MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(JARED'S POV)

I lowered me to it.

my head in remorse, and when I stole a glance at Dwayne, he had the same sober look on. Fair enough, I wasn't the only one facing the brunt of Mrs Meyer's chastisement. I tried to say something, to apologize for our juvenile display at least, but Dwayne beat

"Umm...we will go get some fresh air," he said, his voice collected. "We will give you and Arielle some space."

My brows knitted in a frown, as I felt the urge to snap and demand why he'd decide for us both. But I got in touch with my emotions real quick, taking an inward breath as I realized he was right. We're both grown men, and this wasn't the time for us to be at each other's throats. Not when Arielle was ill. We owe her that respect and decorum.

So I nodded at Mrs Meyers in agreement. "Yeah, well step out now."

She rolled her eyes, eyeing us both. "You had better."

We took that as a cue and simultaneously turned for the door, but we bumped into each other as we went. I shot Dwayne a dirty look, irritated by the sudden contact.

"Watch it!" I grumbled, trying to brush past him. But he merely smirked at me and walked on, his long strides eating up the distance and putting a little distance between us. I followed closely, my eyes fixed on his back as we walked out of the hospital into the cool evening We walked on in deliberate silence, until I finally broke the silence, my tone neutral.

air.

"Where are you going now?" I asked, sparing him a glance.

He shrugged nonchalantly, his broad shoulders moving beneath his fitted shirt, and his eyes scanning the street like an eagle. "I know a guy from the black market," he announced. "I'll see if he had something similar to the drug Sofia used on Arielle."

I shot my brows up, curiosity piqued. "Is that necessary? Wouldn't it be easier to just ask Sofia directly instead of going through all that trouble?"

His expression turned icy, eyes narrowing as he halted in his tracks, turning to face me. Then a cold smile appeared and spread wildly on his face before he resumed walking.

He didn't say a word, but I felt a surge of anger at the silent implication of his action. Did he really think I was privy to what happened to Arielle? That I'd connive with Sofia to hurt her? But I said nothing, only letting my rage simmer and boil below the surface. But his silent distrust of me, especially when it came to Arielle, hurt so much.

A thick silence descended now, as we both kept walking. Each man to his thoughts until I couldn't resist taking a jab at him. "By the way, how's business been? Still brooding over the last loss?"noveldrama

I witnessed the shift in his expression as his Jaws clenched fiercely. "Look at you, just one win and you're already fawning like a kid who got a toy car," he sneered.

But I was unfazed, instead, I was satisfied at having gotten under his skin. It used to be the other way around, but now, it feels good to finally be on the other side of the coin.

"Tell me, brother, how does it feel to lose a deal to me?" I wasn't ready to back down yet. I was enjoying the effect the topic had too much, to want to stop.

"That was just one deal you've ever managed to win me on, Jared. I still have the overall lead in our competition," Dwayne replied through gritted teeth. I cocked my head. "Oh, is it?"

"Yes, and you have to thank your dear Grandma for making that possible."

The smirk on my face instantly faded, and now, it was my turn to be offended. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

He chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the

corners with mischief, like he was pleased with himself to be finally back to having the upper hand. "Oh, nothing. It's just that, I have been wondering how you manage to stay ahead of me most of the time. Do you have some kind of inside help the rest of us are not aware of?" His eyes were piercing into mine now, accusatorily. "Maybe from Nana Jean?"

I froze, my eyes flashing with anger at the sheer absurdity of his accusations. "What the hell are you insinuating, Dwayne?" I took menacing steps closer to him.

"You think I cheated? That I'm getting help from our grandmother?"

He shrugged, unruffled. "I'm just saying, it's convenient how you always seem to know exactly what to do to stay ahead. Maybe our grandma is giving you some, you know, pointers."

I exhaled sharply, fighting hard for

self-control. I can't be caught on

camera throwing fists at my

half-brother a few meters away from e the hospital where my ex-wife was admitted. What will the media tag it when they carry it all over their blogs? "Two brothers fighting over the same woman." I shuddered at the thought of that, and that was all I needed to finally get myself under control.

"You have no right to accuse me of such. I've worked so hard to get where I am, and I don't need anyone's help."

But he waved me off dismissively. "I'm in no mood to fight with you. Let it go." At this point, we were close to his parked car. I saw that as a cue for us to part ways because my car was directly parked ahead of his.

And so without another word to him, I walked on, heading for my car. I got in, making to start the car when something struck. I had an issue to resolve, and quickly, I pulled my phone out and dialed a number.

She answered on the first ring, and I was instantly riled up just by hearing her voice. "Hey Jared," she slurred. "What's up?"

Her voice got on my nerves, and I gritted my teeth, trying to suppress my growing anger. "I want you to hand over to me the drugs you used on Arielle," I demanded when I could finally speak without my voice sounding like a growl.

There was a pause on the other end, and for a moment, I wished I could see her in person and see the look of shock on her face. Did she think her heinous act would go unnoticed?

But then she spoke up, her voice filled with confusion and innocence. But I knew better than to buy it. "Drugs? What are you talking about, Jared?"

My anger tripled in its intensity at her feigned ignorance. How dare she pretend she didn't know what I was talking about? "Don't play dumb, Sofia," I snapped, my voice rising involuntarily.

Her tone changed, taking on a hurt and defensive tempo. "Why are you accusing me falsely? You're being cruel to me. If it's because of what happened at the Yacht, look, I'm sorry..."

"Shut up, Sofia!" I yelled, my voice echoing through the car. It's a good thing it was soundproof, else everyone in the neighborhood would have heard me. And then I took a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions in check. But it was hard, especially when images of an ill Arielle flashed in my memory.

"You don't understand? Well, maybe when I have you locked up, you'll recall your heinous act. Have you stopped to think about the consequences of your action?"

At this point, whatever facade she was putting up dissolved as her voice rose to match mine. "So you'd threaten me because of that woman? Because she's Arielle, isn't it? You're already engaged, for Hade's sake; why are you still entangled with her? Why won't she quit being a mean bitch who'd always interfere in people's happiness?"

I scoffed; show me a beer case of the kettle-calling the pot black. "I am engaged to Tiana now, not you," I reminded her. "You shouldn't be concerned about my life anymore. And as for Arielle-if you want me to remind you about the past, then let me remind you that when you came back 4 years ago, I was already married to her!"

She made to protest, but I cut her off rudely, already tired of her defenses. "I'll send Oliver to fetch the drug. Be ready, and make sure you hand it over to him."

"Jared-"

I hit the end button, instantly cutting

the connection I inhaled deeply,

reclining back on the chair. I felt a little reprieve, having done something to control the situation. But then, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease about how unpredictable Sofia could be, especially as she was someone who

didn't like to go down without a fight.

I sat back right up and took hold of my phone. Quickly, I typed a message to Oliver. "Fetch the drug from Sofia immediately. If necessary, pick up Tiana with you to make things easier." After hitting send, I turned on the car's engine and began to drive away.