Second Marriage, The Billionaire's Planned Love novel Chapter 105

105 Chapter 105 Return of the Queen

Caleb’s POV 1

My grip on the steering wheel tightened as we approached the Thorne Group headquarters, the legitimate front for my family’s operations. The tension in my shoulders hadn’t eased since we left the safe house, and the entire drive passed in loaded silence. Ivy kept glancing at me from the passenger seat, but I couldn’t find words to explain the knot of anxiety twisting in my chest.

When I opened her door in the underground garage, I pulled her against me and crushed my lips to hers with desperate hunger.

“Christ, I’m so relieved you’re finally coming back where you belong,” I growled against

her mouth.

She smiled and kissed me back, her fingers threading through my hair, and for a moment the weight of running the most powerful crime family on the East Coast lifted from my shoulders.

I had instructed Xavier to gather the core lieutenants in the main conference room so I could formally announce Ivy’s return to the organization. The office renovation that Gemma had orchestrated over the weekend exceeded even my expectations. She had an incredible eye for detail, and I was eager to see Ivy’s reaction to the transformation of her workspace.

As the private elevator climbed toward the executive floor, I noticed Ivy’s hands were ice cold and trembling slightly. When the doors slid open, I squeezed her fingers reassuringly.

The small group of trusted associates erupted into spontaneous applause when they spotted Ivy. Their faces lit up with genuine relief at seeing her back where she belonged in the family hierarchy. All except one person. Monica stood frozen in place, her face contorted with barely concealed rage. While everyone else rushed forward to embrace my woman, Monica remained rooted to the spot, radiating hatred that made my trigger finger itch.

Once the initial excitement died down, I knew they deserved some explanation, even if I couldn’t reveal the complete truth about the betrayal network.

“Everyone, thank you for welcoming Ivy back to the family,” I began, my arm sliding

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possessively around her waist. “I know you all heard about the security breach involving the offshore accounts that resulted in her temporary exile. However, our tech specialists conducted a thorough investigation and determined that Ivy was not responsible for the leak. They discovered her systems were compromised by an external source, and the actual perpetrator has been identified and dealt with accordingly. What matters is that Ivy has returned to us. She’s invaluable to this organization.” I lifted our joined hands. “And since you’ve all noticed how close we’ve become, I want you to know that this incredible woman has forgiven my unforgivable treatment of her, and we’re now together. We’ll be making it official very soon.”

The room erupted in cheers and congratulations. Jude and Xavier let out appreciative whistles while Gemma shouted, “Here’s to the boss and his queen!” Ivy’s cheeks flushed deep red as she smiled bashfully. As the associates gradually dispersed after offering their loyalty and well–wishes, only Xavier, Jude, Gemma, and Monica remained.

“Aren’t you going to welcome me back, Monica?” Ivy asked with a sweet smile that didn’t reach her eyes. I recognized that look – she was deliberately baiting the traitor.

“Of course, Ivy. It’s wonderful to have you back, especially after you’ve chosen to overlook the humiliation you endured here,” Monica replied with a saccharine smile, moving in for a hug. As she embraced Ivy, I saw her lips move close to Ivy’s ear. “But you’ve met the new girl, haven’t you? Don’t trust her. She’s a fraud who’s been chasing after Caleb.”

“Not at all, Monica. Gemma is family now, and I have complete faith in her,” Ivy responded, emphasizing the word before turning to hug Gemma warmly. Monica’s composure cracked, fury flickering across her features.

“Come here, tesoro. Let me show you to your rightful place,” I said, extending my hand and guiding her toward her office.

I opened the door and watched her face transform with wonder. Gemma had replaced the heavy dark furniture with elegant pieces that made the entire space feel brighter and more welcoming. The desk, which had previously faced the door with its back to the window, was now positioned at an angle so Ivy could enjoy the city view while managing our financial operations. A cream–colored area rug anchored the space, complemented by chairs with sleek black leather seats. Behind the desk, floor–to–ceiling bookshelves covered one wall while matching filing cabinets for sensitive documents lined the other. On the opposite side, two contemporary

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armchairs in soft neutral tones flanked a small table holding a stunning arrangement of multicolored tulips, with floating shelves creating visual interest behind them. The office struck the perfect balance between professional and feminine, befitting the woman who would help me launder millions.

“Do you love it?” I whispered against her ear.

“I absolutely love it,” she breathed.

Ivy walked to the tulip arrangement and picked up the accompanying card, reading

aloud:

“White tulips represent forgiveness. Purple ones symbolize peace and tranquility. Yellow ones represent prosperity and success. Orange ones symbolize energy and enthusiasm. Blue ones represent trust and loyalty. Ginger ones symbolize our perfect love. And the black ones are the rarest and most precious, just like you. You have my solemn oath that I won’t make another mistake, that I’ll love you for eternity, and that I’ll be grateful every single day for your forgiveness. Loving you is the greatest privilege of my life.”

Tears streamed down Ivy’s cheeks as she finished reading. She came to me and kissed me with such passion that I felt my knees weaken. Behind us, my lieutenants applauded and cheered, and I smiled against her lips while brushing away her tears.

“Come with me, there’s something else I want to show you,” I said, taking her hand and leading her into my office, closing the door behind us.

“Caleb… what have you done?” she asked, her face glowing with delight.

“You said you didn’t want any reminders of what happened, and Gemma mentioned you wanted to burn that old couch where I… where I hurt you. So I asked her to redesign both our offices, though I suspect she might have already torched that couch herself,” I said with a sideways glance.

“It’s absolutely stunning! It doesn’t even look like the same room!” Ivy launched herself into my arms and kissed me hungrily.

Gemma had outdone herself. My desk now occupied the opposite wall where the old couch had been, positioned near a large window that flooded the space with natural light. Where my previous desk had stood, she’d placed a new couch – an oversized, plush piece in charcoal gray fabric. Art adorned the walls, shelves were strategically placed throughout the room, and a floor–to–ceiling alcove filled with lush green plants

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