Filed to story: Unmasking the Billionaire: Don’t Mess with the Ex (Victoria & Carter) Book PDF Free
Isabella’s eyes flickered at Sarah’s words.
Madilyn sat rigidly on the sofa, her expression thunderous. Hearing Carter’s arrival, she glanced toward the entrance. The moment she saw him stumbling in, supported and clearly intoxicated, her face darkened further.
“How could you let yourself get like this? You’re the CEO of Myers Group – this is utterly undignified. If this gets out, what will people think?” Madilyn stood abruptly. “Go prepare something to sober him up. Now!”
Sarah helped Carter onto the sofa before hurrying to the kitchen to make hangover soup.
“Carter, are you feeling any better?” Isabella remained by his side, though exhaustion weighed heavily on her. Supporting him all the way inside had drained her energy – if not for maintaining appearances before Madilyn, she wouldn’t have bothered.
Madilyn’s gaze hardened as she observed Isabella and the child beside her.
“Carter, you just signed the divorce papers and immediately transferred 180 million to that greedy woman Victoria. You clearly weren’t thinking straight.” Madilyn pointed an accusing finger, furious at the thought of such a substantial sum being handed over so easily.
“Mom, that’s enough. That money always belonged to Victoria. Now that we’re divorced, there’s nothing left between us. The money is rightfully hers, so of course I returned it.” Carter frowned, forcing the words through his haze.
Madilyn slammed her hand on the table.
“What do you mean it’s rightfully hers? She’s nothing but a country girl. Even the Lewis family doesn’t want her back. With 180 million in her hands, she’ll squander it in no time. She has no financial sense – she’ll probably be cheated out of it immediately.”
Seeing Carter still defending Victoria even in his drunken state fueled Madilyn’s anger further.
“I’ll have the family lawyers find a way to recover those funds,” Madilyn declared. “A girl like Victoria suddenly becoming a millionaire? She should take a good look at herself in the mirror. I won’t allow her to benefit from this.”
“Mom, stay out of Victoria’s affairs. She was my wife – ” Carter attempted to stand and argue but lost his balance, collapsing back onto the sofa.
The impact knocked the remaining consciousness from him, and he passed out completely.
Madilyn was so furious she could barely catch her breath.
“They’re divorced, and he’s still hung up on that worthless girl. It’s disgusting. All these years, everything Victoria consumed – food, clothing, everything – came from our family. She never contributed anything – just a parasite. After the divorce, she should have left empty-handed. If not for Charles protecting her, I would have thrown her out right after she gave birth.” Madilyn’s voice sharpened. “Carter, listen to me. You cannot let Victoria keep custody of Robert. Let the lawyers handle this – she probably can’t even afford legal representation!
“Letting a woman like Victoria raise the child? He’d grow up ungrateful for sure. She’s just a nobody from the countryside – she’ll never achieve anything worthwhile. I’m telling everyone in the family – Victoria is never setting foot in this house again!”
While Madilyn raged, Carter remained unconscious, completely unresponsive.
“Carter, are you alright?” Isabella rushed to his side, feigning concern. Internally, however, seeing Carter defend Victoria even in his incapacitated state filled her with silent fury.
Victoria – that nobody from the countryside, that insignificant girl with neither status nor influence – had just walked away with 180 million dollars. How absurd! Should she call her naive or just plain foolish?
The title of Mrs. Myers, wife of the CEO, was worth billions, yet she settled for a mere 180 million. Perhaps for someone like Victoria, that amount seemed like unimaginable wealth!
But then again, how much money had a country girl like her ever seen? 180 million was probably beyond anything she’d ever dreamed of – no wonder she made sure to specify it so clearly in the divorce agreement.
Madilyn instructed the staff to help the still-drowsy Carter back to his room to rest.
She remained seated on the sofa, her anger simmering, unable to settle.
“Mrs. Madilyn Myers, please don’t be upset. Have some coffee.” Isabella personally prepared a cup and handed it to Madilyn.
Madilyn looked up at Isabella, her expression unreadable. She didn’t refuse the coffee, simply accepting it without comment.
“Mrs. Madilyn Myers, Carter wasn’t himself today. He spoke carelessly and upset you. I apologize on his behalf.” Isabella’s voice was gentle. “Victoria and Carter are divorced now. Despite all the drama Victoria caused, Carter still feels responsible and wants to ensure she’s provided for.”
