Hell Hath no fury like a billionaire's Ex-Chapter 39: Sweet Appetizer

Diane’s POV

The elevator doors slid open with a soft ping, and I stepped into the underground parking garage, my heart still racing from the confrontation upstairs. The fluorescent lights cast harsh shadows, giving everything a stark, almost unreal quality.

The click of my heels echoed off the concrete walls as I made my way toward the exit, each step fueled by a mixture of adrenaline and vindication.

I had done it. I had faced Liam, watched him squirm, and planted the seeds of fear in his mind. The look on his face when I dropped that lingerie on his desk—pure panic. It was intoxicating.

As I rounded the corner, a familiar vehicle caught my eye. Liam’s precious Audi R8, gleaming under the parking garage lights. The car he loved more than anything—maybe even more than he’d ever loved me. I slowed my pace, drawn to it like a moth to flame.

"You threatened to destroy me, to leave me with nothing."

His words echoed in my mind. The casual cruelty, the absolute certainty that he could cut me off without consequence.

I stopped beside the car, running my fingertips along its sleek, polished surface. A hundred memories flooded back—the day he bought it, how he’d insisted on taking me for a drive along the coast, the way he’d lovingly detailed it every Sunday. Material possessions had always meant everything to Liam.

Something dark and primal stirred within me. Before I could second-guess myself, I scanned the parking garage. Empty. Security cameras were positioned at the entrance and exit, but this corner was a blind spot—I knew because Liam had specifically chosen this spot to avoid door dings from other cars.

My gaze fell on a metal rod leaning against a support column—probably left behind by maintenance. Without thinking, I walked over and picked it up, testing its weight in my hand. Substantial. Heavy. Perfect.

I returned to the Audi, my movements deliberate, almost dreamlike. Standing before the car, I raised the rod high.

"For breaking my heart," I whispered.

The rod came down on the windshield with a satisfying CRACK, sending a spider web of fractures across the glass. The sound seemed to reverberate through my entire body, releasing something that had been wound tight inside me for months.

I moved to the driver’s side, raising the rod again.

"For trying to ruin me."

CRACK. The driver’s window shattered, tiny fragments of safety glass cascading onto the leather seat.

I circled the car, a predator savoring the hunt. At the rear tire, I knelt down and positioned the pointed end of the rod against the rubber.

"For sleeping with my sister."

I thrust the rod forward with all my strength. The tire surrendered with a long, satisfying hiss.

One by one, I punctured the remaining tires, each escaping breath of air like a sigh of relief. I smashed the side mirrors, dented the doors, and took particular pleasure in scratching a long, jagged line across the custom paint job.

When I finally stepped back to survey my handiwork, I was breathing hard, my hair falling loose from its elegant twist. The perfect red dress now had a tear at the hem, and there was a smudge of grease on my sleeve. I didn’t care. Looking at the destroyed vehicle, I felt lighter than I had in months.

But I wasn’t quite finished.

I reached into my handbag and pulled out my favorite red lipstick—the same shade I’d carefully applied earlier that morning. With deliberate strokes, I wrote across the hood in bold, crimson letters:

"FUCKING CHEAT"

I added a smiley face for good measure, capped the lipstick, and dropped it back into my bag.

Only then did the reality of what I’d just done begin to sink in. I’d destroyed Liam’s precious car in the company parking garage. I should have felt remorse, maybe even fear. Instead, I felt... free.

I smoothed my hair, straightened my dress, and walked calmly to my own car, sliding into the driver’s seat with a smile playing at the corners of my lips. As I pulled out of the parking garage, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the rearview mirror. My cheeks were flushed, my eyes bright with a dangerous gleam.

I barely recognized myself. And I liked this new version of Diane Ashton much better.

The heavy bass from the car stereo matched the pounding of my heart as I navigated through midday traffic. My phone chimed with an incoming call, and I glanced at the display. Andrew. I hesitated for a moment before answering via Bluetooth.

"Diane speaking," I said, trying to sound composed despite the adrenaline still coursing through my veins.

"Diane, it’s Andrew." His voice was warm but businesslike. "I was wondering if you might be available to meet this afternoon. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you—something that could be relevant to your situation with Liam."

