No Second Chances Ex-husband (Lauren and Ethan) novel Chapter 168

CHAPTER 0168

LAUREN’S POV

He let out a small smile after that moment of hesitation. It wasn’t hard to tell that he was a littl admit it, the way his eyes darted to the side for a second and his fingers rubbed against each

barrassed to

e it away.

he soft but

“It was when I was still trying to find out everything I could about you,” Roman said finally, steady. “So I called a friend of mine who’s really good at digging into people’s pasts. He looked into it and was able to find some things that weren’t in the media anymore.”

My heart gave a tiny leap. That’s wonderful! I thought, trying to mask my excitement beneath a calm expression. So I was right all along – if Roman really had someone like that, someone capable of tracing buried stories and hidden details, then maybe… there was still hope. Hope to get justice. Hope to make Ethan pay for what he did.

“That’s great,” I said, keeping my voice composed, though the idea burning in my mind was far from calm.

Roman arched a brow, curiosity flickering in his sharp eyes. “It is? Why?”

I leaned forward slightly. “Well,” I began carefully, “I came up with a plan a few moments ago. And if I can get my hands on the information I need, it’ll shut Ethan down for good.”

Roman tilted his head. “Okay… I’m listening.”

I took a deep breath, steadying the mix of anger and determination that brewed in me. “Since I’m certain he’s already trying to bribe the media in his favor, I want to show not only the media but the world who he really is, that Ethan isn’t worthy to be a parent. He’s not worthy to even try to take Aria from me.”

The memory of her warmth slipping through my fingers. My throat tightened, but I forced myself to continue.

“You want to use Elena’s accident?” Roman asked after a pause, his tone unreadable.

“I’m showing everyone what he buried,” I said, my voice low, every word laced with the bitterness that had been trapped inside me for years. “He knew he was wrong for what he did. He knew that if the media ever found out, I could have filed a civil action – something that demanded custody clarification and made him take responsibility for our daughter. The daughter he abandoned.”

Roman leaned back, his expression thoughtful, almost testing. “So… is that what you’re planning to do? File something in court?”

I shook my head. “No. He’s too smart for that. He’d find a way out of a civil case, twist it around, make himself the victim. That’s what he does best — manipulate. But this time, I’m not giving him that chance.” I could hear the venom in my voice rising, and I could feel the heat of my anger sharpening every word. “I want to ruin his image. So badly that he’ll lose everything, his clients, his investors, his so–called reputation. I want to hit him where it hurts most… his company.”

Roman’s lips curved slightly, a mix of approval and surprise. “So celebration can wait,” he said, pulling his phone out of his pocket. His fingers began flying over the screen. “I’ll let my friend know we’re coming over right now.”

1/3

Relief and determination washed through me like a storm finally taking form. “I’ll really appreciate that,” I replied quietly.

But this this wasn’t the only trick I had up my sleeve. I had waited too long, suffered too much to only go halfway. I wasn’t just going to expose what he hid, I was going to make sure every dark thing he dict crawling into the light.

I still had proof that Ethan hadn’t even paid for our daughter’s burial. The same man who once stood beside her crib, swearing he’d protect her, had refused to pay the cost to lay her to rest. It was Tessa who stepped in, who barely had enough to feed herself she had been the one to cover the bills when I couldn’t.

Every time I thought about it, it tore me apart all over again. The image of that small coffin, the silence that followed the priest’s final words… and Ethan wasn’t even there. He was too busy saving his image, too busy pretending to grieve in public while I drowned in real pain.

And Sophia, she wasn’t innocent either. She had whispered things into his ear, poisoned his thoughts, made him believe that paying for the burial would make him look weak, guilty even. And like the fool he always was, he listened.

My jaw clenched at the memory. They’ll both pay for it.

We eventually switched routes, and Roman’s driver took us straight to his friend’s place. My reflection stared back at me – calm, collected, but inside, a storm brewed.

When the car came to a stop, I looked up at the tall building that towered above us. A penthouse. Of course. Birds of the same feather truly did flock together. Roman’s world was filled with people like this – rich, connected, powerful. The kind of people Ethan once belonged to.

We stepped out, the night air crisp against my skin. Roman led the way, his confident stride cutting through the lit lobby. A man was already standing near the elevator, waiting for us – tall, well–dressed, and smiling like someone who had just won the lottery.

“Congratulations on your big win,” the man said, extending his hand toward Roman.

Roman chuckled lightly, shaking it. “Thanks, Jeff.”

Then he turned toward me. “Lauren, this is Jeff, the friend I told you about. Jeff, this is…”

“The lady who’s been driving my friend crazy,” Jeff interrupted with a grin. “The same one who secured the win. It’s good to finally meet you, Lauren.”

I managed a polite smile, extending my hand. “Nice to meet you too.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught the faintest blush on Roman’s face. He quickly looked away, clearly embarrassed by Jeff’s teasing remark. For a moment, despite the tension of the day I felt a faint flicker of

amusement.

“Let’s head up,” Jeff said, pressing the button on the elevator.

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