The Millionaire And His Billionaire Ex-Wife By Athena
The Millionaire And His Billionaire Ex-Wife by Athena Chapter 269

Chapter 270

Chapter 269

With a masterful show of aloofness, Eder fixed his gaze on the floor. A shell of indifference hardened around him, infused with a dense melancholy that hung like a thick fog, forming an invisible barrier. It was an unspoken warning, making it difficult for anyone to dare approach him.

Despite her best efforts, Grace found it increasingly challenging to unravel the labyrinth of his emotions. Yet, the one emotion she did understand was the raw, white-hot anger churning inside her like a volcanic eruption waiting to happen. One thought dominated her mind, resounding like a drum in her heart to beat him senselessly until he’d be rummaging for his teeth on the floor, instilling enough fear to make him think twice before uttering the words ‘break up” again.

This fiery anger was her guiding compass, leading her across the room, her soft steps barely audible over the rhythmic hum of the house. Her target the mahogany ruler, stashed away in the first drawer of the antique bedside table.

However, she hesitated as she extended her hand, ready to clutch the instrument of her rage. The mahogany ruler was indeed heavy, symbolizing the weight of her fury. But what if she lost control, and Eder, in his indifference, didn’t dodge in time? What if her wrath did more damage than she intended

But to retreat, to return empty-handed after such a determined advance, would it not make her seem ridiculous, diminishing the seriousness of her intent?

Stealing a glance at Eder who sat on the floor, her eyes locked with his – his ebony irises revealing nothing. With no weapon at her disposal, it felt like she was walking into a gunfight with a butter knife. It was rather embarrassing.

Her gaze flickered to the sleek black leather belt hanging lazily on the coat rack nearby. A silent determination overtook her as she grabbed it, expertly rolling the soft leather until it fit comfortably in her hand, the chill of the metal buckle biting into her palm. Armed, she returned to the bed, the stark contrast of the intimidating belt against her demure stature making a powerful statement.

“Do you see what I have here?” she questioned, her sweet voice adopting a fierce undertone that carried an unmistakable threat. “Do not tempt me to use it on you!”

Eder’s response was minimal, a subtle flutter of his long lashes as he glanced at her weapon. sideways. His expression remained unreadable, his eyes cast under a mysterious shadow, an impenetrable fortress of silence.

“Remember when you clung to me, pleading for another chance, when I had let go? Now that I’m willing to take a leap of faith with you to explore this future for a longer while, you’re retreating. Why? I demand a reasonable explanation!” she insisted.

Under the warm glow of the lamplight, Eder’s chiseled face was magnified in all its rugged beauty, captivating in its silence. A gentle bob of his Adam’s apple betrayed his nervousness as he lowered his gaze, retreating further into his emotional shell.

His silence was louder than words, a silent protest, a refusal to engage. Was he resorting to the age-old strategy of the silent treatinent?

Feeling a bitter taste of rejection, Grace bit her lower lip, the sharp sting echoing the throbbing pain in her heart. “So, you need more time to think, do you? Then take all the time you need! Just make sure you’ve thought it through thoroughly before opening your mouth again!” she spat out, tossing the belt onto him.

Turning her back to him, she stormed out, leaving behind a turbulent wave of anger that slammed the bedroom door shut. With her dramatic exit, a tangible blanket of gloom draped over the room, permeating every corner with a palpable sense of tension.

The Millio

Chapter 269

Grace retreated to the adjoining room, her decision to sleep separately set in stone!

The night enveloped her with calming silence, but her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Eder’s indifferent look surfaced every time she shut her eyes, denying her the sweet escape of slumber.

Feeling confined, she sat upright in bed, reaching for her phone. It was 2 a.m. already! Eder hadn’t attempted to soothe her. Was he genuinely contemplating their breakup?

The thought was absurd, illogical! Grace buried herself under the covers, the alien sensation of solitude creeping up on her.

That night, both found sleep elusive.

As Grace stirred from her restlessness the following morning. Eder’s door was firmly shut, suggesting he was yet to rise.

After freshening up, she headed straight to Angle Group, refusing to exchange even a word with Eder.

Of late, 5 City was held hostage by bleak, rainy weather, the towering buildings shrouded in an almost deathlike gloom.

