The Secret Pregnancy of the Billionaire's Ex-Wife novel Chapter 97

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The Secret Pregnancy of the Billionaire’s Ex–Wife

Chapter 97: I’m Not Hiding

Angela Pov

Mama, can I help clean the table?” Aria x small voice pulled me from my thoughts as we finished our dinner

Tve got the dishes, Ethan announced, already carefully stacking plijes.

I smiled at my daughter. “When your laundry basket7

taller, you c

you can

help with the table. For now,

why dont

it you put your napkin in the

Aria considered this, then nodded seriously, treating the simple task with exaggerated importance.

You’re both such wonderful helpers,” I said, dropping a kiss on each forehead before helping Ethan with the heavier dishes.

While the twins carried their napkins to the laundry room with ceremonial precision, my phone rang. Sophie’s name flashed on the screen, and I felt a familiar warmth at the sight.

“Ciao bella Sophie’s voice carried all the bustle and energy of Manhattan through the line. “How are my favorite Italian residents?

“We’re wonderful.” I replied, settling onto a kitchen stool. The twins just finished their cooking show. Risotto was a big hit.”

“I watched the first few minutes before my meeting. Sophie laughed. “Aria’s face when she dropped that shrimp was priceless. Listen, have you thought more about the Lawrence Capital offer? George called me again yesterday.”

1 sighed, running a hand through my loose waves. “I don’t know, Sophie. Moving back to New York…

“I know, I know. But Angela, it’s been five years. You I can’t hide in this little Tuscan town forever, no matter how peaceful country life is

raising my children

and building a consulting

“I’m not hiding.” I protested, though the words felt hollow even to my own ears. “I’m raising my portfolio.”

“Speaking of which, Sophie’s voice was full of excitement, “your last market analysis was absolutely brilliant. Which is exactly why you should be running your own firm in New York instead of freelancing from Italy.”

“Ive been thinking about that, actually, I admitted, lowering my voice as I heard the twins returning from the laundry room. “Not Lawrence Capital, but starting my own boutique investment advisory. Something small that I could build while still having time with the children.”

Sophie’s squeal of delight made me pull the phone from my ear. “YES This is what I’ve been waiting to hear! Angela Wilson back in the game on her own terms. We need to celebrate when you’re back!”

“I haven’t decided yet, I cautioned, but Sophie was already launching into ideas about office space in the Financial District and potential clients.

By the time I finished the call, the twins had been bathed, pajama–clad, and were waiting expectantly with their favorite storybook.

I tucked them into their beds, reading until both pairs of eyes grew heavy.

“Night, my precious ones, I whispered, placing a final kiss on each forehead.

“Gnight, Mama,” Ethan murmured, already half–asleep.

“Love you to t

the moon and Jupiter,” Aria added with a yawn, using our special phrase.

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16:42 Tue, Apr 5.

Chapter 97: I’m Not Hiding.

“And back again, I completed turning off the light and leaving the door slightly ajar.

Back in the kitchen, I finished tidying up, then checked my phone ance frown, I set the phone aside and prepared for bed.

more. Still

no response from NightShadow. With a small

tinlike the early years after leaving New York, when sleeping pills had been my only refuge against insomnia, I now

relatively easily.

found rest

The quiet of the Tuscan countryside, the physical fatigue from days went with active five year–olds, and perhaps simply the passage of time had all contributed to healing that particular wound.

As I drifted toward sleep, my mind wandered to the mysterious Nighshadow.

Who was this person, watching my children from a distance?

Some wealthy but lonely soul, perhaps, finding joy in their innocent cooking adventures?

Or someone with darker motives?