The Ex-Wife’s Billion Dollar Comeback Novel

---- Chapter 143: Claire's Leverage ~ Rose ~ "|- Calum, |-" Rose gulped, feeling her heart race. "| used most of it for my fashion brand. You know I'm trying to get my name out there, and maybe | went a little over the top, but | thought with the funding | had, | should maximize it." "You used everything?" Calum asked, his brows furrowing, disappointment flashing in his blue eyes. "Well, Mom and Dad borrowed some of the money," she suggested, hoping Calum wouldn't object to helping her parents. "Why?

Don't tell me you've run out of money?" "No, no, but | only have around five billion dollars left in liquid funds. Some are tied up in bonds, which | can't just withdraw. Others are spread across stocks, real estate projects, and private equity investments." Massaging his temples, Calum leaned back in his seat. "It's fine, I'll cancel some of my stock investments." "| want to start a business of my own," he repeated. " Something not tied to the Montclair Group or any corporate system.

That's the problem with corporations: too many people get dragged in, and in the end, it isn't even your work or ability that decides your fate. It's the board, the politics, the whispers in the hallway. One meeting, one vote, and they can strip everything from you." Rose paused, guilt and pity twisting in her chest. Then, she remembered their wedding. She unconsciously placed her hand on her stomach and looked at Calum. "Is this going to affect our wedding?" They had already met with the wedding coordinator. Their nuptials were due in a month. Calum had already paid the ---- deposit.

The wedding planner would handle everything. The only things missing were her wedding and engagement rings. Calum looked at her, his eyes dropping to her stomach. He said, "No, it won't affect our wedding. We need to get married before your baby bump starts showing." Speaking of the baby, Rose knew she needed to work harder. She leaned closer to Calum and cupped his face. She whispered, "Let me make you feel better." That night, Rose seduced Calum the best way she could. She hoped her efforts would pay off, because everything depended on it.

whe ~ Claire ~ Meanwhile, back at the Rowans'' residence, the whole family was arguing in Marvin's study. "| don't understand how this could all fail! We spent so much on the hackers only for everyone to point at me!" Marvin barked, pacing back and forth. "Let's divorce. All these problems started with your gambling debts anyway. If we divorce, then the children and | won't take the fall with you," Camilla declared. "Yes, Dad, please. The evidence is solid against you," Roger said. In her seat, Claire cried quietly. Her brother and mother were right. Yet their father was selfish.

He insisted they were all just as responsible. "You all benefited from the money | stole!" Marvin shouted. " Claire, your luxurious spending, your yearly birthday celebrations, your expensive clothes and bags!" ---- "Roger, let's not forget your McLaren! Your collection of watches and the way you splurge on women! And Camilla, you're not innocent either! You have a vault full of jewelry! If we need money for debts, we'll sell everything you have!" He raised his voice even higher. "And let's not forget! Seven years ago, you all had a part to play in Calum's drugging! We are all guilty of it!

If you leave me hanging, I'll drag everyone with me!" "Dad!" Claire cried out. "How could you? | didn't even know until after the incident-when the press came barging into Calum''s room!" "But the fact is, you knew after! No matter what, you're considered an accomplice for never reporting it!" Marvin roared, pointing at her. Then he turned on Camilla. "If anyone is to blame, it's your father, Camilla. He favored Cedric too much, so he gave the company to him and Calum." "| should have been CEO, not Calum!" Marvin declared. "Then we have no choice," Roger said, his hands trembling.

" We should start planning our escape." "But, Dad, can't-" Claire began, her eyes falling on the GPS tracker around Marvin's ankle. "Since all our accounts are frozen, we'll need to sell some of your jewelry fast, Mom," Roger pressed, glancing at Camilla. "I' m worried they're onto us. What if they uncover what happened seven years ago? | was the one who paid the prostitute and her pimp!" "No, this can't be happening," Camilla sobbed, breaking down "I'm losing everything, including my brother." Before anyone could comfort her, the door to the study ---- creaked.

Everyone's head snapped toward it. "Wasn't the door locked?" Claire asked. Roger tried the knob, frowning. "It's locked." "You're all just paranoid," Marvin growled. "Let's move before we lose our chance. Roger, find someone who can remove this GPS tracker-quietly." They were on the move next. Only their mother stayed behind, locking herself in the room with her tears. By dawn, they were ready. A private jet was already waiting for them at the airport, bound for the capital. From there, they would arrange fake identities. Roger had a contact.

They had paid heavily to hire someone to remove Marvin's GPS tracker. They packed jewelry and cash. Roger's men would sell the cars and whatever properties remained. At around five a.m., they were prepared to leave. But just as they called for their mother, sirens echoed outside their mansion. Claire's skin crawled. Minutes later, the police called out through a megaphone. "This is the police! Marvin Rowan, Roger Rowan, and associates! We have a warrant for your arrest.

You are charged with conspiracy, aggravated assault by administering harmful substances, and deliberate endangerment of life through exposure to a serious communicable disease. "We are aware of your attempt to flee. Step out of the premises immediately with your hands raised, or we will be forced to enter!" "What?" Claire's eyes widened. "They know? How?" ---- "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. | couldn't do it." Everyone turned to find their mother walking down the stairs. " It's time we pay for our mistakes. | don't want to live life on the run." "No, no! Mom!" Roger screamed.

Marvin went mad, while Claire? She could only cry. She knew her life of luxury was over. Yet even then, she still had leverage. And that leverage was Rose. Claire would do anything to keep Rose under her control