Feeling a madness within, Grace sat at her desk, her chin resting in her palm, her gaze vacant as she stared at the relentless rain outside her window.

The rain’s soft rhythm echoed in the room while Eder’s unusual behavior from last night replayed in her mind like a flickering film reel, distracting her from Beth’s report sprawled in front of her.

Suddenly, she remembered the sound Eder had made when she had flung him off the bed last night.

Eder was known for his tenacity, rarely uttering a sound unless he was feigning petulance or in actual pain. Yet, even in pain, he was capable of enduring it silently. So how could a simple push from her result in such a reaction?

The more she contemplated, the more convinced she became that something was amiss. All the signs pointed towards a possible injury that Eder might have sustained!

His uncharacteristic weakness is why he was caught off guard and easily toppled from the bed. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks, and she hammered the table in regret.

Last night, blinded by fury, she had overlooked all these signs. Now that she pondered, Eder’s behavior was a screaming red flag!

The sudden loud noise startled Beth, causing her to quiver slightly. “Director Salen, did I make a mistake in the report?”

“No.” Grace snapped back to reality, swiftly organizing her bag. “I need to attend to something and. will have to step out. Continue the report once I’m back. If I don’t return, we can discuss it

tomorrow.”

The rain in S City grew fiercer by the minute.

Within the confines of the Grant Group’s CEO’s office, Eder sat adjacent to the floor-to-ceiling window, exuding an air of fatigue and despondency. His black eyes were devoid of the usual spark, almost as if his life had been sucked out.

His gaze traced the cracks in the window, the relentless rain dividing them further, a stark reminder of Nick’s words in Frant City.

“The virus in your system will lead to complications over time. It could leave you incapacitated. Grace may initially pity you, but how long will that last? The moment you resorted to alternative medicine, your broken body became unworthy of her. If I can’t have her, neither can you!” Nick had.

taunted.

www

ד

Underneath his suit’s cuff, Eder’s hand clenched into a tight fist, his complexion paling further, spirits sinking lower.

Perhaps it was time to stop this self-inflicted torment. A sharp pain was better than a prolonged one. Making Grace detest him, despise him, allowing her to move past the hurt and start anew seemed like the best course for her.

Ava, the spokesperson for the LX Project, was elegantly perched on a nearby sofa, pouring herself a cup of tea.

She was here to discuss the contract’s payment terms with Eder. However, since she had stepped into the office, Eder seemed to be in his own world, staring at the rain-soaked window for close to half an hour without acknowledging her presence.

“Mr. Storm, you seem quite out of sorts today. If I had to guess, it’s less about work and more about a recent tiff with Miss Salen?” Ava’s voice was soft and enticing.

Irritation flashed across Eder’s face. “Know your place. If it’s not your business, don’t pry.”

Taking the hint, Ava smiled. “All right, I won’t intrude. However, should you need assistance with anything, Mr. Storm, I’ll be more than willing to help!”

Eder seemed indifferent to her sugary tone, even displaying a certain degree of repulsion. “What are you here for? State your business and leave.”

As Ava rose from her seat, sauntering towards him, preparing to speak, a knock on the door interrupted them.

“Mr. Storm, Miss Salen is here.”

What?! She came?!

Eer’s heart sk ipped a beat. Swillly, his hand, which

was sed

in a leather glove, seized Ava’s

wrist.

Ava leaning in to hear Eder’s whispered words was the sight that greeted Grace upon her entry. Their intimately close proximity and whispered conversation sent a jolt through her. “Eder?”

On hearing Grace’s voice, Ava jerked away from Eder, awkwardly pulling her wrist from his grip, resuming her previous position.

“Miss Salen, what brings you here? Quite a coincidence…”

The woman’s peculiar behavior only served to deepen Grace’s suspicion. “I’m the one who came at an inconvenient time? Then what were you two up to?”

Stumbling over her words, Ava quickly glanced at Eder, her cheeks coloring slightly in

embarrassment.

“You’re free to imagine whatever you want.” Eder’s deep-set eyes were icy, his voice devoid of warmth.

Provoking her, was he? Grace Inhaled deeply, suppressing the bubbling rage within her, reminding herself to stay calm. Her icy stare shifted to Ava. “You, step outside.”

