Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 111

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Ayla was surrounded by the tech team. They threw questions at her from every angle, praising her like she hung the moon. She didn’t even look smug.

If it were Kaleb, his face might stay cold, but inside he would be dancing.

Kaleb clenched his back teeth.

He shoved through the crowd, grabbed Ayla’s wrist, and pulled her toward the office.

“What are you doing, Mr. Keaton?” The director blocked Kaleb like a bodyguard ready to tackle him if he dared to offend their genius.

Kaleb didn’t say a word.

His jaw clenched tighter. “She did the job none of you losers could handle. What, I’m not supposed to pay her? You all think you can just get free labor now?”

The director looked embarrassed. “Give her whatever you think is fair, Mr. Keaton. Just don’t shortchange her!”

Kaleb? Willingly giving away money? Yeah right.

He spun around and caught Ayla winking at him. That only made him more annoyed.

In the office, Kaleb slammed the door shut and kept Emmett outside.

Like Emmett deserved to be his sister’s lapdog. He could wait.

“What? Emmett’s not allowed in now? You need to have a secret meeting with me?” Ayla leaned back, totally

at ease.

“You care about him so much, just make him your little brother.” Kaleb shook her hand off, looking pissed.

Ayla didn’t answer.

Kaleb snapped, pointing at the couch. “Sit. Now.”

She reminded herself, he’s my brother, be patient.

“Forget making him my brother. He’s better off as a sister.”

Another Kaleb in her life and she’d lose years off her life expectancy.

“Fine. Let Emmett castrate himself. Maybe then he can be your sister.”

Ayla rolled her eyes. “He’s your best friend!”

“So? I’ve got no problem with a best friend going through a little gender transformation. Why are you so uptight?”

“You’re unbelievable…

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Chapter 111 The Brother Who Finally Bends

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Ayla was speechless. If Kaleb talked to Emmett like this all the time, no wonder Emmett always looked like he was suffering.

She actually felt a little sympathy for him now.

Ayla sat on the couch. Kaleb handed her a disposable cup filled with water, still wearing his grumpy face.

“Take it.”

Ayla teased him. “Well, this is rare. Didn’t think you had a sweet side.”

“You don’t want it? I’ll throw it out.” Kaleb glared.

Ayla rolled her eyes and took the cup, sipping quietly.

Kaleb sat across from her. She could tell he had something to say, so she waited.

But instead of speaking, he just stared at her like he was seeing her for the first time.

“Say it already,” Ayla said.

“You did it on purpose, didn’t you?” Kaleb’s tone was ice cold. “You actually pulled it off.”

His voice dropped. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?

“If I did, you wouldn’t have believed me. You even planned to pay Skyla instead. I didn’t expect you to be this dumb either.”

“You-”

“What? Can’t admit the truth?” Ayla’s tone sharpened. “Skyla said we were headed downhill, living like trash. Back then, you really thought she made a good point?”

Kaleb wanted to argue, but nothing came out. Because Ayla was right.

He had thought Skyla had a point. And now he regretted it. Felt ashamed, even.

He’d folded without even seeing the full picture. What kind of leader gives up that easily?

Kaleb clenched his fists.

For the first time, he admitted to himself–he really was too young. He couldn’t handle pressure at all.

“What now?” Ayla asked.

Kaleb finally let go of his fists. “What else can I do? I’ll treat you like royalty from now on.”

Ayla balled up a napkin and tossed it at him. “Talk like a normal person.”

Kaleb swatted it away. “You threw something at me! You call that normal?”

“You’re impossible…”

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Chapter 111 The Brother Who Finally Bends

“Fine, fine, I admit it. I overreacted. It won’t happen again.” Kaleb looked away, avoiding her eyes.

Ayla rarely saw him act like this. All awkward and flustered.

He was smart; he’d learn from this and do better next time.

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He’s also still young. With more experience, he’d get steadier. Ayla had walked that same path herself.

So she dropped the topic.

She smiled and said, “Once I finish the firewall, you’ll have a real moat protecting your castle. No more looking over your shoulder. Go big. Don’t be afraid.”

“I’ll pay you market rate,” Kaleb mumbled.

“No need. This all started because of me. I’ll take care of it. I’m not charging you.”

Emmett had already tried to ask if she’d invest more. But the company was broke.

“One thing doesn’t cancel out the other. I won’t take advantage of you.”

“If you really don’t want to take advantage of me, buy me more meals,”

Kaleb snorted. “Why would I buy you dinner?”

Like they were that close or something.

Ayla had long gotten used to his tough–guy act. “I’ve got another plan. Once your situation’s handled this week, I’m going after Zane’s company. Time to return the favor.”

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