The Ex-Wife's Triumph novel Chapter 285

Over the next week, Kingsley showed up like clockwork every time Seven finished his lessons. In the little boy's own words, they had already become the best of friends.

That evening, Lucy accompanied Jules Holt to a high-end corporate gala.

She kept Seven's stern little voice memo playing in her head—Mommy, don't drink too much—so after making her mandatory rounds with a few project partners, she gathered her skirts and slipped away to find a quiet corner.

The evening breeze on the terrace was delightfully crisp. Leaning against the stone balustrade, she watched a video of Seven playing with his toy cars that the nanny had sent, a soft, loving smile gracing her features.

She hadn't been standing there long when a couple strolled onto the terrace.

Lucy didn't pay them any mind, until the unmistakable, heavy sounds of making out echoed right next to her. Annoyed, she grabbed her skirt and marched over to the opposite side of the sprawling balcony.

Kingsley and Peter were already standing in the shadows of that corner. Kingsley spotted her first, his gaze flickering from her to the oblivious couple grinding against the railing behind her. A deeply amused smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Running away from something?"

Lucy shot him a scathing glare, her patience entirely shot. "Are you blind?"

Peter chuckled and stepped forward with a charming grin. "Hi, Lucy! You look beautiful tonight."

"I know," Lucy replied curtly. She turned to leave, but a strong, warm hand clamped firmly around her wrist.

"Stay here." Kingsley met her furious glare evenly. He slowly released her wrist, his voice leaving absolutely no room for negotiation.

"Unless you'd rather go back inside and deal with endless, fake small talk?"

He paused, then added, "You fly back to the States tomorrow. The day after, Shane will escort you into The Lynwood Group headquarters."

Lucy froze in her tracks. She knew damn well that walking into that boardroom meant brutal negotiations and high-stakes maneuvering.

Yet, she kept her chin high and replied coldly, "I don't need him. I am perfectly capable of handling it myself."

"Having Shane with you is the only way I'll have peace of mind." Kingsley leaned back against the railing, his intense posture softening slightly.

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