“He actually wants to secure that country girl’s future?” Madilyn’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Isabella, couldn’t you stop him?”
Isabella froze, caught off guard. “Mrs. Madilyn Myers, I…”
Madilyn realized she had spoken too harshly. She cleared her throat and tried again. “Isabella, we’re both women. Don’t tell me you don’t have your own ambitions?”
“Mrs. Madilyn Myers, I’m not sure what you mean.” Isabella lowered her head, feigning shyness and nervousness.
Madilyn studied her, her tone firm. “You’re in love with Carter.”
“Carter is remarkable and so considerate. Honestly… any woman would be drawn to him.” Isabella’s cheeks flushed deeper as she spoke.
Observing the seemingly modest Isabella, Madilyn couldn’t help but compare her to Victoria. Isabella was clearly the superior choice. The only thing Victoria had going for her was her appearance, but how long could looks last? Beauty didn’t pay the bills. A woman needed to have cleverness and strategy, especially when dealing with exceptional men.
Victoria, that uncultured country girl, couldn’t possibly compare to a world-renowned pianist.
Isabella had a child in tow and was using her past act of saving Carter’s life to get closer to him. Her intentions were transparent.
Still, compared to Victoria’s lowly status, Isabella was undoubtedly an upgrade. Even if she wasn’t Madilyn’s ideal daughter-in-law, as long as she could help eliminate Victoria’s influence, Madilyn was willing to tolerate her presence in Myers Manor for now.
“So I’ll take that as confirmation of your feelings for Carter.” Madilyn lowered her voice, concealing her own emotions.
Isabella looked up at Madilyn, feigning confusion. “Mrs. Madilyn Myers, what are you implying?”
“Since we’re being candid, I’ll speak plainly.” Madilyn’s tone grew more authoritative. “Ms. Williams, since you have feelings for Carter, you should understand the history between him and Victoria. I cannot stand that woman. Even though they’re divorced, Robert remains their child – meaning there will always be some connection.”
“I want you to keep a close watch on Carter. Ensure they don’t reconcile under any circumstances.” Madilyn’s voice was resolute, the disgust in her eyes unmistakable.
Isabella appeared shocked.
Internally, however, she felt a thrill of triumph. This old woman was essentially inviting her to form an alliance. For now, at least, Madilyn was on her side.
“Mrs. Madilyn Myers, to be honest, I do care for Carter. But I’ve always kept my feelings to myself. I’ve never confessed to him. Now that he’s freshly divorced and hurting, if I insert myself into this situation…”
Isabella’s voice trembled delicately. “I nearly died once, but fate gave me a second chance. I’m alive and was fortunate enough to meet Carter. That alone feels like more than I deserve. When you’ve faced death, you realize all the money in the world means nothing.”
Madilyn’s eyes darkened, and she muttered under her breath.
“Sometimes, a woman must be strategic – especially when it comes to matters of the heart.” Madilyn snorted, gave Isabella a swift appraisal, and stood to leave, her displeasure evident.
“Mrs. Madilyn Myers!” Isabella quickly reached for Madilyn’s hand.
Madilyn turned back, her gaze fixed on Isabella.
“Mrs. Madilyn Myers, I will do everything in my power to become the woman most worthy of standing by Carter’s side,” Isabella spoke with solemn determination, each word weighted with resolve.
Madilyn stared at Isabella, a cold light flickering in her eyes – clearly dissatisfied with the declaration.
Isabella met her gaze steadily, calm and unyielding, her determination unwavering.
Tension hung thick in the luxurious villa, the silence so profound one could almost hear the rhythm of breathing.
Just as Isabella began to doubt her gamble, Madilyn’s lips curved into a smile.
“Very well then, demonstrate your capabilities.” Madilyn raised her hand, her cool fingertips gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind Isabella’s ear. “I’ll be watching with interest…”
Isabella remained motionless, observing Madilyn’s retreating figure.
“Mom, are you certain she’s truly aligned with us?” Jenarth approached and whispered.
Isabella kept her gaze fixed on the empty doorway where Madilyn had disappeared. A soft smile touched her lips, the corners curling with the confidence of one who already held the winning hand.
“Whether she desires it or not, she has no choice but to stand with us. There is no alternative path for her.”
