Filed to story: Unmasking the Billionaire: Don’t Mess with the Ex (Victoria & Carter) Book PDF Free
Sure, Victoria had mentioned wanting a divorce – even scribbled up some so-called divorce papers. But Carter had brushed it off as just another fit. He figured she was just upset he’d been too wrapped up in other things lately, that was all. Once he got Isabella and the boy settled, he’d smooth things over with her. No big deal.
But now? She’d actually had the nerve to leave – with their son?
Who did she think she was?
“Never coming back”? Like she got to make that call?
Carter’s jaw clenched as he flipped through his contacts, pulling up Victoria’s number. He was sure this was just a stunt to get his attention – if he called now, said the right soft words, she’d come rushing back, tail between her legs.
He couldn’t have been more wrong.
“The number you have dialed is no longer in service. Please verify the number and try again.”
Disconnected.
Carter stared at his phone, dumbfounded, as if the screen might somehow correct itself. He checked the number again – same as always. This was Victoria’s number. She’d really…
She’d canceled her phone?
How dare she.
Fury coiled in his chest, hot and tight – he wanted to storm out right then, track Victoria down, and drag her back to set her straight. This tantrum had gone way too far. She needed to remember her place, especially now. This wasn’t the time for childish games.
“Cough… Mommy…”
“Jenarth? What’s wrong?”
Isabella’s anxious voice snapped Carter out of his rage. He spun around to see Jenarth hunched over, coughing, his face pale and miserable.
“Jenarth, hey – you okay?” Carter hurried over, panic edging into his tone as he knelt beside the boy.
“Daddy Carter, I just… I don’t feel good,” Jenarth mumbled, his head drooping like a wilted flower. “My head’s all fuzzy… I’m sorry. I’m such a bother to you.” His lower lip trembled, like he was seconds from tears.
Isabella glanced at Carter, her voice soft with worry. “Carter, do you think Ms. Lewis misunderstood something? About us?”
Carter didn’t answer. Instead, he squeezed Jenarth’s small hand, his voice steadying. “Don’t be scared, buddy. I’m right here. Just rest for a bit, okay?”
Isabella’s voice dropped to a whisper, laced with guilt. “Carter, this is all my fault. My health’s been so bad, and you’ve had to split yourself between taking care of me and Jenarth. If I’m the reason you and Ms. Lewis are fighting… I feel terrible.”
“It’s not your fault. She’s the one being unreasonable – making a mountain out of a molehill. She’s way out of line.” Carter thought of Victoria running off like that, and a bitter scoff escaped him. Ridiculous.
There was a line to how much drama a woman could pull – and Victoria had crossed it. The wife of Myers Group’s CEO, running away from home like some petty teenager? If word got out, the whole company would be a laughingstock. He’d find her, drag her back, and make her understand that.
And their son, Robert – usually so level-headed. Why was he going along with this nonsense?
Isabella must have noticed the hard set of Carter’s jaw, because she spoke up then, her timing perfect. “Carter… is Ms. Lewis really serious about the divorce? Maybe she just got the wrong idea about us. Let me talk to her – I’ll explain everything. If you two split because of me, I’d never forgive myself.”
“There’s nothing to explain. She started this,” Carter said, his eyes sharp with irritation. Any hesitation he’d felt earlier was gone, replaced by cold indifference. “Let her throw her fit. I want to see how long she can keep this up.”
Isabella’s lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile when she saw Carter’s attention had shifted fully back to her and Jenarth.
“Carter, let me go get you some fresh clothes. Tonight… Jenarth’s going to need you again. He was asking if he could sleep with you.”
Jenarth nodded eagerly, piping up right on cue.
“Daddy Carter, can I sleep with you tonight? Even just for an hour? Or… or ten minutes? Please?”
“Of course, buddy. I’ll stay with you,” Carter said, a twinge of sadness pulling at his chest. The kid had grown up without a father, Isabella raising him all alone. It was no way for a child to live.
