Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 176

(ARIELLE'S POV)

7pm, the Grand Imperial Hotel.

"You’ve got to pull yourself together," I said to myself, splashing cold water on my face.

The afternoon had passed in a blur—probably because my mind kept drifting.

Stephen had handled everything, and I arrived 20 minutes early. Now, I found myself here, stuck in this awkward limbo.

How hard could it be? Negotiate with dealers, help clients solve problems, assist blind dates, and maybe catch my ex-husband in the act?

“If I get through tonight, I’m buying a lottery ticket,” I murmured, a bitter smile crossing my lips.

I checked the time again, then left the bathroom, taking a seat closer to the table with the sea view.

That’s when I spotted Margaux, the young woman supposedly the Harrisons' granddaughter, waiting for her date.

She looked delicate, calm, almost ethereal in a beautiful blue dress—something straight out of a French film. She had this quiet, classical elegance about her. It was hard to believe she was the rebellious granddaughter the Harrisons had mentioned.

Her long, curly dark hair cascaded down her back, and I caught the glint of her bright blue eyes. She seemed irritated, though, her gaze sharp, as if she’d rather be anywhere else, and I couldn't blame her.

I continued to watch, glancing every so often at the entrance. What I only felt was an odd sense of anxiety, unsure if I was waiting for something to happen, or trying to avoid it.

All the memories—of our recent fight, our past struggles—flashed in my mind. Six years of turmoil. I wasn’t anyone to him anymore. Just his ex-wife. That’s all.

Except for Maverick. I still needed to talk to him, explain why his father hadn’t been around lately.

My thoughts swirled, eventually circling back to one thing: I’d be happy if he really let it go. I should allow him to let it go. I really should. If that’s his choice.

And then, he arrived.

Margaux's date.

My heart lodged in my throat as I watched him walk in—charming, tall, sophisticated in a black suit, his hair neatly styled. And his face…

It wasn’t Jared.

I blinked, not sure if how I felt, but I was sure of one emotion; relief.

I didn't know why I felt that way about him not being Jared, but I was, regardless.

But my relief was short-lived when I saw… Ashley suddenly appeared from behind the man?

She looked slightly uncomfortable, which didn’t take long to explain. This man was Ashley’s boss—the one she often grumbled about, calling him a workaholic. I hadn’t expected him to be so young and handsome, though. In Ashley’s descriptions, I’d imagined someone in his late forties, moderately unattractive at best.

Margaux, however, didn’t seem too concerned with the man’s appearance or personality. Instead, she quipped, “Do you bring your secretary on every date?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm, though she’s still smiling.

The man didn’t flinch, simply nodding in agreement. Ashley shot him an exasperated look, as if his confirmation was going to land her in trouble.

At that point, I couldn't help but chuckle under my breath at the growing awkward tension. I made a mental note not to forget to tease Ashley about this occasion.

Margaux, still unimpressed, shook her head and sighed softly. "That's why I always think arranged dates are so boring. Nobody takes them seriously. It's just a waste of time."