From Divorced Wife To The Top Heiress novel Chapter 2

Cloudmere Estate spanned thousands of square yards, a landmark of opulence in Kingsbridge’s upper class district. In high Society, the name “Cloudmere” held an irreplaceable prestige.

Stella gazed at the magnificent estate before her.

It had been three years. Three years since she’d last set foot there, communicating only through daily video calls with Edwin Hale, her grandfather.

After Chris parked the car, he stepped out and walked around with steady, purposeful strides to open the passenger door for her.

Ms. Hale,” he said respectfully, “Mr. Hale is waiting inside.

He asked me to remind you that the three–year agreement has concluded. You must return to assume your responsibilities.

Several board members have grown restless lately. To earn their respect, you must start from the ground up.”

Stella had almost forgotten the agreement. Now she understood.

‘Got it.” Her voice was cool, the earlier pain receding, leaving behind only a chilling resolve. A frosty aura seemed to settle over her stunning features.

She walked into the villa, her steps elegant and measured. Chris followed closely behind.

Her clear, cold voice cut through the air. “Chris, make the announcement. Serena Hale has returned.”

Serena Hale had always been her true identity. From now on, she would be Serena, not Stella. That chapter was closed.

Hearing the steel in her tone, Chris knew the formidable young heiress he remembered had finally reawakened.

Entering the grand living room, Serena’s eyes found the elderly man seated on the beige sofa. A film of tears blurred her vision.

‘Grandpa,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m home.”

Edwin looked at the heiress he had raised from childhood, his eyes filled with nothing but deep affection.

Yet, when he thought of the man who had wronged her, a sharp, lethal glint surfaced in his aged, cloudy eyes.

“Stubborn girl,” Edwin grumbled, though his tone was more fond than angry. “You never learn until you’ve been burned. You’re the heir I groomed. Getting tossed aside by that worthless cur is an embarrassment to this old man.”

He was thinking, “That impudent bastard Dylan’s got some nerve. If I don’t teach him a lesson, I won’t be able to swallow this anger.

A fresh wave of pain washed over Serena’s heart. “Grandpa, I’m back now. What’s past is past. I promise you, from this day forward, I will dedicate myself to managing the group.”

Her willfulness years ago, chasing after a scoundrel, had betrayed Edwin’s love and trust. She owed him this.

“Good! That’s my granddaughter.” Edwin’s eyes softened with tenderness again, his voice gentle. “Rest for a few days. I will formally announce your return.”

He looked her in the eye and continued, “The group is experiencing significant internal turbulence. You understand what I’m implying?”

Serena nodded. She had never truly stopped monitoring the group’s affairs these past three years. “I understand perfectly, Grandpa.”

An hour later, news broke across financial networks: the heiress of the Cloudmere Group was taking the helm.

Serena retreated to her room, untouched for three years. The familiar surroundings brought her an inexplicable sense of peace.

Yet, memories of Dylan’s cruelty sent a familiar ache piercing through her.

Almost instinctively, she glanced out the window. The weather’s turning cold. ‘His legs… they must be bothering him again!

A chilly breeze brushed her face, and Serena jolted back to reality. ‘What am I doing? Whether that man lives or dies is no longer my concern.‘

Between her and Dylan stood Eliana–an insurmountable chasm. A “what if” that would never be.

A bitter smile touched Serena’s lips. She had experienced firsthand the devastating power of a man’s cherished “one who got away.”

Serena did not return to the corporate headquarters. Instead, she went straight to the struggling Dreamhaven Branch, a subsidiary on the verge of collapse.

Eliana had returned briefly three years ago, then left in a hurry. Dylan got drunk that night. It was during that time when Serena had gotten pregnant.

A profound ache crystallized in her eyes.

“I’m fine,” she said tersely, moving forward.

Fate, it seemed, had other plans. Eliana had already seen her. “Stella? Is that you?”

Serena stopped, turning to face Eliana.

Eliana hadn’t changed much. She was beautiful with those big gentle eyes. She offered Serena a soft, sweet smile.

Dylan’s gaze, however, had locked onto the man beside Serena. His eyes narrowed dangerously, turning icy and sharp.

He wondered, ‘So this is the man she’s pined for all these years? He’s handsome, but something about them together seems… mismatched. This man isn’t good enough for Stella.

Dylan felt a surge of irrational annoyance at his own thought.

“Stella, it’s been so long,” Eliana continued, her voice gentle and pleasant. “Would you like to join us for dinner?”

“No, thank you,” Serena replied, her voice cold and flat. “Dining with the other woman would likely ruin my appetite.” Without another glance, she led Chris toward a private dining room.

Eliana’s face fell, a picture of wounded innocence. “Dylan… does she hate me?” she asked, her voice so soft and sweet it could melt bones.

Dylan’s eyes flicked to Serena’s retreating back, a lazy, almost mocking smile touching his lips. “Don’t trouble yourself over it. I’ve compensated her fairly. From now on, my focus is only on you and our son.”

Hearing this, Eliana relaxed, a satisfied glint in her eyes.

She looked at the child in Dylan’s arms, a strange, triumphant smile curling her lips. ‘Stella, this is my trump card. Thank you for getting pregnant back then.’

Is halfway through her meal when her phone buzzed. Excusing herself, she stepped out to take the call.

passed the service corridor, a familiar, hushed voice drifted from the fire escape, freezing her in her tracks. “The plan ady in motion. While Stella is still in Kingsbridge, eliminate her.”