I'll never stop trying to be worthy of you. I can promise""Stop." I opened my eyes, put my hand on his chest to push him away. His skin was hot under my palm, muscles firm, and I felt his heart racing as fast as mine. "Just stop."He stepped back immediately, giving me space. "I'm sorry.""Don'

Bella pov I turned to find Ethan Pierce, CEO of Pierce Industries and one of the few self-made billionaires in the room. I'd met him a few times at business events, always found him charming and intelligent."Ethan, good to see you." I shook his hand. "You know Caleb Black?""We've met." Ethan's smile didn't quite reach his eyes as he looked at Caleb. "Black. Congratulations on the Meridian deal.""Pierce." Caleb's voice was cool. "Didn't expect to see you here.""I serve on the hospital board." Ethan turned his attention back to me. "Bella, I've been wanting to talk to you about a potential collaboration. Pierce Industries is expanding into Southeast Asia.""Is that so?" I was immediately interested. Ethan's company was known for ethical business practices and innovative technology. "What did you have in mind?""Why don't we discuss it over a drink?" Ethan gestured toward the bar. "I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Singapore market."I felt Caleb tense beside me. "We were just a