All Chapters of OWNED BY MY EX-HUSBAND’S STEPBROTHER : Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Gloria stared at her mother in heartbroken disbelief, and Judith immediately dodged her gaze, turning her head away sharply, unwilling incapable, even to look her own daughter in the eyes anymore. The rejection was palpable, a final severing of the bond that had once defined Gloria's world.Her heart felt so heavy, so unbearably weighted down with sorrow and betrayal, that it might burst at any moment, flooding her chest with an agony too profound for words. Her eyes were glazed over with a sheen of tears, brimming but refusing to spill—not here, not in front of her mother, who was already crying rivers of disappointment. Gloria wouldn't give her the satisfaction of seeing her crumble further.Thus, with legs that felt like lead, she got up from the bed and walked slowly toward the door, each step echoing her inner turmoil.Before leaving the room for what she feared might be forever, she turned her head for the last time, a desperate flicker of hope igniting in her chest. She silentl

Ah, Sir, speaking about your wife...""Hm? What about her?""I've been absent for a while now, and I'm truly not sure what exactly transpired between you and your wife during that time," Maria explained carefully, her voice laced with genuine concern. "I had always assumed she was perfectly okay with your particular lifestyle choices, given how things seemed before I left.""Oh, she is absolutely fine with it in the grand scheme of things. But you see, sometimes a woman can get a bit too defiant for her own good, testing boundaries she shouldn't even approach. That's when you need to put her firmly back in her place, so she understands precisely what she can and cannot do—clear boundaries make everything run smoothly," Victor replied with a sly, knowing sneer curling at the corners of his lips, his eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and authority."I see what you mean, Mr. Anderson," Maria offered thoughtfully, tilting her head slightly as she considered his words. "I thought perha

Lukas was waiting inside his expansive office for what felt like an eternity, though it had only been a short while. He found himself staring intently at the unassuming lunch bag perched on the edge of his desk, its presence both tempting and taunting him. Every time he dared to unzip it even slightly, the rich, mouthwatering aroma of Gloria's homemade cooking wafted delicately under his nose—savory spices mingling with tender meats and fresh vegetables—sending his stomach into a symphony of loud, insistent grumbles that echoed through the quiet room."Ah, should I just go ahead and eat it right now? It smells divine," Lukas wondered aloud to himself, his resolve wavering as visions of the feast inside danced in his mind. But no, it would be downright awkward if his big brother walked in and caught him mid-bite, devouring it like a man starved. And truth be told, Lukas knew he absolutely couldn't stop once he started on her cooking—it was that addictively good, especially paired with

You only ruined my big opportunity with Lukas Anderson victor’s secretary raised her brow, taunting Isaiah who shot her a furious glare right back. He was incredibly relieved that the ridiculous trade offer had been called off completely. No way was he going to let that slide.He never in a million years expected Victor to refuse him like that. Based on all the stories Gloria had shared, Victor was the kind of guy who would absolutely fuck any attractive woman who crossed his path—no questions asked, no hesitation. He'd chase skirts like it was his full-time job.'Well, for the first time in my entire life, I'm so damn glad he doesn't find me attractive at all. But shit, that was seriously nerve-racking! My pulse was racing the whole time. I genuinely thought the trade might actually go through for a hot second!' Isaiah exhaled slowly, feeling the tension drain from his shoulders. My poor asshole'But...' Isaiah glanced down at his boss again, studying Lukas's calm expression. 'I have

"No need, I'm not hungry at all," Lukas said dismissively, brushing off her offer without a second thought."Huh?" Gloria stopped dead in her tracks, turning back with a confused expression etched on her face. She stared at him, blinking in disbelief. "You... you're really not hungry? After such a long day?""I've already had a full dinner with my business partner," Lukas replied ruthlessly, his voice cold and cutting. He smirked inwardly, savoring the lost, bewildered look in Gloria's eyes and it was almost satisfying. Honestly, Lukas had also noticed the deep sadness lingering in her gaze, the puffiness around her eyes that screamed she'd been crying buckets recently. But he chalked it up to her own doing: probably bawling because she missed the lavish, spoiled lifestyle she expected from marrying Victor. Now, reduced to slaving away as a live-in maid every single day? A pampered woman like her would cry rivers over that downgrade, right? It was poetic justice in his mind.'See? Thi