The Divorce That Brought Us Back novel Chapter 23

Growing up in the Gated Community, the Sinclair and Jameson families had always been close.

As the Sinclairs' wealth skyrocketed, they moved out of the neighborhood early on. Maloney's parents were also among the first wave of entrepreneurs to seek fortunes elsewhere, but they left Maloney behind in the community.

Seraphina stayed behind, too.

She came from money, had a vibrant personality, and was stunningly beautiful. She had no shortage of boys chasing after her and relished being the center of attention.

But the main reason she stayed was Maloney.

She pursued him relentlessly for three years, only to be rejected time and time again.

Once, at a party, someone asked Maloney what his type was. His answer was simply: "An outstanding woman."

It was an impossibly broad metric.

But Seraphina didn't care. She was willing to mold herself into whatever he wanted.

She decided to study abroad.

Before she left, she tracked him down and vowed that she would become outstanding for him. She begged him to wait for her.

Maloney had simply frowned and replied, "Whatever you do has nothing to do with me."

Despite the cold rejection, she poured her blood, sweat, and tears into her education.

She spent eight grueling years earning her master's in finance.

All that effort couldn't be for nothing.

She was here to take back everything that rightfully belonged to her.

"Maloney!" Seraphina rushed up to him, a dazzling, affectionate smile plastered across her face. "Are you done talking to my brother?"

Blocked from moving forward, Maloney paused. A barely perceptible frown creased his forehead as he offered a curt, "Yeah."

Nora was leaning against the railing, her gaze fixed on the doorway. Her face was completely devoid of emotion. She stood there quietly, emanating an untouchable, distant aura that made her feel miles away.

When their eyes met, a sharp surge of unease twisted in his gut.

His expression darkened. He took two quick strides toward her, but suddenly, someone yanked hard on his arm.

"Maloney!" Seraphina chased after him, her grip like a vice on his sleeve. She whined in a petulant tone, "I'm talking to you! Where are you going?"

Her voice took on an edge of demanding accusation. "We've known each other for over twenty years! Your good friend just got back to the country—why are you being so cold to me? We're going to be partners on this project. Can't you show me a little patience?"

Maloney's voice dropped to a glacial register. "Let go."

Seraphina tilted her chin stubbornly. "No! Listen to me first."

"If you have questions, ask your brother." A vein pulsed violently in Maloney's temple as his final shred of restraint snapped. "Let. Go."