The Ex-Wife’s Billion Dollar Comeback Novel

Chapter 77 - Soraya - " What if I already ate ? " she asked , grumbling as she took the seat next to the driver's side . Jacob , sharp in a tailored business suit , handed her the paper bag of food . As always , he looked effortlessly composed , his scent faint but compelling , and every movement carried quiet authority . " I'm glad you didn't . " " And why are you alone ? Shouldn't Dante be driving you ? " Soraya asked . " I left him at Vanguard Galleria .

I wanted some private time , " he said plainly , as if it were nothing . For a moment , Soraya froze at his explanation . He wanted private time … with her ? But not wanting to assume , she simply took out the food from the paper bag . She was familiar with the packaging . It was from one of the best Italian restaurants in town . Jacob had brought her grilled chicken breasts paired with gnocchi pasta , and he even made sure the chicken was already sliced for convenience . She smiled .

She knew the pasta dish was delicious . She had tried it maybe ten times before . " Now that I'm looking , I'm quite hungry . " " Eat it while it's still hot , " Jacob suggested . The aroma made Soraya even hungrier , so she quickly stuffed a gnocchi into her mouth without checking the temperature . " Mmm ! " When she realized the heat lingered , she opened her mouth and fanned it with her hand . " Very hot ? " Jacob asked .

Before she could respond , he leaned in , cupping her face with both hands , and gently blew into her mouth . Soraya's eyes widened , her breath faltering at the bold intimacy of his gesture . Their faces hovered just inches apart . For a fleeting moment , it felt as if they were sharing a kiss - indirect , yet charged with a spark that left her heart racing . But Jacob was serious . Maybe to him , it was just a gesture , nothing more . When he leaned back , he asked , " Okay now ?

" Soraya lazily chewed on the pasta , nodding and diverting her gaze . " Um. Yeah . Okay , now . " " Be careful next time , " he said gently , his athletic face glancing at her for a second . Well , Soraya was more careful next . She blew into her next gnocchi before eating it . Jacob also took out his food and began eating with her. 1/4 Tue , 19 Aug Chapter 77 " This is really good , " she said with a smile .

" Thank you for bringing me lunch ." 命 76 % 粉 They ate in silence for a few minutes , enjoying their ' secret lunch date , ' but eventually Jacob asked , " You look tired . Have you been staying up late ? " " Sort of , " she admitted . +15 " You should give yourself more rest , " Jacob said , his tone unusually soft but firm . " Is Silas making it hard for you ? " Soraya chuckled . " No , no . It's not Silas . In fact , he allows me not to report to the office if needed .

I'm doing other things - you know , side projects . Remember my financial goal ? " " Like what ? What are your side projects ? " Jacob asked . Soraya hesitated , deciding it wasn't the right time . " Maybe I'll tell you later . " Jacob resumed eating , staying silent again . Then he suggested , " You know , if you want to be an instant billionaire , there's a way to do it faster . " " Like what ? " Soraya raised a brow , incredulous .

" Maybe I'll tell you later ," Jacob said , his eyes lingering on her longer than they should . ' Why does it feel like this conversation has already happened ? ' Soraya thought . But she was so hungry , so she simply returned to finishing her meal . " When will you see Angela ? " Jacob belatedly inquired . " The usual , " Soraya replied . " Friday afternoon . I'll go straight from my apartment here in Cedar Heights . Then , I'll stay at your place for a week , as promised .

" " Noted , " he said , but Soraya felt his one word carried a deeper meaning , more like a promise than a mere acknowledgment . Still , Soraya did not question it . It was just her gut feeling . When they finished their lunch , Jacob , yet again , surprised her with a bag of detox juice and a box of empanadas for snacks . Soraya stared at him as she accepted the bag . " What's next , Jacob ? Chocolates and flowers ? " Jacob stared at her with a deadpan expression , then blinked . " Okay.

" Soraya's jaw nearly dropped . She might just get those flowers - but not in the office ! " No , no . I was just joking , " she said , her face burning . " Thank you for the food . " " Bye , " she said , about to turn to the car door . 2/4 +151 Chapter 77 " Are you forgetting something ? " he asked , raising his chin . Soraya had an inkling of what he wanted . These were the same words he had said last Sunday .

Before she knew it , he leaned in , rested his hand on the back of her neck , and gave her a gentle peck on the lips . Her heart thumped in a way she refused to acknowledge . Like before , she stayed rooted in her seat , frozen , pretending that her quickened pulse and fluttering stomach weren't betraying her . When Jacob pulled away , Soraya sat back and took deep breaths . Then she opened the door and said , " Bye . " " Bye , " he said .

Upon returning to the office , Soraya thought about Jacob for some time , but with work piling right under her nose , she busied herself . Silas was out of town , closing deals with the sales team , and he mentioned that the military was requesting an advanced security system designed solely for them .

It was a hundred - billion - dollar project , which could potentially transform Aegis Core Systems into the nation's leading cybersecurity contractor , elevate its global reputation , and secure long - term government contracts that would ensure financial stability for decades .. Around five in the afternoon , Soraya received a text from Jacob : [ I'm still in Cedar Heights . Do you want to have dinner together ?

] But one of the tech engineers came in needing help with one of the company's software , and Soraya completely forgot about Jacob's text . She returned to her office , and at about six , Jacob called . When Soraya answered , he asked , " Why are you not replying ? Is something wrong ? Is it … about the kiss ? " Soraya realized they were finally going to talk about " the kiss , " but just as she was about to answer , her phone died . " Oh , shoot !

" she said , frantically finding her charger and plugging it in . It took a while for her phone to turn on . She meant to call Jacob , but decided to reply to one email first . Her phone rang , and without looking , she answered , " I'm sorry . My phone died . Look , I - I don't know if I can go out to dinner tonight . And it's not about the kiss , J- " " Soraya , " the voice on the other line said , and she froze at the recognition . She stared at her phone in horror .

Sure enough , it was Calum ! " Um , Calum ? Why did you call ? " she asked , frowning . " Do you need something ? " There was silence on the other line before Calum asked , " Who- " 3/4 13:17 Tue , 19 Aug Chapter 77 A pause , then he continued , " Who were you expecting to call ? " 4/4 AD Comment