The Ex-Wife’s Billion Dollar Comeback Novel

Chapter 74 Rose - 15 Rose hadn't caught a glimpse of the woman Angela called " Mommy , " but she could see , clear as day , how deeply Angela was attached to her . And the fact that Jacob let Angela call this woman " Mommy " made Rose's curiosity burn hotter .. Jealousy , too . ' Whoever she is … she's lucky , ' Rose thought , though the word lucky tasted bitter on her tongue . Then the insecurity crept in , whispering in a voice she hated but couldn't ignore .

' What if Ara was really prettier ? ' ' Was she smarter ? ' ' What if her background were more impressive? ' ' What if she carried herself in a way that left everyone impressed ? ' Rose's thoughts spiraled further . She wasn't used to standing in a room where someone else outshone her , especially someone who wasn't even there . What she feared most was not just Jacob's affection . What if Calum saw this mysterious " Mommy " of Angela … and admired her too ? Where would that leave her ?

So when she spotted the piano from across the room , an idea bloomed . If charm wasn't enough , she'd flaunt talent . " Oh , there's a piano , " she said . " Angela , do you play the piano ? " This was Rose's first time in Jacob's home , so the presence of a piano came as a surprise . Angela looked behind her and returned her attention to Rose . She nodded . " She knows a little . She's still learning ," Jacob revealed . " I can teach you , " Rose smiled , keeping her tone warm .

" I'm very good at piano ." " Yes , she can , " Calum added encouragingly . But Angela shook her head and held Jacob's hand . Jacob said , " It's okay , Rose- " " Don't be shy around Aunt Rose , Angela , " she coaxed , reaching out a manicured hand . " I love teaching kids . " 1/4 76 % 13:16 Tue , 19 Aug O Chapter 74 She made sure to say " Aunt Rose , " the same way she had with Sage , an unspoken invitation kids always loved , a quiet offering of a place in her life .

Claire chimed in , " Go on , Angela . Rose is wonderful at the piano . " Jacob opened his mouth again , but Rose had already taken Angela's small hand , gently but firmly leading her to the instrument . +15 She tried to guide Angela through a few notes , but the little girl's fingers drooped on the keys like they weighed a ton . ' Fine . If the child wouldn't play , she'd listen , ' she thought. Rose played a piece .

It was fluid , graceful , the kind of performance that usually drew admiration . Her friends clapped . Calum smiled warmly from his seat . Jacob only crossed his arms , unreadable . Angela ? She barely looked impressed . " You didn't like it ? " Rose asked with forced sweetness . Angela shook her head . " My mommy's better . " The words hit like a slap . Rose froze , her smile stiffening . ' What did she say ? Ara is better ? ' " I think she prefers Ara to teach her , " Jacob explained .

Rose's head snapped toward him . " Ara plays piano too ? " " Yes , " Jacob acknowledged . " And she's very good at piano ." Her nails dug deep into her palm . She repeated , as if testing the word , " She's good ? " " Very , very good , " Jacob confirmed without hesitation . Rose swallowed the urge to scoff . She'd offered to play the piano to impress . Instead , she'd been compared , and lost , to a ghost she hadn't even met . " Anyway ," Jacob said . " You guys are already out here .

Why don't I take you all out to the best of what Beldrige has to offer ? " While Jacob suggested this , Angela walked towards him with a frown . Calum noticed and said , " Looks like your daughter doesn't want you to leave , It's okay . We are good here , Jacob . In fact , I wanted to discuss business with you . Going out will just take too much time . " Jacob- 214 13.10 76 % +15 Chapter 74 The group ended up having dinner at his home . It worried Jacob .

Soraya had not eaten dinner yet , and Angela ? She barely touched her plate . " Angela , I can order some fries if you like , " Rose offered , and it made Jacob frown . Thank goodness , Angela remembered what to do . She shook her head and ate her food , at least some of it . Jacob , however , did not let it slide . He said to Rose , " Do you always offer fries to Sage ? " " Um . Sometimes . Kids love fries , " Rose said ." " Then I pity Sage , " Jacob muttered .

" Ara always encourages Angela to eat healthy ," Jacob said , glancing back at Calum , who was now in deep thought . Claire , however , backed up Rose , saying , " Oh , you are being so uptight , Jacob . Every child loves fries . Why ruin their childhood happiness ? Besides , a little bit of everything won't hurt ." Jacob did not respond to Claire's comment . He simply resumed his meal . He looked at Calum . He seemed torn , but eventually agreed with both Rose and Claire .

He said , " Sage rarely eats out now . " After dinner , Calum asked to speak to Jacob in private . Jacob first encouraged the group to move to the backyard veranda . " Tea is better with a great view of the pool . " But the truth was , he had another reason for sending his friends away from the kitchen and dining area . A maid escorted the group to the backyard veranda . Jacob then quickly ordered another housekeeper to prepare food for Soraya .

After a clear reminder about keeping Soraya's identity a secret , Jacob and Angela made their way to his room , with the maid following behind them . Arriving at his bedroom door , Jacob knocked , saying , " It's me . " When the door opened , Angela's eyes lit up , but Soraya was quick to put a finger on the little girl's lips . " Shhhh , " Soraya said . Angela did not understand why , but she was too happy to find Soraya to mind .

She hugged Soraya for a very long time before she finally let go . " Have dinner , " Jacob instructed . " I'll come back when they are gone ." Soraya just nodded , closing the door behind her after the housekeeper brought in her food . Jacob returned to the veranda , finding his friends already indulging in the tea . As for Calum, he stood up immediately , asking to speak to Jacob . The two made their way to Jacob's study .

From there , Calum revealed , " It's been a long wait , but finally , there's an 3/4 / 6 % 1 13:16 Tue , 19 Aug Chapter 74 opportunity ." +15 Jacob was confused at first , but later , Calum explained , " Mr. Perez , one of our shareholders , is retiring and will be moving to Indonesia with his wife . He's selling his shares . I haven't told anyone but you . " " This is your chance to be part of my company , " Calum added with an assuring smile .

Yes , Jacob had been interested in buying shares from the Montclair Group for years , but like most successful conglomerates , its investors rarely parted with them . The same held true for his own company , Steel Core Industries . Even Calum had not had the chance to buy shares from his corporation due to this fact . The Montclair Group specialized in commercial real estate , focusing on office spaces .

They also owned several warehouses across the state , had two food processing companies , and had recently invested in logistics . With holdings spanning property , production , and distribution , the Montclair Group's reach extended far beyond its modest public profile , making it only natural that Jacob would be interested in investing . Then , Jacob recalled something . If Jacob bought shares in the Montclair Group , he'd have every right to look into Marvin Rowan , Claire's father .

And once he was in , he could dig even deeper . Most importantly , he could prove Soraya's innocence . Jacob nodded to Calum . " Give me Mr. Perez's contact number . I'll convince him quickly . ' Calum and the group left at about nine in the evening . They no longer brought up " Ara . " After seeing them off , Jacob made his way to his bedroom . When he opened the door , the sight stopped him in his tracks . Soraya and Angela were curled up together , fast asleep in his bed .

' Should I wake them ? ' The thought flickered for a moment , but he let it go . For once , he allowed himself to be selfish . Quietly , he showered , changed , and dimmed the room , leaving only the soft glow of the bedside lamp . The light painted Soraya's face in warm shadows as he slipped into bed beside them . By morning , Angela was gone . Soraya remained , her head resting on his chest , her breath warm against him . Herd . 4/4