MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE novel Chapter 217

(JARED'S POV)

I leaned in further, my ears straining to catch every word, while my eyes were fixed intently on the screen. The dim lighting of the security room seemed to fade into the background as I became completely immersed in the conversation unfolding before me.

The man's reply was dismissive and it was accompanied by the wave of his hand. "Don't think so highly of yourself," he sneered. "I was only invited to the ship by its owners. Meeting you was purely coincidental."

Mrs Meyers snorted, her voice derisive. "I don't care who invited you. We agreed never to see it bump into each other ever again. And now you're here, breaking that agreement."

The man grew offended and it reflected in the coldness of his tone as it sliced through the air like a sharp knife. "Stop bringing up the past," he growled, his voice bearing a warning note. "I'm not interested in you and that girl's life. But let me remind you of something–stay away from my son. I know you've been near his branch of the company on several occasions. What are you really after? Do you still want to meet him?"

Mrs Meyers fell silent for a moment, and when her voice came up again, it was laced with bitterness and a hint of fear. "I haven't met him," she said. "Even if I wanted to, what's the problem? It's none of your business. I've only watched him from a distance which is what any good mother will do."

The man sneered again, his words filled with disdain. "Then keep it that way; watch him from a distance, and never get close," and with that, he turned around to leave.

And as he did, his face turned to the monitor, and my eyes widened in their shock, threatening to fall out of their sockets. I could barely believe my eyes. I had recognized the voice from the conversation, my brain striking a familiarity, but I shoved it aside, deciding not to ride on mere assumptions. But with the man's face revealed now, my legs felt weak and wobbly.

No, this can't be true!

My mind was racing, trying to process what I had just seen. The man on the screen was...was…I couldn't even bring myself to think about it. It was impossible. It had to be some expensive joke. But deep down, I knew it wasn't. I knew that face, that voice.

While I still reeled in shock and denial, a thought struck me like a bolt of lightning. I should confront Mrs Meyers and ask her about all that I heard. My mind was swooning with questions, and I was still unsure about the conversation, but I was certain Arielle was part of it. I wanted to know Mrs Meyers' affiliation with the man, this son that was spoken about, and Arielle's involvement in all of these.

Without further delay, I hurried out of the room, my heart pulsating in my chest. I could feel the surge of adrenaline as I made my way to the entrance of the yacht. I kept to the shadows, trying to avoid being spotted, and stopped when I got to the entrance. Leaning against the wall, I waited, the darkness helping me stay evasive.

A few minutes later, brisk walking steps approached, and I braced myself for the confrontation. When Mrs Meyers finally came into view, I walked out of the darkness, startling her. She let out a small gasp, her eyes widening in surprise as she took a step back.

But I remained unfazed, meeting her eyes as I spoke up calmly. "Mrs Meyers, I do not want to get involved in your personal matters, but since it concerns Arielle, I need to ask–what's your relationship with Mr Langley?"

I watched her expression change, eyes dilating slightly. For a moment, she said nothing, only staring at me. The silence between us was palpable, and I felt a cloud of tension descend.

But then, she finally spoke up, her face neutral and her voice measured. "I don't think I understand your question, Jared. And have you no manners? Why would you startle an elder like that?"

I raised a brow, my stance unwavering. "Don't play dumb, Mrs Meyers. I saw you two a few minutes ago, and if it will convince you, I heard everything."

Her face metamorphosed into anger as her eyes caught a defiant glow. "You know nothing!" She snarled.

"Oh yeah, I may not, but I do know that you two have a son. So will you speak, or do I run my mouth to anyone who cares to hear? Oh that's right, how about starting with Arielle?"

"Hold on," I said, my eyes narrowing. "You said his wife couldn't bear children, so how come Tiana?"

She hesitated, her eyes darting around before she blurted, “She was adopted."

I was thrown into yet another abyss of shock. Tiana, adopted? How many more secrets was I unaware of about the people around me?

Mrs Meyers brought me out of my reverie, her voice pleading. "Please, don't tell Arielle. She doesn't need to know. I just want her to live a normal life–away from all this...this drama."

I paused, casting her a quizzical look as a mix of emotions hit me: confusion, disapproval, and a tinge of anger. I didn't understand why she would hide something so important from her daughter.

"I don't understand, Arielle is an adult. Why would you want to keep such a crucial secret from her?" I inquired.

She sighed deeply, her shoulders sagging. Looking at her closely, I suddenly realized how tired she looked. This was the look of a woman who was tired from years of bearing crucial secrets.

"I just want her to be happy. To be free from all the complications of noble families. I never wanted her to carry such a burden."

I exhaled sharply, understanding the older woman's pain. But then, I didn't have an actual say in the matter. "I can't promise anything, Mrs. Meyers," I said, my voice softened but at the same time, firm. "Do have a good night's rest," I added, patting her gently on the shoulder before turning to walk away.