Seemingly hesitant, Ava turned towards Eder, her voice sultry, “Mr. Storm…”

Eder remained impassive, his lips pursed tightly, Implicitly giving his consent.

Left with no choice, Ava sashayed out of the office.

Once Ava’s alluring presence had departed, Grace advanced towards Eder, noticing his ashen complexion. She knelt beside him, placing her hands on his legs, lifting her face to meet his voice a gentle whisper.

gaze,

her

16:14

The Millionaire and lia Billisvaire la wife

“Eder, did

you sustain any injuries during your border trip? I’m sorry for my impulsive reaction last night. I didn’t understand the situation. But you aren’t alone anymore. You don’t have to endure the pain all by yourself. I’ll stand by you and share your pain. I’m also learning how to pamper you and safeguard you. Isn’t that good enough?”

“I’ll be there with you to share your pain. I’m also learning how to indulge and shield you.”

Grace’s gentle and melodic voice echoed in Eder’s ears, a refrain in his mind. Her radiant smile was ever–present before his eyes. Her warmth enveloped his aching, shadowy heart, melting his icy

exterior.

A lump formed in his throat, and his right hand instinctively reached out, yearning to touch her soft face. However, he realized his hand, encased in a leather glove, had just caressed Ava.

Upon this realization, he subtly withdrew his hand, clenching it into a fist hidden on his thigh.

Nick was correct. When facing adversaries, Grace was like a blazing sun too scorching to touch without getting burnt. Yet, she was akin to a gentle kitten towards her loved ones and her beloved, making one fall hopelessly in love, impossible to relinquish. She was vibrant, radiant, and brimming with an indomitable spirit.

Eder had believed that he could control the virus within him, allowing him to accompany Grace on her journey for a long time. But now, the virus was spreading, turning those hopes into mere fantasies.

He was now but a shell, a dying man utterly undeserving of Grace. He was the one who was holding

her back.

“Eder?”

His thoughts were disrupted by her soft call. Grace knelt before him, her hands resting on his legs ast she lifted her face to look at him, her voice imbued with tenderness.

“Were you injured on your border trip? I’m sorry for kicking you last night without knowing the circumstances. But you’re not alone now. You don’t have to endure the pain alone. I’ll be there with you to share

your pain. I’m also learning how to indulge and shield you. Isn’t that good?”

Eder composed himself, his hands loosening their clench slightly. Meanwhile, his expression reverted to its usual icy demeanor. “I’m not injured. If you don’t believe me, you can verify.”

“I don’t believe you. You look pale, and you can’t deceive me. I want you to tell me what’s really happening with you. And what were you and Ava doing when I walked in? Why do I always feel like you’re trying to provoke me…”

“I seem to quite like her.” Before she finished speaking, Eder interrupted her in a cold tone.

“What did you say?” Grace was stunned, pulling her hands from his legs. She took a step back, her gaze upon him unfamiliar and incredulous.

He turned his attention to the rain outside the window, his tone icy. “She is sweet, beautiful, gentle, and appears fragile, which could make her seem pitiful. It’s no wonder that any man would be drawn to her. What else do you think I was doing with her?”

“Are you saying you replace me repulsive?” Grace retreated another few steps, her bright eyes slowly dimming

Eder gave a derisive laugh, his eyes cold and unfeeling. “Compared to her, you are arrogant, domineering, and ruthless. I spent a long time chasing after you hack then, but now I’m weary and want to try something different.”

Grace looked at his handsome face, her beautiful eyes narrowing slightly. “Eder, you’ve changed…”

“Men are always seeking a thrill, novelty. It’s not that I’ve changed. It’s that I was never a good man. You can leave now that you see me for who I am.”

The Uriani

Chapter 290

After the subtle undercurrent of a threat tinged his final words, an eerie quiet hung in the room like an unwelcome visitor, stretching out the minutes into an uncomfortable eternit

Grace stood frozen, her feet seemingly soldered to the floor, the silence amplified by the rhythmic tick–tock of a wall clock. Her mind raced, struggling to process the moment’s gravity.

Across the room, Eder’s gaze remained anchored to the window, his icy eyes, devoid of any trace of longing or attachment, painted a perfect picture of apathy. He stared into the endless expanse, his eyes reflecting an inscrutable emptiness.

