The Billionaire’s Ex-Wife (Her Ex-Husband’s Regret) by Jaike e Rylee
The Billionaire’s Ex-Wife (Her Ex-Husband’s Regret) Chapter 5

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Chapter 5

Cassie

“Cassie, your grandfather’s lawyer, Attorney Magnus, has been calling you since morning,” Lyn, my assistant, says.

“I’m still not interested.”

A few days ago, I had the shock of my life when I discovered that my mother’s family is old rich. They own King’s Court, a chain of luxury hotels. And my grandfather named me his successor to handle the business.

“I doubt there’s room in my portfolio for managing a chain of hotels, don’t you agree?”

Lyn raises a brow at me for a moment. “You’re one of the smartest women I know. You probably got your father’s talent for designing. But your knack for closing lucrative business deals? Maybe you got that from your late grandfather. I heard he was

brilliant.”

Four years ago, I discovered my passion for interior design. With my relentless efforts to give my son a better life, I built Cassandra Designs, which is now one of the biggest interior design firms in the country.

“I heard King’s Court is in trouble,” I remember one of the many articles I read the night I learned about my grandfather.

“Your grandfather had been sick for a while. No one was good enough to continue his life’s work. But it’s only right that you take over his company, and later, pass it on to your son.”

A smile tugs at my lips as I remember my three–year–old son. Jet black hair and piercing blue eyes. He’s a spitting image of…

“By the way,” Lyn interrupts my thoughts. “Attorney Magnus seems to be aware of your son’s condition.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’ll use whatever he can to convince you to do this.”

“Ha! What could they possibly have that I want?”

Lyn looks at me meaningfully. “We’re talking about your mother’s family here. Blood–related family. Who knows? Maybe one of them just might be your son’s perfect bone marrow match.”

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

Lyn nods. “We’re running out of options. Unless you want to go to your son’s fa…”

“No!” I cut her off. “There must be another way. Kai’s father doesn’t even know about him!”

*Then I suggest you meet with your grandfather’s attorney.”

As soon as I step into my office, the smell of flowers fills my senses. I replace baskets of roses of different colors around the room. My eyes catch sight of the man standing near the glass walls and gazing at the city view.

“Do you really have to be overly sentimental, Mr. Sullivan?” I ask.

Ethan Sullivan used to be my next–door neighbor. He sought me out when he heard the news of my old house catching fire. I could hardly believe that from a scrawny little boy who wears thick glasses, he turned into this tall, charming man, who built one of the country’s biggest financial institutions.

He turns around, his gray eyes dancing. “Happy birthday, Cassandra.”

“You really shouldn’t have gone berserk at the flower shop,” I tease.

“Well, Cassandra Carlisle deserves only the best, doesn’t she?”

“Please, have a seat.” I lead him towards my desk. “Can I offer you anything?”

I

“No, thank you” he replies. 1 won’t stay long. I’m running late for a board meeting.”

“Then why did you come? You should have just called. We can always meet later,”

“But I want to greet you in person. And for you, Cassandra, I’d make the whole world wait.”

I look away from him, a blush starts to creep over my cheeks. For the past year, Ethan has made it known that his feelings for me are more than friendly. But he’s been very patient and understanding.

“Ethan,” I say. “You’ve been a wonderful friend and support system to me and Kal

He narrows his eyes, looking at me intently. “But you know I could be so much more than that, right?”

“Ethan, you know I care about you, too. But I’ve been through a lot. And Kal’s health is my priority.

He reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. “I know that, Cassandra. And trust me, I would never ask you to put anything before your

I squeeze his hand back. Ethan has always been there for me and Kai. I know he deserves more than just friendship from me.

1 smile at him. “Ethan, I…”

Then suddenly, Lyn bursts into the room, with a look of urgency on her face. “Sorry, Cassandra. But…” she trails off. “Attorney Magnus is here to see you.”

I groan, “He’s really persistent, isn’t he?”

“Want me to take care of it?” Ethan asks.

I shake my head. “Til manage. I guess, we can just talk later.”

Ethan looks disappointed. I guess he felt that I was going to finally give him the answer he’d been waiting for before we were

interrupted

“Okay, I’ll see you at dinner later,” he said in a sober voice.

Was I really going to say yes to Ethan just now? I ask myself as I watch Ethan leave. ‘Am I over the past? And am I ready for this?”

Lyn comes back into my office followed by an older man.

“Miss Carlisle,” Attorney Magnus says. “I am sorry to barge in on you like this. But desperate times call for desperate measures.”

I

“I thought I made myself clear, Attorney Magnus. I’m not interested in my grandfather’s business.”

Attorney Magnus takes out an envelope from his suitcase and puts it in front of me. I open it and see photos of people I do not know. Most of them are old, some are even handicapped.

“Who are these people?”

“These are the people who worked with your grandfather in building his hotel empire,” Attorney Magnus replies.

“So?”

“Right now, they stand to lose their jobs, their benefits, their means of living. All because you refuse to take what your grandfather

has given to you.”

“What?”

“No one is leading the company right now, and the other shareholders are selling their shares to another company for a takeover.”

“But isn’t a takeover a good thing? You gain what you can and cut your losses?”

“King’s Court is still a lucrative venture. The company that will take over knows this. But it will be a complete takeover, meaning the very people who helped your grandfather build it will be let go for a small amount of compensation. That includes all the other members of your family… including your grandmother.”

“My grandmother?” I echo. I have no idea I have another living grandparent.

Attorney Magnus puts a photo of an old woman who looks like my mother in front of me.

“Your grandfather’s dying wish is for King Court to remain in your family. He regretted his decision to send your mother away, and it drove a wedge between him and your grandmother. Your grandmother has depression. She never took it well that your mother had been sent away.”

Listening to his story, I feel my eyes start to get wet.

“If the CEO of the company that wants to buy the hotel manages to convince the major shareholders to sell their shares, then your family will lose King’s Court. Your grandmother will lose everything. These people,” he motions at the photos in front of you. “It’s like you just handed them a death sentence.”

“Are you trying to make me feel guilty?”

“I know about your child’s condition,” Attorney Magnus says gently. “You have cousins, nieces, and nephews from your mother’s side of the family. None of them is interested or capable of running the business. But… perhaps one of them could be your son’s match.”

Damn it!

“Do you really think I’m capable of saving my grandfather’s legacy?”

“Your grandfather watched your success over the years. He believes in you. And so do I.”

I feel like I don’t have a choice. Besides, what have I got to lose?

ave I got

4/4

“Okay, I will give it a shot.

Attorney Magnus gives me a triumphant smile. “I’ll guide you through this, don’t worry.”

“What do I need to do first?”

“Attend the investor’s meeting on Friday,” he replies, “Announce that you have accepted the position. The CEO of the company that’s buying us out will be there, too. Tell him that if he wants to invest, he’s welcome to do so. But they can’t take over your grandfather’s

business.”

“Where is this meeting?”

“In South C

Carolina.”

I suddenly stop short. South Carolina was my old hometown.

“And… what’s the name of the company that wants to take over King’s Court?” I ask nervously.

*Steele Corp,” Attorney Magnus replies. “You need to meet with its CEO, Kayden Steele.”

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