The CEO's Regret: His Lost Wife's Secret Twins novel Chapter 138

Chapter 138

ARIA

“And?’ I kept my voice neutral despite the alarm bells ringing in my head. This was the third disruption at the Nouvelle site this month.

“There’s a woman with a professional camera documenting everything. One worker got injured during the commotion-nothing serious,

just a cut from stepping back into construction materials.”

I closed my eyes briefly. “The injured worker-take them to the hospital immediately. Nouvelle will cover all medical expenses.” I glanced at Olivia, who was watching me with concern. “Document everything. Have security escort the ‘original owner’ off the premises, politely. Don’t give them anything they could use against us.”

“Should I inform Mr. Grant?”

“No, I’ll handle that. Don’t worry about our opening timeline yet.”

After hanging up, I explained the situation to Olivia as we walked through the crowded bakery café. The smell of chocolate and vanilla filled the air, a stark contrast to my sour mood.

“Emma again?” Olivia asked, her voice hardening. She adjusted her sunglasses.

“Who else? She’s desperate to sabotage Nouvelle to make Morgan Retail Group look better.” I slipped my phone back into my purse. “No one knows her dirty tactics better than I do. She’s probably gathering material to release at the worst possible moment. Grand opening would be perfect for her.”

“That woman is exhausting. All this effort just to play the perfect wife for Blake.” Olivia shook her head.

The mention of his name sent a familiar ache through my chest. I pushed it away, focusing on the dessert display. “Let’s just get these cakes and get back to the kids. Aurora’s been talking about this a long time.”

We finally reached the counter after standing in line forever. The server, a college kid with a fake smile and “Tyler” on his nametag. greeted us. “Welcome to Chocolate Heaven! What can I get you folks today?”

“Three chocolate cakes, please,” I said, reaching for my wallet.

*Excellent choice! Would you like our Memorial Day special package? It includes flags and patriotic decorations-perfect for your holiday celebration this weekend. Twenty percent discount!”

The words “Memorial Day’ hit me hard. The color drained from my face as memories flooded back-the accident, the hospital, the hours of uncertainty, everything I’d fought to forget.

Olivia squeezed my suddenly cold hand. ‘Just the regular cakes, thanks,” she told the server, her voice firm.

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14:06 Mon, Jun 15

Chapter 138

Tyler’s smile disappeared at Olivia’s tone. “Sure thing. Three regular chocolate cakes coming up.”

“You okay?” Olivia whispered as the server boxed our order.

I nodded, taking a deep breath. ‘I forgot what weekend it was. I’ll be fine.”

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52

We returned to the table with forced smiles, determined not to let my moment of weakness affect the children. The café buzzed with

weekend energy-college students with laptops, tourists checking maps, locals enjoying their coffee.

Aurora spotted the chocolate cake and instantly forgot her imaginary dance routine, her eyes widening.

“Cake! Cake! Cake!” she exclaimed, clapping her tiny hands, the pink butterfly clips in her hair bouncing.

William and Ethan acknowledged the desserts with polite nods, setting aside their game plans. The papers showed surprisingly complex diagrams for children their age.

“Thanks, Mom, William said, folding his designs.

“Yeah, thanks godmom, Ethan added, tucking his pencil behind his ear in a way that reminded me of my father.

I helped Aurora tie on her bib. The boys didn’t need any help. They sat straight, napkins properly placed on their laps. William’s dark hair was neatly combed, while Ethan’s glasses made him look tiny professor.

Aurora took a huge bite of her cake, immediately getting chocolate sauce on her bib and mouth. Her body wiggled with delight as she ate, her legs swinging under the table, occasionally bumping mine.

“Aurora, you eating cake or preparing for takeoff?” I asked, wiping chocolate from her cheek.

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