I checked the time on the dashboard. Just past noon. I had nowhere else to be.

"I’m actually free now," I replied. "Where did you have in mind?"

"There’s a private lounge at The Meridian Hotel. Discreet, comfortable. I can text you the details."

"That would be perfect. I’ll head there now."

After ending the call, I made a quick detour to Joan’s house to change—the tear in my dress and the grease stain were telltale signs of my parking garage activities. I slipped into a navy blue flowery dress, fixed my makeup, and was back on the road within twenty minutes.

The Meridian was one of the city’s most exclusive hotels, its understated facade belying the luxury within. I parked my car and made my way to the private lounge on the mezzanine level, where a hostess greeted me by name.

"Mrs. Ashton, Mr. Andrew is waiting for you in the Jasmine Room."

She led me down a corridor lined with original artwork to a door marked with a small brass plaque. Inside, the room was intimate but elegant—plush seating, soft lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city.

Andrew rose as I entered, his expression warm. He looked impeccable as always in a tailored gray suit, his silver hair perfectly styled. There was something comforting about his presence, a quiet strength that put me at ease despite our brief acquaintance.

"Diane, thank you for coming on such short notice." He gestured to the seat opposite him. "Please, make yourself comfortable. Can I order you something? Tea, perhaps, or freshly squeezed Juice?"

I settled into the leather armchair. "I think a freshly squeezed juice will do. It’s been quite a morning."

Andrew raised an eyebrow but didn’t pry. He signaled to the attendant hovering discreetly by the door. "Freshly Squeezed Juice for the lady, and I’ll have another scotch, neat."

Once our drinks arrived, Andrew leaned forward slightly. "You seem... invigorated. I take it something significant happened today?"

I took a sip of my juice, savoring its freshness. "You could say that. I paid Liam a visit at the office."

"Ah." He nodded thoughtfully. "And how did our friend Mr. Ashton take that?"

A smile tugged at my lips. "Not well. I may have left him with a few things to think about."

"I imagine you did." Andrew’s eyes twinkled with amusement, as if he could sense there was more to the story. "Liam has never handled challenges to his authority gracefully."

"I see, seem like you know him more than you let on."

Andrew’s expression darkened slightly. "More than I would like. But that’s actually why I wanted to meet with you today."

He reached for a leather portfolio on the table between us, opening it to reveal a stack of documents. "After our conversation at the hospital, I did some digging into Liam’s current business dealings. What I found might interest you."

He slid several papers toward me—financial reports and corporate filings. I scanned them quickly, my brow furrowing.

"Synergy Sphere is on the verge of a major deal," Andrew explained. The deal would essentially double the company’s portfolio." But not to worry I already call the person in charge of the deal not to award it to Synergy Sphere.

I looked up, surprised.

Andrew handed me another document. "This is the new list of Synergy Sphere’s major shareholders. Look at the distribution."

I studied the page. "Liam holds Thirty-five percent... the rest is divided among various investors and board members which included Mr. Guerrero and Noah."

"Exactly. Liam is the largest single shareholder, but he doesn’t hold a controlling interest. He needs the board’s approval for major decisions like this acquisition."

I set the papers down, my mind racing with thought as Andrew broke the silence.

He smiled, a calculating gleam in his eye. "What if you were to become a major shareholder yourself?"

I stared at him, momentarily speechless. "You mean buy the highest shares of Synergy Sphere? With what money? Liam has done everything possible to limit my access to our assets."

"That’s where I come in." Andrew leaned back, pouring some drink in his glass. "I’m prepared to finance your acquisition of shares—enough to give you significant leverage against Liam."

I shook my head, stunned by the offer. "Why would you do that? It’s a big risk."

"Let’s call it an investment in justice." He set his glass down. "Diane, Liam Ashton has built his fortune by exploiting others, by taking what isn’t rightfully his. I’ve watched him do it for years.

When our paths crossed, I saw an opportunity to finally hold him accountable."

"That sounds like Liam," I said bitterly.

"The experience with Liam taught me valuable lessons about who to trust and how to protect myself. And now, I have the resources to ensure Liam faces consequences for his actions—not just against me, but against you as well."

