Becoming strangers again (Lily and Ryan)

Chapter 98

RYAN

“It’s on sale,” Angelo anounced loudly, barging into my office, a behavior that seemed to be becoming a habit.

Though my gaze remained fixed on him, my attention was still on the phone call. “Thank you, Mr. Godizalla. I replied tersely, shooting Angelo a glare for his disruptive entrance. “I will ensure yours is among the goods sent to Italy in two days

“Thank you, Mr. Williams. I look forward to more deals in the figure, Godizalla responded respectfully.

“Likewise. Have a lovely afternoon,” I said, ruling the call before turning my full attention to Angelo. “Let this be the last time you rush into my office screaming like that Rising from ny desk, I moved to join him on the sofa. “Whatever you have

say will have to wait until you are properly seated in my office

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“I am sorry, sir,” Angelo quickly apologized.

“As you should be.” I responded with a hint of exasperation, realizing the potential consequences of Angelo’s impulsive behavior. The thought crossed my mind that he could inadvertently share sensitive information with someone who shouldn’t have access to it, just because he didn’t have the patience to fully enter my office thereby potentially causing irreparable damage. “What’s on sale?” I asked, attempting to steer the conversation back to the matter at hand.

“Laly’s Lambo,” Angelo declared, casually dropping his phone onto the table. “I happened to snap a picture of the Lambo along with its plate number before it was returned, and now it seems to be up for sale.”

Surprised by the revelation, I reached for the phone and examined the picture closely. Indeed, it was unmistakably her car. “But I thought someone had agreed to cover the costs if Jake failed to do so?”

Angelo nodded in confirmation. “I did reach out to that woman, and she assured me that the car has indeed been fully paid

for

“Then why put the car up for sale?” 1 questioned rhetorically, though I couldn’t help but ponder the reasoning behind such a decision. However, before I could even finish my thought, Angelo provided an explanation

“To recover the money spent on the payment,” Angelo replied matter–of–factly, meeting my gaze as he explained. “Whoever paid for that car is the one selling it. It’s being auctioned, which means the individual wants to recoup their investment in full-

His explanation made sense, and I nodded in acknowledgment. And how did you come by all this information?” I inquired, genuinely curious.

He chuckled confidently, a smug look crossing his face. “I happen to know someone who knows someone that has a penchant for acquiring cars through less–than–legal means.”

The notion of selling a car acquired legally but under questionable circumstances puzzled me. “I want to attend that auction,” I informed Angelo firmly. “If I end up buying the car, dien I will meet the seller”

Angelo shifted nervously on his feet, a hint of concern evident in his expression. That place is notorious for attracting gamblers, and it wouldn’t do your public image any favors if you were seen there, he cautioned.

Leaning back comfortably, I crossed my legs, mulling over our options. “So, what exactly are you suggesting we do? Would you prefer to handle this personally or delegate the task to someone else?” I inquired, casting a thoughtful glance in Angelo’s direction.

“It would be wiser to assign someone else, Angelo suggested, histone reflecting a sense of caution. “If I were to be spotted there, it might raise suspicions that you were involved.”

“Any specific individual in mind?” I pressed, curious to hear his thoughts on potential candidates.

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have

He nodded decisively Thay someone in mind, an old friend in our school days. He’s capable of handling this sort of tak, although hekely expect some form of compensation

Let him keep the Lambo I stated with a casual shrug. Tm not particularly attached to it. All I need is the name of the

Angelo nodded in agreement, acknowledging the terms of our arrangement. “I’ll reach out to him without delay.” Poshing myself off the sofa. I returned to the comfort of my desk chair. “When is the auction scheduled to take place?” I inquered

“Tomorrow night” Angelo replied promptly

nodded, absorbing the information. Ensure he becomes the highest bidder. I instructed firmly, my mind already shifting gears to the next task at hand. Sitting down at my desk. I gazed at the newly

framed pictures of Lily and the boys that I had recently acquired from the internet.

