Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 71

(JARED'S POV)

I scribbled my signature on the last document, relieved that I had finally tended to the last of the paperwork stacked on my table for weeks. Just as I was about to put the papers away, a knock sounded on the door.

"Who is it?" I called out.

"It's Cristina, sir," my secretary replied.

"Come in."

Cristina entered, looking a little flustered. "Apologies for disturbing your work, sir, but I'm having some trouble accessing the company's database."

I nodded in understanding. Cristina is new, barely two days at the company. My previous secretary had resigned as she was relocating abroad with her fiance.

"Take a seat, and let me show you," I motioned to the vacant chair.

Patiently, I showed her how to navigate the database. And a few minutes later, she had gotten a hang of it.

"Thank you, sir," she said, rising to her feet. "I really appreciate your patience."

"You're welcome."

As she turned to leave, I called out, "Cristina?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Are you active on social media? You know, F******k, I*******m?" I asked, trying to sound as casual as possible.

She nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Alright, I need a little favor to ask."

"What is it, sir? I'd be willing to help."

"I want you to help me check out someone on both F******k and I*******m."

Cristina's expression narrowed slightly. "Sure, can I get a name?"

I paused, hesitating. What was I thinking? Am I really doing this? But I said the name anyway. "Arielle Smith, but you can check Arielle Meyers too," I added, just in case she had changed her surname to her father's.

"I'll check it out."

"It's nothing serious, I just want to know what the person has been up to lately," I added.

"Alright, sir."

With that, Cristina left, leaving me wondering about what I just did. I reclined back on the swiveling chair, my mind wandering. Why was I doing this? Arielle and I are divorced, I shouldn't be concerned about her life anymore.

But with the embarrassment Sofia caused her a few days back at the conference, I felt the need to apologize to her, but I realized she had blocked all my numbers and blocked me on all social media platforms.

I don't care about her life, I just wanted to be sure she was doing fine, I thought, before returning to work.

Minutes later, a knock sounded on the door amidst what sounded like a scuffle.

"Who's it?"

"Cristiana, Sir. I–" her voice trailed off.

I looked up from my laptop, expectation lurching into my heart. She was back with the information I needed, I thought. But just as I was about to ask her in, the door forcefully went open and Sofia matched in, Cristina hot on her tail.

I cocked my brows, surprised at the sight. "What's going on here?" I inquired.

Cristina's face wore an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, sir. I tried to stop her and advised her to book an appointment, but she wouldn't listen. Instead, she kept yelling she was your wife and would have me fired."

Sofia turned to Cristina, her eyes blazing hot as coal. "That still hasn't changed. I'm still going to have you fired. You dare lay your pathetic hands on me? Who told you I need an appointment to see my husband?"

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Cristina, I apologize for the inconvenience. "You may go."

Cristina nodded. "Yes, sir. Sorry again."

After Cristina made a hasty retreat, Sofia slammed the door shut behind her and faced me. "Jared –"

"What was that for?" I cut her off, trying to rein my anger in.

"Your secretary disrespected me, that was what that was about," she retorted.

"You asked for it," I fired and I watched her face pale.

"I asked for it? Are you being serious, Jared?"

"Yes, you did. You should have called me before visiting. Cristina did what any sensible secretary would do. You do not visit any organization without an appointment."