Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 146

(ARIELLE'S POV)

As I watched Jared and Maverick walk ahead, Jared's suitcases rolling behind him, I decided that now was not the time to be overwhelmed. This was temporary. I had to brace up and tough if I wanted to scale through this.

Maverick’s chatter filled the hallway as he beamed up at Jared, clearly delighted by his father’s presence.

"Traitor," I muttered under my breath. The moment his dad shows up, I might as well be invisible.

But just then, my mother appeared in the hallway, stopping dead in her tracks as she stared at Jared, sizing up the loads in his hands. Then her surprised face trailed past him to dwell on me, screaming "what's going on?"

I tried to make a calming gesture, but she frowned. She was obviously not having it.

"Kitchen. Now," she ordered, before spinning around and stomping off.

I sighed and brushed past Jared and Maverick, trailing behind her. As I entered the kitchen, she was already pacing.

"Arielle, what is he doing here?" She demanded, pausing to face me squarely.

"I can explain, Mom," I said.

"Explain? Oh, please. Go ahead. This should be good."

I took a breath, silently praying she doesn't freak out from all I'm about to say.

"Jared says someone is sabotaging his company. To catch them, he needs to lie low and act vulnerable for a while. He asked if he could stay here."

My mom's expression contorted in disbelief. "And you believed him?"

"Not really, but let's say I don't have much choice. Your grandson begged me," I explained.

Her expression softened slightly, as I knew it would. "Ah, that boy," she murmured.

"Mom, I just need your support. This is temporary, and I’ll set clear boundaries."

She sighed. "I can’t say I’m happy about this, but fine. Someone has to protect you from yourself—and from him."

A smile crossed my features. "Thank you –"

"Oh, save it. Go get ready for work and that little man of yours has to leave for school."

"Thank you, Mom. I love you! You're taking him, right?"

"I sure am," she said with an eye roll.

I laughed and patted her hair, before walking out of the kitchen.

On returning to the sitting room, I assumed a poker face, carefully masking my emotions. I had to appear serious, as I didn't want Jared to misinterpret my feelings about his presence in my home.

I met him chatting with Maverick, their laughter filling the room.

"Maverick, go to Nana and finish up your preparation for school. You're running late," I ordered, my tone firm but gentle.

Maverick nodded, his eyes sparkling with excitement but they were not directed at me.

"Bye, Dad. We'll continue our men's discussion when I get back," he said, his small voice filled with forced importance.

Jared gave off a boyish knowing grin. "Looking forward to it, buddy," he replied, ruffling Maverick's hair.

Afterward, Maverick ran past me, almost knocking me off balance. I watched him disappear into the hallway to meet his Nana.

What's that? There’s a Men's discussion between these two?

For a moment, I was tempted to ask Jared, but thought against it. I didn't want to appear jealous or overly interested.

No matter what, Jared was not going to replace me in Maverick's life. That, I was sure of. With that, I pushed the thought aside and turned my attention to Jared.

"We need to talk," I said, my voice stern.

His expression shifted immediately, his gaze steady. "Of course. What’s on your mind?"

"I'm letting you stay, alright, but not without conditions," I began, my eyes still levelled with his.

Jared nodded. "I expected as much."

"Good. First, you won't interfere with my personal decisions."

There was a pause, like he was contemplating, but he nodded. "Alright."

"No questioning my choices, no offering unsolicited advice," I dissected.

This time, his eyes narrowed, his Jaws clenched. And for a moment, I thought he was going to protest, but he nodded again.

"Your life, your choice," he mumbled.

"Second, you won't question how I run the household," I continued, my tone permitting no argument.

"Your home, your rules," Jared said coolly.

"Third, and most only, Maverick's well–being comes first," I emphasized, ensuring I added enough emotion to my tone.

"Always. You can count on me for that," he said with a salute.

I paused and studied his face. "I mean it, Jared Smith. No using my child as a leverage or putting him in harm's way," I warned.

"I swear on my life, Arielle. Maverick's safety and happiness are my top priorities, too," he said.

The sincerity in his voice was evident, and for a moment, I softened. But I pushed aside the feeling, reminding myself of why he was here in the first place.