Goodbye Forever Ex-Husband (by Ammund) novel Chapter 199

Chapter 199

ADRIAN’S POV

“Where did you hear that from?” I asked James, my voice edged with irritation that even I couldn’t hide.

“That’s the second thing that’s hot on the internet right now,” James replied, his tone carrying a faint worry underneath the words. “The CEO of Beaumont Synergy, Marcus Beaumont, returns to New York City.”

A tight sigh slipped from my lips, my hand instinctively going up to my forehead as if I could rub away the pressure that was starting to build there. It hadn’t even been three months since Marcus left the city–and now he was already back, as if nothing had happened. Of all the people who could cause me trouble, he was the one who never failed to deliver.

I didn’t even have to guess why he was back. Marcus never returned quietly. Every time, it was like a storm rolling in. He would find new ways to undercut my business, spread rumors to weaken investor trust, and chip away at Westwood Cooperation’s reputation. Sometimes subtle, sometimes blatant–but always relentless.

The rest of the ride was heavy with silence, except for James occasionally glancing at me, as though searching for any sign of what I might be planning. But my mind felt too cluttered for plans right now. Too cluttered even for anger.

Finally, the cars pulled up to the gates of my estate. The familiar sight of the tall iron gates and manicured hedges barely brought me the usual comfort. My bodyguards were already waiting; one stepped forward, opening the door smoothly.

I stepped out, feeling the cool evening air brush against my face, and James fell in behind me as we walked towards the entrance. My shoes echoed against the hallway

“So what do we do now?” James asked, breaking the silence. His voice was careful, as if trying not to push too hard.

I paused near the foot of the stairs, turning to him. “We can talk about this tomorrow, okay?” I replied, my hand pressing against my temple as a dull ache threatened to sharpen. “Right now, a sudden headache just popped up–and I’d really like to rest.”

James didn’t look convinced. “Would you be coming by the office tomorrow?” he asked after a moment.

“Are there going to be any important investors around?” I countered, the question coming out flat.

“No, but.. he began.

“So is there really a reason for me to swing by?” I cut him off, my tone sharper than intended.

James frowned, his lips parting as though he was choosing his next words carefully. “Come on, Adrian. We talked about this. I thought you left that part of you in the gutter when you agreed to come to the auction. I thought you were done with this… shutting everyone out.”

“And I told you,” I said, my voice lowering but still carrying an edge, “I’m no longer that man. I’m no longer a shell of myself.”

“Then prove it,” James pushed back, his eyes locking onto mine. “Why don’t you want to come to your company? The staff haven’t seen their boss in months, Adrian. That should be a good enough reason. And besides, we also need to address the Marcus issue properly.”

I clenched my jaw, frustration mixing with the pounding in my head. For a brief moment, I wanted to tell him he didn’t understand–that–ing into that building meant facing everything I’d tried to bury under work and silence. But I knew James well enough to realize he wouldn’t drop it, not this time.

“Alright, alright, fine,” I muttered, exhaling heavily. “Jeez, can’t you just take a simple no for an answer?”

“Alright sir,” James said, his voice calm but there was that small, proud smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He turned around and began walking toward the front door, clearly satisfied he’d convinced me to come by the office tomorrow.

Before he could disappear down the corridor, I called after him. “Also—don’t forget about the masked woman,” I added, my tone steady, though my mind was anything but calm. “I know you need those two things that are usually essential to find her–her name and her face–but you can still try one more way.”

10:08 Sun, 27 Jul GA

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