He reached into his portfolio again and pulled out a detailed financial proposal. "Here’s what I’m suggesting: I provide the capital for you to acquire shares in Synergy Sphere—strategically, through various investment vehicles to avoid alerting Liam. Within three months, you could hold enough stock to significantly influence board decisions."

I studied the proposal, my mind racing. "Even if I acquired, say, fifteen or twenty percent to my already ten percent, Liam would still have more."

"True," Andrew conceded. "But combined with other shareholders who might be persuaded to vote with you, you could effectively block his initiatives or even push through your own."

"Such as?"

"Forcing a fair divorce settlement, for one. Or even removing him as CEO if we uncover all the evidence of his misconduct." Andrew’s eyes gleamed. "Which brings me to the second part of my proposal."

He handed me a business card. "This is Thomas Reed, a forensic accountant who specializes in uncovering corporate fraud. With your insider knowledge and his expertise, we might find that Liam’s business practices don’t stand up to scrutiny."

I turned the card over in my fingers, a plan beginning to take shape in my mind. "You’re suggesting we not only block his moves but potentially expose him?"

"Precisely." Andrew nodded. "Liam’s power comes from his position at Synergy Sphere. Remove that, and what does he have?"

The answer was clear: nothing. Without the company, without his wealth and status, Liam would be stripped of everything he valued. Just as he had tried to do to me.

Tears pricked at my eyes unexpectedly, overwhelmed by the possibility that I might actually win this battle. After months of feeling powerless.

Andrew noticed my emotion and reached across to place a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Diane, I know this is overwhelming. But I want you to know that I’m committed to helping you through this fight, every step of the way. We’ll make sure you get what rightfully belongs to you."

I wiped away a tear, embarrassed by my show of vulnerability. "Thank you, Andrew. I just... I never expected to find an ally like you. Especially not after..."

"After I hit you with my car?" He offered a rueful smile. "Perhaps fate has a strange sense of humor."

I laughed despite myself, the tension breaking. "Perhaps it does."

Andrew refilled our glasses, raising his in a toast. "To justice."

"To justice," I echoed, clinking my glass against his.

"The plan we’ve discussed will take time to implement. In the meantime, I suggest you continue working with Joan silently and make sure to walk her thorugh everything we’ve discussed.

I nodded in agreement.

He reached into his jacket pocket and withdrew an envelope, sliding it across the table to me. "This is a cashier’s check. Consider it an advance against future legal expenses, and whatever you need to maintain your independence during this process."

I opened the envelope and nearly gasped. The amount was substantial—enough to cover my expenses for months, even if Liam succeeded in cutting off my access to our joint accounts.

"Andrew, this is too much. I can’t—"

"You can and you will," he interrupted gently but firmly. "This is not charity, Diane. It’s an investment in our shared goal of holding Liam accountable. You can repay me when you receive your rightful settlement, if that makes you more comfortable."

I closed the envelope, overwhelmed by his generosity. "Thank you. I don’t know what else to say."

"Your determination is thanks enough," he replied. "Just promise me one thing: no matter how difficult it gets, no matter what Liam throws at you, you won’t give up."

I thought of the wreckage I’d left in the parking garage, of the look on Liam’s face when I’d confronted him in his office. I thought of my babies, growing inside me, counting on me to protect them.

"I promise," I said, my voice steady and certain. "Liam has taken enough from me. Not anymore."

Andrew smiled, a look of approval and something else—was it pride?—crossing his face. "That’s the spirit.

By the time we parted ways, the sun was setting over the city. Andrew walked me to my car, his presence steady and reassuring. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

"I’ll be in touch tomorrow with the initial paperwork," he said. "In the meantime, try to get some rest. You’ve had quite a day."

If only he knew the half of it, I thought, remembering Liam’s destroyed car.

"I will," I promised. "And Andrew... thank you again. For everything."

He squeezed my hand gently. "This is just the beginning, Diane. Just the beginning."

As I drove away from The Meridian, the thought of Liam discovering his precious car brought a smile to my lips. Let him taste the frustration of having something he loved destroyed. It was merely an appetizer for what was to come.