His Ex Wife Is A Billionaire

Ever since Mr. Bartley let slip at the District Attorney’s son’s wedding that his family was tying the knot with the high–profile Abernathy family, it spread like wildfire through the elite social circles of Elmsworth.

On the surface, everyone offered their congratulations, but behind closed doors, they mocked Timothy for his shameless social climbing. Whispers went around that he would let his only son marry a woman with a few screws loose, ail for the sake of his political ambitions.

When the gossip reached Mr. Hamilton Abernathy’s ears, it only deepened his disapproval of the match. As soon as he voiced his opposition, Frederic dredged up the old family scandal involving the Fairhavens to throw back in Hamilton’s face.

“When I flat–out objected to Marilla running off with that no–good Fairhaven boy, you were all about playing Cupid. You insisted on planting our precious lily among the Fairhaven compost! And what did that get her? Turned her into the laughingstock of Elmsworth!

Not just that, you tore me a new one in front of Thaddeus and the Fairhaven kid, treating my good intentions like dirt. You made me lose face as the head of the family. And what was the endgame? You still pushed your favorite granddaughter into a pit of fire.”

Hamilton’s silvery brows knitted together as he exhaled a weary sigh, “I’m your father; don’t I know what’s in your mind? You don’t really care about Marilla; it’s your own pride you can’t swallow!”

Frederic clenched his jaw.

“Do you even know the Bartley boy? Have you got a clue about his character? I chose Jareth because my granddaughter fancies him, and he’s Thaddeus‘ best friend. They grew up together, so we know

what he’s made of!

Sure, the Fairhaven family’s a mess, but Jareth’s a diamond in the rough. You’ve been putting pressure on the Fairhaven Group, trying to throw a wrench in their works, but Jareth, as CEO, has held firm, dealing with each. problem you’ve tossed his way. I trust him to handle the snakes within the Fairhaven Group too!”

At this, Frederic’s gaze darkened. He knew all along that back then the old man’s heated words were just a facade, and deep down, he still favored Jareth for Marilla. It seemed the old man had cooled off and still wanted Marilla to end up with Jareth.

With the Abernathy Group’s reins already in Thaddeus‘ hands, if Frederic couldn’t even decide on his daughter’s marriage, wouldn’t it be like trampling his pride in the mud once again?

“And the most important thing, Marilla’s not like other kids!”

The memory of his granddaughter’s suffering filled his eyes with tears, “You know damn well how much she adores Jareth! They’ve only been apart for a short time, and you’re already rushing her into the arms of a stranger. What kind of father are you, to not consider your daughter’s heart? Is your mind all wrapped up in bandages?!”

Frederic’s teeth ground together, “Marilla and the young Bartley were high school classmates. Three years shoulder to shoulder, so they’re well–acquainted. Besides, Marilla has already agreed to the match.” Hamilton was struck as if by lightning, “What did you say?! Marilla, did you force her into this?!”

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“Huh, do I need to?” Frederic raised an eyebrow coldly, “Marilla’s grown up. She knows how to weigh the pros and cons, understands that suitability trumps fancy.

It’s only you who still sees her as a child. You say I don’t care for my daughter, but your affection for granddaughter is just as shallow.”

“Shut your fricking mouth!”

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Hamilton, red–eyed with fury, grabbed a teacup from the coffee table and hurled it at Frederic! This time, the man was quick to dodge, and the teacup shattered on the floor.

That evening. Frederic accepted Mr. and Mrs. Bartley’s dinner invitation and prepared to escort Marilla to the Bartley residence.

A maid brought Marilla an extravagant evening gown selected by Mr. Frederic Abernathy himself. Each one was lavish enough, but none seemed to suit her.

“I won’t wear these. Pick a dress from my wardrobe, something I wear regularly,” Marilla sat before easel calmly, still perfecting the lifelike portrait, pouring all her yearning into the painting.

It made the days without him seem less agonizing.

