Divorced My Cheating Husband, Married A Billionaire novel Chapter 92

"Next Friday?" Brian repeated. That was the day of the Halliport University's homecoming.

Brian intended to use that event to market Brey Jewelry amongst his friends, professors, and other affluent alumni. He certainly hoped that Mr. Ace intended to meet him in the morning so he could still attend the homecoming together with Claire.

He tried calling Mr. Ace's assistant back, but the latter would not answer. So, all Brian could do was wait.

"Who was that, Brian?" Beatrice asked.

"That was—um, Mr. Ace's assistant. We are going to meet next Friday," Brian answered.

"Really? When?" Mara asked. "You should bring Claire with you."

Brian was confused. He stared at Claire, who sipped her milkshake innocently. He shook his head and replied, "Claire's presence may only ignite Mr. Ace's anger. We don't know what Riley had told Mr. Ace about our separation."

"Right, I agree," Darwin, Brian's father, commented. "It's better that Brian talk alone to this, Mr. Ace."

"Oh. Okay," Mara smiled and said, "Some other time, then."

"Let's just focus on the wedding for now," Beatrice suggested. "We only have four days left to prepare for everything."

Beatrice turned to Claire and smiled, "We need to ensure my grandchild will have our last name! I'm so excited to see him!"

"Right," Brian acknowledged. His brows met when he remembered that he had yet to get feedback from the investigator about William Barlowe.

With this in mind, he wondered if he was ready to marry Claire. After finishing his meal, he texted the investigator, asking for a callback. It wasn't until late that evening that he heard from the man he hired. Claire was asleep beside him when Brian's phone rang.

Seeing who it was, Brian quietly exited the room and answered the call in the bedroom hallway. He asked, "I hope you have good news for me."

"Mr. Martin, we have located Mr. William Barlowe, but sadly, he is out of the country, and his listed mobile number is out of reach. According to his office, his entire family is taking a two-week vacation," the investigator said on the other line. "But here is what we know... William Barlowe is happily married to Clarisa Astor -"

"Astor," Brian repeated. "Astor drug store."

"Yes, correct, Mr. Martin. Clarisa is the CEO of Astor Drug Store, a family business. Her husband, William Barlowe, is her finance director. They have three children," the investigator said. We have talked to some of their housekeepers, but they said they don't know anyone with the last name Monet. But then again, Sir, these housekeepers are relatively new. If Mara had worked for the Barlowes, it might have been long ago."

"Yes, that's true," Brian acknowledged. He sucked in a deep breath and muttered, "Two weeks. Could I really wait that long?"

"They are in Europe, Sir. We can go to them if you'd like, but you'll have to shoulder our airfare and accommodation," the investigator suggested.

Brian choked on the PI's reply. He answered, "No. It's fine. It can wait."

"If I may suggest, why don't you openly ask Mr. Barlowe, Sir? I will forward you his phone number and business email," the investigator proposed. "Still, we will continue our background check on him."

"Okay, I think I'll do that," Brian said. Just as Brian ended the call, he thought he heard footsteps. His head snapped back to the bedroom, but he saw no one.

He inspected Claire and saw she was fast asleep. Brian tried to wake her, but Claire only hummed and turned to the other side of the bed.

After ensuring that Claire was asleep, he went to his study and emailed Mr. Barlowe.

***

Unknown to Brian, Claire had overheard his conversation with the private investigator. She had awoken to relieve her bladder when she noticed Brian's absence.

She was shocked to learn that Brian was investigating William! Nevertheless, Claire had already contacted William, which was why he took his family on vacation in a rush.

However, knowing that Brian was doubting her, she shared this information with her mother early the following day.

In the guest room, Claire told her mother, "Ma, what should I do? What if Brian doesn't marry me?"

Brian was surprised to find Claire no longer in bed. Being pregnant, she usually slept in during the day.

After showering and getting ready for work, he made his way down. Before he reached the dining area, he overheard Mara and Claire's conversation.

"Ma, I am seriously considering Uncle William's suggestion," Claire said.

"What? Are you mad? You are getting married to the father of your child!" Mara exclaimed.

Claire wept. From where Brian stood, he could feel her emotions as she struggled to speak, "It's just that I feel sorry for him, for his struggles with the company since Riley left. If Brian and I had not met, his company would still thrive."

"But Claire, who pursued who? It was Brian, right?" Mara asked. "And he lied about being married. So you are not entirely at fault here."

"Yes, but I was weak. I fell so in love with him that I gave him my first," Claire said.

"And you did not wear a condom," Mara scolded.

"Mom, we are already over this. I did not know I would get pregnant immediately," Claire explained. "Maybe it can still be fixed, you know? Maybe I should talk to Riley and beg her to forgive Brian? Then, I'll tell her that I will leave. I'll raise this child on my own -"

"How will we do that, Claire?" Mara asked.

"Uncle William said he would help," Claire suggested.

"But I thought you loved Brian," Mara said.

"I do. I love him, Ma, but I want him to be happy. He is so stressed out because of the company, because of Riley, and this is all because of me," Claire said. "I am the reason for his troubles."

"Don't say that. Brian loves you. He has already made many sacrifices to be with you," Mara scolded. "He had already divorced Riley. Leaving him would just make his situation worse. Do you want to throw that all away?"