The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 157

David couldn’t read another line. He pushed away from his desk and headed for the master bedroom.

The room was completely empty.

He glanced at the bathroom. The door was shut. Standing outside, he called out quietly, “Ella, are you still in there?”

No response.

He reached up, ready to knock, but before he could, the door opened on its own.

He paused, then stepped inside. The big bathtub was empty. Ella was nowhere to be seen.

Where did she go?

He stepped back into the bedroom. A maid appeared in the doorway. “Sir, she has already left.”

She left?

Just like that?

David’s eyes landed on the untouched bowl of ice. “She didn’t use this?”

The maid shook her head. “No, sir. She said she didn’t need it.”

A small note sat under the lamp on the nightstand. David reached over and picked it up, his long fingers brushing the paper. Two words in her handwriting.

Thank you.

She left without a word, leaving only those two words behind.

David let out a sharp, breathless laugh, his hand resting on his hip.

The maid quietly slipped away, leaving him alone in the huge room. He leaned against the desk, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and slid one between his lips.

His shoulders dropped, tension leaving his body for a moment. He flicked his lighter, the tiny flame catching in the reflection of his eyes. He inhaled deeply, then let the smoke drift slowly from his mouth, letting it blur his features.

He almost never smoked, but tonight, his nerves were shot. He needed the nicotine, just to feel a little less raw inside.

Aiden showed up at the door. “Sir, Miss Irvine is already home. About Mr. Ross…”

Carter’s voice rose, angry and harsh. “Miss Irvine, you’ve wasted our time.”

He and Avery turned to leave.

Peter and Rachel tried to stop them. “Mr. Ross, Mrs. Ross—”

Carter stopped just inside the doorway. “Bring everything back,” he ordered.

Their bodyguards moved instantly, picking up all the expensive gifts piled in the living room and carrying them away.

“Mr. Ross! Mrs. Ross!” Peter shouted, frustration clear in his voice. “Jessa, what happened?”

Rachel was just as shocked. “Jessa, you asked him yourself, and he still refused?”

Jessa’s pride stung as much as it had once soared. She pressed her nails into her palm, anger boiling in her chest.

Ella.

This is just the beginning for us.