All Chapters of Once His Abandoned Wife Now A Trillionaire Heiress: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

ETHAN’S POVI sat behind my giant desk, looking out at the New York skyline, when Derek walked in like he owned the place. He dropped into the chair across from me, put his feet on my desk, and grinned the same lazy grin from college. Derek was the only person who still treated me like a normal guy, not Ethan Cadwell, the CEO. “So,” he said, spinning a pen, “how’s Juliana doing?”I sighed and rubbed my head. “Demanding. As always.”Derek laughed. “Same old story?”“The wedding planning is driving me crazy,” I admitted. “Every day it’s flowers, venues, guest lists, colors. I feel like she’s planning a coronation, not a wedding.”He laughed harder. “Welcome to married life, my friend. It doesn’t get easier just more expensive.”“Thanks,” I said flatly.Derek pointed the pen at me. “Hey, at least you have someone. I’m still out there struggling every weekend.”“Please,” I said. “You change girlfriends more than I change suits.”“Exactly. That’s the problem,” he said. “I can’t find a g

PRIVATE HOTEL SUITE – 42ND FLOOR, MANHATTANJULIANA’S POVI slipped into the luxurious private hotel suite on the 42nd floor, my heart pounding hard against my ribs. The door clicked shut behind me. I leaned against it for a second, breathing fast, trying to calm the mix of anger and desire burning inside me.Adrian was already waiting in the softly lit room, shirt half-unbuttoned, showing off his toned chest. He looked dangerously handsome with that cocky smirk on his face.“You’re late,” he said, voice low and teasing.“Shut up and kiss me,” I whispered, walking straight into his arms.Our mouths crashed together in a hot, desperate kiss. His tongue pushed past my lips, claiming me. His hands slid down my back and grabbed my ass roughly, pulling me hard against his growing bulge. I moaned loudly into his mouth.“God, I needed this so bad,” I gasped between hungry kisses.Adrian spun me around fast and pushed me against the cool wall. His mouth attacked my neck, sucking and bit

I rubbed my temples, frustration boiling over. “Juliana, not every time I’m in a restaurant means I’m cheating on you.”“Then why did you invite her here? Alone? No board? Just ‘conversation’?”“Because I need information,” I said firmly.“You need her,” she shot back.I looked at her directly. “Why are you so insecure? No one is going to take your place. You are the future Mrs. Cadwell. Everyone knows that.”Juliana shook her head, tears falling freely now. “I know you, Ethan. I know the type of women you like. Tall. Beautiful. Powerful. Alexandra has everything you want. Who knows? You might leave me for her instead.”I leaned forward, my voice low and harsh. “Stop this insecure bullshit. You are going to be Mrs. Ethan Cadwell. I chose you. I’m marrying you. Why can’t you believe that?”Juliana’s voice cracked with raw pain and jealousy. “Because I see how you look at her! You never look at me like that anymore. I gave up everything for you. I helped you get rid of Serena. I w

SERENA’S POVPRIVATE OFFICE – HIGH ABOVE MANHATTANThe city lights burned below like a sea of fire. I stood motionless in front of the massive screen, arms crossed so tightly my nails dug into my skin. Cadwell Cosmetics stock kept bleeding another 1.8% drop today. Red arrows everywhere. And then the headline that made my stomach twist:“Cadwell CEO Announces Sudden Marriage to Juliana Sinclair – Lavish Ceremony Expected Within Weeks.”A perfect photo of Ethan and Juliana smiled back at me. She looked triumphant. He looked exhausted. My chest burned with something ugly and sharp.Alexandra walked in without knocking, tablet in hand. The click of her heels cut through the heavy silence.“Ma’am,” she said, voice low. “Harrison agreed. He signed everything thirty minutes ago. No negotiation. He was practically shaking.”I didn’t turn around. “Good.”“He didn’t even argue,” she added. “Just begged us to move the money fast so his wife doesn’t find out about the gambling debts.”I let o

ETHAN’S POVTHE BLACK ORCHID – PRIVATE GENTLEMEN’S CLUB, UPPER WEST SIDEThe bachelor party was loud, wild, and dripping with money. The Black Orchid had been shut down for the night just for us. Red lights pulsed across the room. Black leather booths lined the walls. On the main stage, two stunning strippers in tiny gold thongs moved sensually to the heavy beat of the music, their bodies glistening under the spotlights.Derek shoved another glass of expensive whiskey into my hand and grinned. “Last night as a free man, brother! Drink up before Juliana locks you down forever!”The guys cheered. I forced a laugh and took a long sip. The whiskey burned down my throat but did nothing to loosen the knot in my chest.One of the dancers a tall brunette with dangerous curves climbed down from the stage and headed straight for me. She straddled my lap without asking, grinding slowly against me to the rhythm of the music.“Happy bachelor night, Mr. Cadwell,” she purred in my ear, pressing he