The Ex-Wife’s Billion Dollar Comeback Novel

---- Chapter 170: Royal Diva ~ Calum ~ Despite his new marriage being on the rocks, Calum remained optimistic about his latest investment. He had purchased a large commercial property in a prime location, which included a two-story building with existing tenants and an undeveloped thousand-square-meter parking lot. He planned to refurbish the building, add more office spaces, and convert the expansive parking area into an electric vehicle charging station. With careful planning, he believed the project could yield substantial returns. Rose was back to work now, so they were both busy.

Calum met with an old college friend at the Prima Hotel to discuss investments. His friend, Archie Nowels, was a known financial advisor in Cedar Heights. During a lunch meeting, Calum explained, "I need an investment with quick returns. I've liquidated all my bonds so! can allocate the capital into a higher-yielding, yet still secure, opportunity." "| know one in Belridge. In fact, | invested in this company four months ago. They've been making waves, especially if you allocate your money to their stock exchange portfolio. The returns are amazing.

They claim to have the best stock market analysts," Archie shared. Archie went over the numbers and his gains. Immediately, Calum was impressed. He eagerly asked, "Tell me about this company." "It's the Azar Investment Firm," Archie replied. Calum froze. It was... Philip Azar's investment firm. There was ---- no way Philip would take his money-or would he be professional about it? Thinking back, after Calum took over his family's assets and businesses, he had pulled out all their investments from Philip' s company. He had even influenced other business partners to do the same.

His actions had led to the closure of Philip's branch in Cedar Heights. Calum had never realized that Philip continued his business, only in another city. "| don't think they will accept my money," Calum said, leaning back, his hopes falling. "Why not?" Archie asked, frowning. "The- the Azars have a grudge against me," Calum admitted. It was... my fault." "Well, if you apologize, would that resolve things?" Archie asked. Calum thought about it. He hadn't apologized to Philip and Emily.

Meeting them might just help clear the air, and maybe, just maybe, he could put his money in Philip's firm instead of the bank. So, Calum and his college friend Archie drove to Belridge. Calum bought gifts for the Azars-an expensive painting and a bottle of wine for Philip. He at least knew a few things about them. Calum had purposely asked Archie not to give his name, just to have an opening. However, when they walked into Philip's office and learned that Calum was the investor, Soraya's uncle outright said, "NO." At first, Calum tried to reason, but what he got was a stronger backlash.

---- Philip stood behind his desk, pointing at Calum. "I will never forget the disrespect you have shown my niece, how you treated her like she was not the mother of your child. | will not forget that day when Soraya begged you to keep your investments in my company. And | will never forget how you kept your marriage to Soraya a secret, flaunting a mistress around the city.

Lastly, | will never forgive you for driving Sage apart from her mother." "You don't have a place in my company." "The audacity of you, coming here for an investment when you nearly caused this same company to go bankrupt years ago," Philip continued. "Take back your gifts and your money, because | don't need it." When Calum and Archie made their way down the building's lobby, Archie asked, "Soraya Azar? The engineer who co- developed NeuroSentinel was your ex-wife? Fuck, you were married? And Rose was your mistress?" Archie even looked up the name again.

He stared at a picture of Soraya and asked, "She's like an angel. Why in the world did you let this beautiful woman slip away?" Calum said nothing, but in his head, he was thinking the same thing. eek ~ Soraya ~ Philip and Emily arrived midweek and planned to stay for an entire week. Soraya was still in the hospital, now ten weeks pregnant. She was getting better. Her vomiting had reduced to once a day, which was already a great improvement compared to the previous week. However, the excessive salivating continued, ---- which really disgusted her.

Emily volunteered to watch over Soraya for twenty-four hours so Jacob could leave for a business trip. He had been away from Belridge and Cedar Heights for almost a month. It was time for him to resume his CEO duties face-to-face. Jacob stared at Soraya, already in his suit with his laptop in hand, yet he was struggling to leave. "Are you sure you're okay?" Jacob asked. Soraya nodded, smelling the ginger oil. "I'll be fine. Uncle and Aunt will take turns watching over me." Jacob turned to Emily. "Aunt, don't let her eat too much abruptly. | noticed that triggers the vomiting.

Let her eat in small portions." "Foot massages seem to help with the nausea," Emily added. "Even walking around helps." "I've especially requested one nurse to be on call for Soraya's needs, in case you need help." Jacob looked around, making sure he hadn't missed anything. When he saw how Soraya was sitting up in bed, he added, " Ara vomits early in the morning. It's best to keep her bed-" "| know, | know. You've told me this like a hundred times already, Jacob," Emily said. "Leave, already!" Philip and Soraya laughed. Soraya, in particular, could not help but cry in amusement. "Look, Jacob.

| know you're worried for your wife, but that's what family is for." Emily stood up and patted his shoulder. " You can rely on us to help you and Soraya get through this difficult stage of her pregnancy." They could have hired a caregiver for Soraya, but it never sat ---- well with Jacob. He was at least relieved that Emily offered to help. Jacob let out a sigh. He laughed at himself. "You're right, Aunt. I'm sorry." He walked over to Soraya and kissed her forehead. "I'll be on my way now.

Eat, rest, and call me if you need anything." "I love you," he pecked her cheek before resting his hand on her stomach. "Check on Angela before you leave," Soraya instructed. "I love you. Bye." When Jacob left, Philip laughed some more. Meanwhile, Emily said, "I've now found a disadvantage of you marrying Jacob Steel." Soraya frowned. "What? What do you mean, Aunt?" Pointing at Soraya, Emily concluded, "He's going to spoil you rotten until you float around on clouds of silk and caviar!" "Don't!" Emily warned. "Don't ever lose yourself. Remember your experience with Calum.

Never turn your back on your career, even if you have a husband who is willing to turn you into a royal diva." Soraya cracked up, laughing so hard her stomach hurt. "I think I'm all better now-Blegh!" "Hurk!" Soraya emptied her stomach right on the floor.