Returning with Triple Treasures: My CEO Husband Is Obsessed novel Chapter 29

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Chapter 29 Lunchtime Provocations

He was nothing like Xavier. He was a kind and warm–hearted person.

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“After you left five years ago, he became seriously ill. He hasn’t spoken to me since. In his eyes, you’re the only family he’ll ever accept,” Xavier said, his voice uncharacteristically soft.

A sharp pang of sadness shot through Isabella.

So that was the real reason he wanted her to stay.

It was still all about using her.

She didn’t want to hear another word. “Why are you telling me this now?”

“Just… don’t finalize the divorce before he’s gone.” Xavier’s voice was thick with a raw, unguarded plea that nearly shattered Isabella’s resolve.

It was the first time Xavier had ever shown any vulnerability around her.

He actually looked… pathetic.

But the feeling was fleeting. Hadn’t she been used as a prop for three entire years? Wasn’t she the one who deserved pity? And what about her own Jason?

Isabella didn’t give him an answer. After a long silence, she got out of the car, walked around, and opened the driver’s door.

“Let’s head back to the office. I’ll drive,” she said flatly.

The ride back was utterly silent.

When they arrived at the company, Xavier and Isabella walked into the office area one after the other. Xavier was arguably the most dedicated executive in the industry; unless he was out on business, he was almost never late.

And this time, he’d walked in with Isabella–the new employee in what everyone knew used to be Linda’s role. For years, Linda had been the only woman consistently at Xavier’s side.

Instantly, a low wave of whispers swept through the cubicles.

“Did you see that? The tension between them was so thick you could cut it…”

“No kidding. Mr. Moore looked exhausted. Was he up all night or something?”

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Chapter 29 Lunchtime Provocations

“Are you suggesting they… you know?”

“Wow. What does that mean for Linda, then?”

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“Well, even the most disciplined man can get tired of the same old routine. And Isabella is certainly easy on the eyes. She’s every bit as attractive as Linda.”

“What exactly is the topic of discussion here?”

Just as the group of women was deep in conversation, a cool, clipped female voice cut through the gossip.

The

Linda stood there, her expression unreadable. The women paled. “Linda, we were just-”

“Your performance metrics have been subpar for the last quarter. HR is already.evaluating potential layoffs. If you’re no longer interested in working here, I can expedite that decision for you,” Linda stated evenly.

The women were too startled to offer a proper defense, but Linda had already turned and walked away before they could. She rarely showed her temper, and the effect was immediate- the gossiping ceased at once.

Meanwhile, Isabella slumped at her desk, feeling drained. Her mind kept circling back to what Xavier had said.

Noah really was a good man…

Back when Xavier would ignore her, it was Noah who often checked in on her…

And honestly, his condition was treatable now…

Damn it!

She was here to end her marriage. Why was she wasting mental energy on Noah?

Around noon, as Isabella was about to order delivery, Linda knocked and entered, placing a boutique paper bag of fruit on her desk.

“Isabella, these are for you. Xavier mentioned you’ve always loved strawberries and oranges. I picked up the best ones from the market,” Linda said smoothly.

Xavier remembered her favorite fruit? The thought gave Isabella a fleeting pause–before she realized this was Linda’s way of marking her territory. Xavier really did tell Linda everything, even the trivial details about her.

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Chapter 29 Lunchtime Provocations

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“I can’t accept these. Please take them back. I’m perfectly capable of buying my own fruit,” Isabella replied.

Linda offered a gentle smile. “Consider it a thank you for looking after Xavier yesterday. I’ve also ordered lunch–some seafood. Would you care to join us?”

“Of course I would mind. What wife in her right mind wants to have lunch with her husband’s mistress?” Isabella shot back without hesitation.

Linda’s composure didn’t crack. “Ms. Carter, let’s not misunderstand. I’ve been preparing Xavier’s lunch for years. Sharing that meal is simply part of our routine.”

Linda was deliberately needling her, but Isabella played it cool, offering a faint smile in return.

“If you mind me being here, Ms. Carter, I can go,” Linda said, oozing fake consideration that made Isabella look like the bad

guy.

“You know, you must have had it rough too. You’re a well–bred woman from a good family, yet you chose to stick by someone as emotionally sterile as Xavier. Honestly, what do you even see in him?” Isabella asked, tilting her head.

The question seemed to catch Linda off guard. After a moment, she replied, “You can’t always explain why you’re drawn to someone. Why did you want to marry Xavier in the first place?”

Isabella actually had an answer for that.

She’d initially been drawn to Xavier because of that arrogant, untouchable aura he carried. He seemed to radiate a certain light–a cold, sharp light, but brilliant all the same.

And more importantly…

Beneath all that ice, he had shown her occasional glimpses of warmth.

“He’s wealthy, he’s handsome, and he gives me all the freedom I could ask for,” Isabella said. offhandedly, her gaze drifting.

Linda couldn’t suppress a derisive smile.

“After three years of marriage, are you saying you never loved Xavier at all?”

Isabella smiled back, equally faint. “I did… once upon a time.”