“Ce your way out, please inform my secretary to clear my schedule for tomorrow, I directed, my attention briefly diverted. Pausing by the door, Angelo turned back to face me. “And what’s happening tomorrow?” he inquired curiously.

Lily’s berthday tomorrow, and I intend to spend it with her, I informed him, a hint of anticipation in my voice, haking his head in concern, he rushed back to my desk. “Not to intrude, but remember, do not do anything funny with Lily because that would grant Stephanie access to half of your assets

ng my eyes at his caution. I returned my focus to the laptop screen. “I’m simply being there for her birthday and to spend time with my kids. Let’s not be ridiculous, I dismissed his concerns.

acknowledgment. Angelo turned and made his way towards the door. Ill inform my friend about the deal and

get back to you” he assured before stepping out and closing the door behind him.

Letting out a heavy sigh, I leaned forward, reaching for the framed pictures of Lily and the boys. Tracing my finger along the faces a pang of guilt washed over me. This, I realized, was the price I had to pay for my transgressions–the inability to spend time with my family, to be present in their lives, all as a consequence of betraying Lily.

A few minutes later, my phone chimed with a text from Angelo, confirming that his friend was on board.

After wrapping up work for the day. I made my way to the store to collect the customized jewelry I had ordered for Lily. However, the persistent presence of paparazzi made the task more challenging. They kept snapping pictures of me and ombarding me with questions, insinuating if the jewelry was intended for Stephanie. Ignoring their prying inquiries, I Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

picked up my order and made my way back home.

Pulling into my parking spot, I noticed Stephanie’s car parked nearby and frowned, realizing my instructions to my staff about her access had been ignored. It seemed they assumed that as my spouse, she now had free rein to enter the premises.

Entering the house, I discovered her in the living room, her expression twisted with anger. “Welcome home, husband,” she spar, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Since you’ve made it clear you won’t come home, I decided to pay you a visit. And new when she advanced towards me, her demeanor hostile. Tdiscovered you weren’t here, and the news informed me that you were out jewelry shopping Her gaze shifted to the bag in my hand. “Since you’re not handing that over to me, I’m

gating is not for me”

Awry churkle escaped her lips as she halted a few feet away. “Heaven forbid you actually get me a gift,” she sneered. “I mean, I practically had to buy my own wedding ring”

her a particularly stressful day, I had little patience for Stepharpe’s presence. “What are you doing here, Stephanie?” I demanded, my tone reflecting my irration

Tng her head detantly, her Eats clenched at her sides. “Do I look like a joke to you? Does this marriage seem like a joke to

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you?” she shot back, her voice laced with bitterness.

“Yes,” I replied bluntly, my tone devoid of humor. “You do look like a joke to me, and this marriage is undoubtedly a joke.” I blinked slowly, locking eyes with her. “I won’t ask you again, Stejihanie. What are you doing here?”

“What does it look like I’m doing here?” she retorted angrily. “Since you’ve chosen to avoid your wife and treat her like a disease, I decided to seek you out instead.

My gaze hardened as 1 processed her words. “And what exactly is that supposed to mean?” I pressed, my patience wearing

thin

“It means that since you seem to enjoy spending all your nights here, I’m moving in,” Stephanie declared defiantly, her tone

resolute.

“Don’t embarrass yourself, I retorted sharply, brushing past her. I quickly reached into my pocket and sent a text to one of the security personnel stationed outside, instructing them to escort her off the premises.

Pausing at the foot of the stairs, I turned to face her. “Someone is on their way to escort you out, so I suggest you leave voluntarily before you embarrass yourself any further,” I warned sternly.

Ignoring her protests and threats, I ascended the stairs, shutting out the sound of her voice as I made my way to my room and slammed the door behind me. Leaning against it, I let out a frustrated sigh.

I couldn’t help but wonder why it was taking Angelo so long to uncover something incriminating about Stephanie and her family, I longed for this ordeal to be over, yearning for the day when I could finally put this bullshit behind me.

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