However, slicing through this mounting tension, a sudden outburst of laughter detonated. The unexpected sound was akin to a balloon popping in an echo chamber, its abruptness jarring against the otherwise heavy silence.

Eder turned his head in surprise, only to see that instead of being angry, Grace was… laughing? Her sparkling eyes held not an ounce of anger.

His heart skipped a beat as he fought to maintain his frosty demeanor, shooting her a sharp glare. “Is something funny?”

Grace walked up to him, grasped the armrests of his office chair with both hands, leaned down, and kissed his forehead unexpectedly. The vivid imprint of her lipstick stood starkly against his forehead.

“You!” Eder’s gaze shot up, glaring at her in anger. “Can’t you understand human language?”

However, Grace only laughed louder, almost provocatively, as though she had seen through his performance long ago. “You put on quite a show. I almost fell for it. But…”

She stopped mid–sentence, her curling lashes lowering, her gaze falling on his hands clenched tightly on his thighs, a mocking tone in her voice. “When you act, you need to be thorough. Next time you lie, make sure not to clench your fists so tightly. It’s a dead giveaway!”

Eder was caught off guard, instinctively retracting his hand and hiding it behind his back. His eyelashes fluttered nervously. Having his charade uncovered so directly was a blow to his pride!

He could only maintain his dark expression and feign nonchalance.

But Grace was one to play her hand. She just had to tear down his defenses layer by layer. She lightly curled her finger under his chin, her dainty finger fearlessly tracing and teasing, drawing circles on

his skin.

“Eder, you’re underestimating me. Did you really think I could be so easily fooled? Last night, I was angry and didn’t see through your act immediately. But today, I’m very clear–headed. Every word you’ve said, every little action, is a slip in my eyes.”

She persisted in her provocation, wearing a smug expression. “Do you really think I’d believe your fell so quickly for someone else? For Ava? Obviously, you’re deliberately playing this drama with her to provoke me. We’ve reached this point, and you still refuse to tell the truth, hmm?” The last note was hummed coquettishly, pleasant to the ear, carrying a captivating allure.

Eder sidestepped her hand that was still tracing circles on his chin, his lashes fluttering several -times. “What I said earlier was the truth. It’s just that you think… I mean…”

He hadn’t even finished his sentence when Grace leaned in again, kissing his left cheek. She staked her claim, leaving behind the impression of her red lips.

“You!” Eder shot her an infuriated glare.

“Angry, are you?”

Her finger continued to trace circles on Eder’s neck, her eyes gleaming with mischief, a teasing smile on her lips. She clicked her tongue and added, “Your little scheme’s been seen through. Are you

unhappy? But what can you do? I just love seeing you angry and unable to do anything about me. It’s too satisfying!”

Eder’s lips tightened, and his eyes narrowed menacingly, exuding a cold aura. “Do not test my limits.”

“Oh, but what if I do? Will you hit me? I’m so scared!” Her voice was dripping with goading. She acted scared, but the smile dancing at the corners of her mouth could reach the moon. “We’ve had fights before. If you dare, let’s fight again. Let me see if you can surpass my strength now.”

Eder felt a twinge of guilt. His deteriorating physical condition, combined with the angina attack two nights ago, had left him sapped of energy, the pain taking its toll. He hadn’t managed to rest well last night, either. If they really did start a fight, he likely wouldn’t stand a chance against Grace.

“A real man doesn’t fight with a woman!” His gaze was fierce, his low voice laced with obstinacy. Grace laughed, pulling out a lipstick from her bag, swiftly applying a generous layer to her lips, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Then keep lying. I’ll leave a mark on your face for each lie you tell. Let’s see how many marks I can leave.”

“Stop being unreasonable!”

No sooner had he finished speaking than Grace quickly leaned in and planted several more kisses on his cheeks and chin.

His face was scattered with red lip prints, radiating an irresistible appeal.

Grace grinned, her eyes curving in delight, and sweetly said, “Go on. When you’re ready to stop spewing nonsense and start telling the truth, I’ll reason with you.”

Eder was feeling suffocated and lacked the energy to argue back. He had underestimated Grace’s cunning nature. She not only saw through him but was also teasing him. Now that she was behaving like this, he was unsure how to handle her!

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16:14

The Millionair

Chapter 271