THE WIFE HE NEVER HAD, NOW HE REGRETS IT의 모든 챕터: 챕터 11 - 챕터 20

ScarlettA faint smirk tugged at Adrian's lips. I wonder what about this situation he found amusing.“We have a deal,” he said, his deep voice vibrating in the quiet restaurant. “After our date, let's finalize the contract terms back at my club. What do you say?”My gaze lingered on him a bit longer. “Do you visit that club often? Aren't you afraid a rumor might start up if you're caught going there by reporters?”Adrian shrugged, completely unbothered. “I see no reason why a rumor should stir up just because I visit one of the many venues I own. It’s not even a headline-worthy scoop for a reporter.”He spoke with the absolute certainty of a man who controlled the media, not the other way around. Joining hands with him was definitely the smartest move I’d made yet.After our date, Adrian and I headed to the club in his car. This time—when we arrived—I didn't hesitate before stepping out, as I already knew what our arrangement was for.Daniel was already waiting outside the private roo

ETHANShortly after my call with Pete ended, I sent the money needed to get the job done. Then, a knock sounded against my office door.My frown deepened as I wasn't expecting anyone. Adjusting my suit jacket, I ordered, “Come in.”The door creaked open and Lydia—one of the administrative staff—stepped in, holding a tablet against her chest.“Mr. Ethan, the board has requested an emergency meeting with you.”My stomach tightened. Already? Had news about the failed negotiations spread that quickly? Shit. This was bad.I tugged my tie, suddenly aware of how sweaty my palms were. “Tell them I'll be there in five minutes.”“Yes sir.”The door shut behind Lydia. I stared at the dark screen of my phone, hoping to get an update from Pete about Scarlett's location, but I was faced with dead silence.My jaw clenched. “Useless idiot.”Snatching my phone off the desk, I shoved it into my pocket—my heart beating heavily against my chest—as I headed for the boardroom.When I stepped in, all ongoin

ETHANNibbling on the edge of my thumb, I paced across my office like a caged animal. Chairman Peters warning still echoed in my head. If Scarlett wasn't back in two days, I was going to lose everything. My phone buzzed at my desk. Relief washed over me in hopes that it was Pete but irritation coiled in my chest when I saw "Mother" flash across the screen instead. “What is it, Mother?“ I answered. “When is that wife of yours coming home?“ Catalina snapped. Durian's loud cries echoed through the background sharp enough to make me pull my phone away from my ear. It sounded like the boy was being tormented. “This child is impossible to handle!“ She continued. “He refuses to eat and keep throwing things around. Did Scarlett not train him properly?“My head throbbed. Of course, this was just what I needed to hear after spending the entire day dealing with one bad news or the other. “You've only been there for an hour“ I said, pressing two fingers against my temple. “Can you not start

ETHAN“Are you out of your mind?“ I asked. “You want me to kill him?““I'm saying you could hire some thugs to scare Pete a little and force him to move out of town,“ she corrected.I scoffed. “And get more involved with him than I already am? No thanks.“Things were already spiraling out of control. The last thing I needed right now was another mess tied to Pete.Scrubbing a hand down my face, I changed the subject entirely. “Anyway, Durian is the reason Scarlett hasn't been coming home lately. She thought it was better to give the kid some space as he wasn't opening up to her.“Panic flashed across her face. “And you let her leave? She still hasn't signed those adoption papers!“My patience snapped. “You think I don't know that? How was I supposed to know Scarlett planned to leave the house completely after the mess that day? And don't make this all my fault; you were standing right beside Durian that day. You could have stopped him from overhearing us.“She crossed her arms tightly

ScarlettThe call ended with a soft click. Even through the phone, I heard that greedy edge creeping into Ethan's voice the second I mentioned the patent authorization agreement currently being drafted.A quiet smile touched my lips. Things are about to get very interesting now.“Mrs. Scarlett,” Leonard called, pulling me from my thoughts. “The finalized draft of the agreement may take a little longer than expected. Would you prefer to wait or return tomorrow morning?”I glanced at the wall clock. It read 8:45 p.m. I hadn't realized time had gone by that quickly.“I'll come back tomorrow morning,” I replied.“Very well. Have a good night.”“You too, Mr. Leonard.”The elevator ride down Leonard's office floor was silent. Outside his company building, I noticed a familiar sleek black car parked at the entrance.Daniel stood beside it with one gloved hand resting on the already-opened back door. When our eyes locked, Daniel flashed a dazzling smile.My steps slowed as I approached him. “