“Ms. Abernathy, we should be leaving soon. Mr. Frederic Abernathy is waiting downstairs,” the butler’s voice carried through the door.

With a heavy heart, Marilla stood, dressed, and took a long look at herself in the mirror. Her mind wandered back to the villa, the love nest she shared with Jareth.

She remembered that day before going to a Chambers Group banquet, she was naked in Jareth’s arms, clinging to his shoulders, afraid of falling. Her slender limbs entwined around his strong, honey– glowing frame. They were deeply entwined, and he wickedly carried her around the room, each movement sending thrilling shocks through her, her hands leaving red marks across his back.

“Which one should I pick, hmm?” Jareth held her, who was already languid from their intimacy, in front of the vast wardrobe, his wet kisses grazing her blushing’cheeks.

“Umm, they’re all nice.” Marilla leaned against his sweaty chest, panting slightly, her eyelids heavy.

“Can’t decide?” The next moment, everything went dark, followed by a soft cry.

“Let me choose for you, honey.”

Jareth wrapped his arms around her, tumbling together into a wardrobe filled with expensive evening gowns. The soft, skin–caressing fabric enveloped them as their passion surged, spiraling into an intimate embrace.

“Ms. Abernathy, your teddy bear.”

The maid’s voice snapped Marilla back to reality, her cheeks burning with a rosy blush as she turned away, her hand shyly covering the warmth on her face.

“I won’t need it tonight.” Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.

The maid looked concerned; she knew the teddy bear was Ms. Abernathy’s emotional anchor, and without it, she would hardly sleep.

Marilla gently pressed her tender lips, “I have to meet guests with Dad today. Carrying this around would make me the butt of jokes.”

That evening, the Bartleys were hosting a/private cocktail party in their grand estate.

Given the rumors about Marilla still circulating in Elmsworth, this soiree was an intimate affair, reserved for the Bartleys‘ closest friends and family – a miniature betrothal celebration for their son and the daughter of the Abernathy family.

Mr. and Mrs. Bartley paraded their dapper son, Alston, amongst the guests, reveling in the adoration. surrounding them.

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“Timothy, congratulations in advance, my friend.”

Zachary, accompanied by Warner, approached with champagne flutes in hand, his voice filled with merriment, “Alston is about to get engaged to Ms. Marilla Abernathy. I’ll be sure to attend and bring a hefty wedding gift for the boy.”

Mr. Bartley’s face beamed as he clinked his glass with Zachary’s, “Hahaha! You’re Alston’s godfather; you’ll be the first to receive the invitation!”

Alston joined in with a smile, “Thank you, godfather.”

Amidst the lively chatter, Marilla appeared, arm–in–arm with Frederic, drawing the attention of the room.

She was still uncomfortable in such settings, having always relied on the presence of Thaddeus, Evadne and Jareth to stay calm and collected. Now, as the tangled gazes settled on her, her heart fluttered into disarray.

“Mr. Frederic Abernathy, Marilla!”

Alston’s eyes lit up, and he hurriedly set his drink aside to stride towards them, “Welcome, both of you! Your presence graces my humble abode!”

“Hahaha, Alston, it’s not necessary.” Frederic replied with a chuckle, patting him on the shoulder, “Just call me Frederic will do. After all, it won’t be long before we’re family.”

“Of course, Frederic.”

Alston quickly adapted, and then turned his intense gaze toward Marilla’s pallid face. She dared not look up, let alone meet the unsettling stare.

Mr. and Mrs. Bartley joined them, offering warm greetings. Mrs. Bartley held her hand, constantly caressing it, lavishing praise as if she couldn’t be more pleased with her future daughter–in–law.

Only Marilla stood out, rooted to the spot, feeling as though her blood had run cold, a chill spreading through her entire being.

Suddenly, the entrance doors swung open. A pair of noble figures strode in with an air of command that demanded attention.

Though there were only two, they carried the presence of an army, impossible to ignore. Marilla lifted her dewy lashes, and in the moment she recognized the man, ripples of emotion disturbed the clarity of her eyes.