“Daddy Carter, that’s the best!” Jenarth’s face lit up, and he clung tighter to Carter’s hand. “Can Mommy sleep with us too? All three of us?”
Carter froze for a split second.
Isabella was quick to step in, gently covering Jenarth’s mouth. “Jenarth, don’t be silly. That’s not… appropriate.”
“But Mommy, I’m not being silly!” Jenarth protested, pulling her hand away. “Daddies and mommies sleep with their kids, right? The hotel room’s big enough! If we’re all together, I won’t have nightmares anymore.” He looked up at Carter, his eyes wide and hopeful.
“Jenarth, that’s enough – “
“Forget it,” Carter cut Isabella off, his voice firm but soft. “Jenarth’s never had a real family. He’s too mature for his age, and that’s not fair to him. Tonight, we’ll all sleep in the same room.”
“Carter… thank you,” Isabella said, her voice warm with gratitude.
“No need for thanks. Just seeing you two safe – that’s all that matters.” Carter met her gaze, his words sincere.
As night fell, Victoria checked into the city’s most luxurious hotel, King Hotel, Robert by her side. The suite was spacious and opulent, but Victoria barely noticed – she sank into a chair by the floor-to-ceiling window, staring out at the glittering skyline as she twirled a wine glass in her hand. It had been six years since she’d touched alcohol.
Once she’d married Carter, she’d given it up – along with so many other things that had once made her her. Now, taking a small sip of the rich, red wine, she felt a flicker of familiarity, like she was starting to rediscover parts of herself she’d lost.
Six years in the Myers household, and she’d erased herself bit by bit. She’d almost forgotten who Victoria was, beneath the title of “Mrs. Myers”.
But now? At least she had Robert. That was all that mattered.
Carter had wanted a divorce, but she knew he’d never let her walk away with Robert – especially not empty-handed. His pride wouldn’t allow it. This was going to be a fight.
But she wasn’t going to fight alone. There was someone who wanted her and Carter split up even more than Isabella did…
Carter’s mother, Madilyn Myers.
From the day Charles had arranged their marriage, Madilyn had hated it. Back then, she’d been polite – out of respect for Charles. But once Charles’d fallen into a coma? Madilyn had dropped the act entirely, treating Victoria like an afterthought at best.
Now? This was her chance. If she was going to cut ties with Carter, she needed to cut all of them – no loose ends, no strings attached.
Divorce. The sooner, the better.
She’d have to play a little dirty to get what she wanted. But for Robert? She’d do anything.
Glancing at the clock, Victoria realized how late it was. She stood up and walked toward the guest room – Robert’s light was still on. She knocked gently before pushing the door open, her brows lifting. “Robert, it’s way past your bedtime. What are you still doing up?”
Robert, who’d been hunched over his laptop, scrambled to shut the screen the second he heard her voice.
“Mommy! I was just… I’ll go to bed right now!” He gave her a quick, sheepish grin, but his eyes flickered back to the laptop – almost as if he was disappointed to stop whatever he’d been doing.
Victoria didn’t notice, though – she just shook her head, smiling softly. “Come on, sleepyhead. Tomorrow’s a big day. We need you rested.”
“Mr. Rosewood, we’ve just received an update from the base. They’ve managed to trace Mr. Caesar’s most recent location.”
Eugene had just returned to King Hotel’s Presidential Suite when Bruce delivered this news.
At the mention of Mr. Caesar, Eugene’s expression turned stormy. “You’ve pinpointed him?”
“Mr. Caesar logged off too quickly for an exact location, but we’re certain of one thing – he’s currently somewhere in Capaville,” Bruce reported, cautiously observing Eugene’s reaction.
So the elusive hacker was right here in the city.
Eugene’s eyes narrowed. The audacity of that punk, hiding right under his nose. It seemed settling their score was only a matter of time.
