Semua Bab After Divorce, I became the untouchable Tycoon's sweetheart.: Bab 31 - Bab 40

(Lydia's POV)I was in the kitchen pouring myself a glass of water when my mother walked in from the guest room. She was wearing one of the new yellow tops I’d bought her during our last shopping trip, over a pink leggings. The color combination was bad, but knowing my mother, I knew it was pointless. If anything, I should be more worried about what she had to say.She leaned on the counter, arms crossed and said, "I need money.”I almost choked on my water, as I looked up sharply. "Sorry, what?""Money." She repeated. "A reasonable amount."I set my glass down. "How much?"“Five thousand dollars.”At this point, I actually coughed. I put my hand on the counter to steady myself and coughed properly. Then I looked at her. "Sarah. What on earth do you need that amount for?""Essentials." She shrugged. "And a new phone. I can't keep using this one."I stared at her in awe. "We went shopping last week. You got new clothes, toiletries, skincare, and everything. The phone in your hand, I b

(Sarah's POV)Nora's instructions had been simple since the agreement. Get her client schedules, event locations, and anything about the business. She was to keep it casual, don't make it obvious, just pay attention and report back unfailing.Sarah had told herself she didn't have a choice. The video was sitting on Nora's phone and one send button was all it took. She was on parole, and she couldn't go back inside. She had done enough time in different prisons she never wanted to visit again. Besides, this was just information. Just words. Nobody was getting physically hurt.That was how she kept it manageable in her head.When Nora texted asking about the upcoming venue walkthrough, Sarah checked the schedule on the shared board in the office, noted the time and location, and sent it. Two days ago, when she'd asked about the corporate gala, she found the file on Clara's desk during a lunch break when the office was quiet and discreetly photographed the first page.She didn't read de

(Lydia's POV)Later that day, I was in my office, trying to see what little I could salvage. If only I had listened to Clara yesterday and changed the passwords.A knock came on the door and Clara came in and closed the door behind her, looking solemn."Two clients called this morning," she announced.I felt my stomach sink. “Who and who? What did they say?”"Priya and the TechNova corporate gala. They're canceling."“No,” I groaned, covering my face with my hands. “No, no, no.”"They said they received calls earlier today, offering the same services for a significantly lesser amount. Whoever called them had details. The venue options, budget breakdowns, the flower suppliers we were still negotiating with. Information that was never made public." She paused. "It came from the files, Ma. The ones your mom copied."I sat back in my chair, exhaling in exhaustion. My head was running erratically now.The TechNova gala alone was three months of steady income. Priya's wedding had been one o

(Aaron's POV)I pulled up in front of Dreamworld, and Lydia was already waiting outside. The moment she saw the car, she ran toward us. I parked and helped Sarah out. Lydia reached her first, pulling her into a tight hug. The relief on Lydia’s face was clear, but so was the anger and confusion under it.“Mom,” she whispered, holding her close. “Are you okay? Did they hurt you?”Sarah shook her head, her voice shaky. “I’m fine. I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”"Not here." Lydia pulled back and looked at her. "Let's go inside."She guided her mother through the door and I followed and gave them space.Inside, Sarah sat on the couch and Lydia crouched in front of her, checking her like she didn't trust her word about being fine. Sarah kept apologizing but Lydia was not responding. I could tell that she was trying to contain her rage.Eventually Lydia stood and came to where I was near the door."Thank you so much, Aaron. I honestly don't know what I would have

(Lydia's POV)The first few days in the penthouse felt like living in someone else's life.I kept getting lost. I’d walk into the wrong hallway looking for the laundry room or open the wrong door thinking it was the pantry. Everything was too clean, too quiet, too perfect. It made me feel like I was intruding, even though Aaron had cleared space for me to feel at home.I tried to settle into a routine. I woke up early, made coffee in the kitchen that felt too big for one person, and left for Dreamworld before Aaron was usually up. When I got back in the evenings, he was often already home, working on his laptop at the dining table or standing by the windows with a glass in his hand. We didn’t talk much. He kept his distance, acting all polite but careful, like he was giving me room to breathe. I appreciated it, but it also made the space feel even bigger.We bumped into each other occasionally. I’d reach for a mug at the same time he did in the kitchen. Our hands would brush, and we’d