The Ex-Wife’s Billion Dollar Comeback Novel

---- Chapter 182: Offer to Luca ~ Soraya ~ "We're sorry. We didn't mean to scare her. We were just asking standard questions involving the possibility of parting,' Cora said, her expression woeful for Angela. Soraya hesitated. Her heart ached, seeing Angela cry that way. But she just had to try to explain Angela's actions. "Forgive me for saying this. Angela experiences her emotions very strongly, which is common for children with Asperger's. "Even |, being one, have to find my own ways of coping with emotions.

Being a child, she is still figuring out the best way to process her feelings." "It's very hard for her to form attachments, let alone face the thought of separation. This isn't unusual for her. It's a way she communicates her needs and responds to changes in her surroundings," Soraya added. "We understand. We've worked with children who have special needs. We know how difficult it is for them to adjust should it ever happen. It's just that the biological father also has his rights. We'll certainly include our recommendations to the judge," Cora responded.

Overall, the social workers' visit felt optimistic. Jacob and Soraya were even more confident that the same ladies would be in their favor after visiting Angela's school in Belridge next week. That evening, Jacob and Soraya chatted over that day's experience. On the living room balcony, they shared tea. ---- Angela was already asleep in her room. "You know, | did notice that," Jacob said. "When your emotions are high, you close your eyes and stay still.

Is that how you cope?" Soraya turned to her husband and shared, "I count numbers in my head, and when I'm in deep pain, | mutter my mantra." "And that is?" Jacob asked. "Don't laugh, okay?" Soraya said. "| started this mantra after what happened between me and Calum. It's 'Control, Soraya, control. Feelings pass. Feelings pass. Control." "It was just a simple reminder to myself not to get drowned in heavy emotions," Soraya said. "But it's primarily counting numbers." For a while, Jacob stayed silent. But soon, he turned to her with a sly grin.

"Honey, | promise you, the only time you'll be counting numbers with me is when you're struggling to keep track of how many nights I've kept you up." "Oh, my God!" Soraya laughed her heart out. "Who did | marry?" "The man of your dreams," Jacob teased. "Admit it." "Fine. Fine," Soraya said. "You are the man of my dreams." Jacob moved his chair closer to hers and hugged her from behind. He kissed her cheek and said, "Guess that makes us even. I'm just as hopelessly smitten with you." Soraya flushed. She couldn't help but laugh again. She never truly expected that Jacob had this side of him.

"How much do you love me? Can | put you to the test?" she asked mischievously. ---- "Ara, I'll pass any test," Jacob claimed. Soraya bit her lip and turned to him. "Honey? | suddenly want to eat durian." The color on his face drained, and she laughed louder. "Durian?" he repeated. "That smelly fruit?" "Honey, there's no durian out here!" Jacob objected. "Is it even durian season in Asia right now?" "If it makes it easier for you, I'll give you one week to source the durian," Soraya said, giving an ultimatum. Since she was slowly turning into a spoiled wife, she was going to make it count.

Jacob groaned, and Soraya found it amusing. Still, he didn't say no, so she was certain she'd get her durian by the end of the week. And she was going to enjoy it. oe ~ Luca Valmont ~ Earlier that evening, Luca had stopped by Vanguard Galleria to inspect the ongoing construction of his shop. He was giving instructions to the interior designer when his new assistant called, "Sir, someone's asking for you." Luca exited the sectioned-off area of his soon-to-open boutique and froze when he saw Calum Montclair with his wife, the homewrecker.

Yes, ever since he learned about Rose Becket's connection to Soraya, in his eyes, this woman was a homewrecker. "Luca." Calum extended his hand. "Calum Montclair. It's nice to meet you." ---- Instead of taking Calum's hand, Luca frowned and tucked his hands into his pockets. He lifted his chin and asked, "What can | do for you, Mr. Montclair?" Calum was clearly disappointed that Luca didn't shake his hand. He grimaced but soon voiced what he came to say. " Can we maybe have dinner and talk business? My wife and | have a proposal for you." "I'm busy, Mr.

Montclair, and whatever business you intend to offer, I'm not interested," Luca said outright. "Don't you know who | am?" Calum said. "| can offer you endless possibilities. This is already an opportunity." "We want you to join my wife's fashion line," Calum continued. "You're doing great. Your designs have been making noise- that's good. But if you join Maison de R., you'll have better funding." "Ill have better funding to have my designs labeled as Maison de R.?" Luca couldn't stop himself from laughing. "You're joking, right, Mr. Montclair?

Why would | do that?" "Just name your price," Calum said. "I'm a very reasonable man. If you join Maison de R., you could do well for yourself." "The answer is no," Luca said in irritation. "I thought | made myself clear." "Mr. Valmont, you seem to dislike us," the homewrecker finally spoke. He thought it was funny how Rose was a designer yet she wore a Gucci dress. "Have we ever offended you?" "It's nothing personal," Luca said. "You both just happened to hurt my friend, and | tend to be loyal to my friends." "Who?" both Calum and Rose asked. ---- Luca thought about it.

It would be great to tell them he was connected to Soraya, but Valmont Privée hadn't picked up any international boutiques yet. It was still in its early stages. "Eventually, you'll know. For now, | want to make it clear: I'll never cooperate with Maison de R.," Luca declared. He turned on his heel without saying goodbye. One thing was certain-Luca Valmont would rise again. And when the lights of Milan and Paris finally shone on his creations, he would tell the world who had saved him when no one else would. Soraya Azar.

If it weren't for her, Luca would still be selling dresses on the streets.