Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 195

Chapter 195 Paintings

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The more Kaleb looked around, the harder it was to hold back his laughter. “You seriously stole that old man’s paintings and kept them all this time? He might come knocking one day, you know.”

There were quite a few of them. If she ever put them up for auction, she could probably make enough to buy another supercomputer.

Ayla said, “He knew. He just pretended not to. Let’s call it a gift.”

Kaleb snorted. “Nice try. That old man couldn’t stand you. He’s probably wiped you from his memory.”

Something about reminiscing on their childhood mischief made Kaleb feel oddly close to her again. Thinking about that wild side of hers was almost funny

He finally muttered, “You actually paint pretty damn well now.”

Ayla’s lips curved. “Thanks.”

“When did you start painting again?” he asked.

“A few years ago,” she said. “It helps me clear my head.”

Kaleb’s eyes darkened. He knew those years had been rough because of Troy. That bastard. But he didn’t want to bring him up. That idiot didn’t deserve space in his or Ayla’s thoughts anymore.

“That’s good,” he said. “With all that practice, if you ever see Henry again, you can shove those paintings right in his face.”

Ayla gave him a helpless look. “You’re still on that? It’s ancient history. I really didn’t care much back then. I drove him crazy plenty of times. Don’t forget, he’s Henry–one of the country’s most respected artists.”

Kaleb shrugged. “I don’t care who he is. Even if he were the president, I’d still say it.”

Ayla had no response.

She smacked him on the shoulder.

After touring the place, they sat down for dinner together.

Ayla invited Meryll to eat with them, but she declined politely and chose to eat alone in the kitchen.

She saved some food for herself.

Meryll said she liked keeping boundaries. If she got too comfortable dining with her employer, it would make things awkward when guests came over. If she got used to being included and was suddenly left out, it might sting a little.

Even if they were friendly, her job was still her job. Sticking to protocol was part of being professional.

Ayla didn’t push her.

After dinner, night had already fallen. Meryll cleared the table and took the staff elevator downstairs.

It was time for Ayla to get back to work.

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Chapter 195 Paintings

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Kaleb’s expression hardened the moment he thought about Zane. That man had stolen one of his key employees, crippling his company. Then he’d gone further and wiped his entire database, freezing his game’s progress completely.

Kaleb had been developing a massive AAA game, set for global release once finished. The funding demands were huge, the payback slow, and the risk high. One problem could take everything down.

If it hadn’t been for Ayla, he would’ve already gone under.

When Kaleb thought about it, his hands curled into fists and his jaw tightened. “An eye for an eye. Since he has Troy’s investment, we’ll use that money to rebuild the database.”

Zane’s company had its hands in everything–mobile games, casual games, big–budget projects. The cash flow looked solid.

This move wouldn’t destroy him completely, but it would hurt enough to make Kaleb feel satisfied.

Kaleb knew every project Zane’s company had in progress. And Ayla had chosen one of the most expensive titles still in development as her target.

Kaleb stood beside her, watching as her fingers moved quickly across the keyboard.

When Ayla worked, the air around her shifted. She radiated quiet control–focused, sharp, and cold.

A ripple of uncase ran through him. He reached over, gripped her wrist, and leaned in. “You’re sure this is safe?”

Her tone was steady. “I am.”

He didn’t let up. “And what if they trace it back to you? You know they could throw you in prison for this.”

Ayla said, “If I still worked at your company, I would’ve caught Zane’s attack the second it happened. He’d already be locked up at this point.”

Kaleb frowned. “That’s not what I’m asking. I’m asking if you can keep yourself safe.”

Ayla noticed the tension in his eyes. “Relax. I’ve got a lot going on. My thesis. My life. I’m not risking it all over something this small.”

She had pulled off a huge job back in Aqualith once. If she wasn’t sure of every detail, she wouldn’t even think about starting this.

But while Kaleb still looked tense, she only tilted her head. “Why are you acting like this? It’s just a 10- minute job. Easy. If you’re that bored, go use the bathroom. By the time you’re back, I’ll be done.”

Kaleb froze. “You’re kidding. Ten minutes?”

He couldn’t hide his surprise.

Shock flashed across his face. He had prepared himself for an all–nighter. Watching Ayla’s calm focus, he suddenly felt stupid.

There was no way this was simple. Breaking through a company’s firewall, wrecking their system, and getting out without a trace–it wasn’t something just anyone could pull off.

Zane had only succeeded before because he’d stolen an employee from Kaleb’s company. Brandon knew

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Chapter 195 Paintings

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their security system inside out. Ayla, on the other hand, was breaking in blind. For all Kaleb knew, the second she accessed it, their firewalls could already start tracing her.

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