Hell Hath no fury like a billionaire's Ex-Chapter 80: Drawing Lines

Diane’s POV

"You’re smiling," Joan observed as we pulled into the driveway. "That’s a good sign."

"I’m just thinking about Guerrero’s face when he saw those documents," I replied. "The way the entire board looked when they realized their golden boy CEO has been stealing from them."

Joan laughed. "It was pretty spectacular. Though I’m still trying to figure out how we’re going to woo Elite Group with you looking like you’re about to pop any minute."

"We’ll manage," I said with more confidence than I felt. "We always do."

As we entered the house, my mother’s laughter drifted from the living room. She was sitting on the couch, scrolling through her phone with a smile that I hadn’t seen in weeks. It vanished instantly when she saw us, replaced by maternal concern.

"There you are!" She rushed over, embracing me gently. "How did the meeting go? Are you feeling alright? You look exhausted."

"I’m fine, Mom," I assured her, easing myself onto the couch. "The meeting went better than expected, actually. The board is considering me as interim CEO while they investigate Liam."

Mom’s eyes widened. "Really? That’s wonderful news!" She turned to Joan. "Isn’t that amazing?"

"It is," Joan agreed, setting down her bag. "But they’re dangling the position like a carrot on a stick. Diane has to secure a major contract with Elite Group to prove her value."

"And she will," Mom said with absolute conviction. "If anyone can do it, Diane can."

Her unwavering faith in me felt both comforting and suffocating. "I think I need to rest for a bit," I said, feeling the weight of the day settling into my bones. "I’m completely drained."

"Of course, sweetheart," Mom said, her face softening. "You’ve had quite a morning."

I headed for the stairs, moving slower than usual, my hand supporting my lower back. Joan followed close behind.

"I made lunch," my mother called after us. "If either of you are hungry?"

"I’ll be down soon," I replied, suddenly aware of how drained I felt. "I just need a moment."

The climb upstairs seemed to take more effort than usual, my pregnant body protesting each step. By the time I reached the guest room that had become my temporary sanctuary, I was breathing heavily.

I went straight to the bathroom, turned on the cold water, and splashed my face. The shock of it felt good against my flushed skin. As I patted my face dry with a soft towel, I caught my reflection in the mirror.

The woman staring back at me looked tired, yes, but also determined. Resolute. She didn’t look like a victim anymore.

I sat heavily on the edge of the bed, my hands automatically finding their way to my belly. The twins were active today, responding to my stress and exertion with enthusiastic kicks.

"Easy in there," I murmured. "Mommy’s had quite a day."

My phone weighed heavy in my pocket. I pulled it out, staring at the screen as thoughts of Sophie invaded my mind. Despite everything, I worried about her. Had Liam discovered what she’d done? Was she safe?

And then there was Andrew—my father. The man who had abandoned us, lied to us by omission, and now wanted back in my life just as everything was falling apart.

Before I could overthink it, I pulled up his contact and pressed call. My heart pounded in my chest as the phone rang once, twice, three times.

"Diane?" His voice, when he answered, was filled with such naked hope that I almost hung up. "Is everything alright?"

"No," I said flatly. "It’s not."

"What’s wrong? Are the babies—"

"They’re fine," I cut him off. "This isn’t about them."

I heard him exhale with relief. "What can I do for you, then?"

The question hung between us, loaded with decades of absence. What could he do for me now that would make up for years of abandonment? Nothing. And yet...

"You said you wanted to be a father to me now," I began, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "That you wanted to play your role in my life after years of abandoning me and my sister."

"Yes," he replied, his voice thick with emotion. "More than anything."

"Well, it’s time to prove yourself now." I paused, gathering my courage for what I was about to ask. "It doesn’t mean I would forgive you right away, but it’s just a step to see if I can change my mind along the line."

"Anything," he promised immediately. "Just name it."

I took a deep breath. "I want you to abduct Liam."

The silence on the other end of the line stretched so long I thought the call had dropped.

"You want me to what?" he finally managed, his voice strained.

"You heard me," I replied, gripping the phone tighter. "I need to talk to him because if I intend doing that gently, he wouldn’t come or oblige. He’s planning something dangerous, Andrew. I have proof. And I need to confront him directly, away from his safe haven."

"Diane, that’s—"

"Illegal? Dangerous? So was embezzling millions from his company. So was threatening my life." My voice hardened. "Are you going to help me or not?"

Another long pause. Then: "I would do just about anything to earn a second chance with you, Diane. But I won’t put you in danger."

"I need to do this," I insisted. "I need to face him, to find out exactly what he plans to do. The documents Sophie found are damning, but I need to hear it from him—see his face when I tell him I know everything."

Andrew sighed heavily. "If I agree to this—and I’m not saying I will—I’d need assurances. Precautions."

"What kind of precautions?"

"I would not allow you to be alone with him," he said firmly. "Given your condition and what we know about his threats, that’s non-negotiable."

I frowned. This wasn’t how I’d envisioned the confrontation.

"But I need to speak with him privately," I argued. "There are things I need to say—to ask."

"Then I’ll agree to this on one condition," Andrew countered. "You allow my security team to be present. They’re discreet, professional, and they’ll stay incase there’s danger. But I will not risk your safety, Diane. Not for anything."

I considered this compromise. It wasn’t ideal, but if it meant getting face-to-face with Liam, forcing him to confront what he’d done...

"Fine," I conceded. "But you stay away. I don’t want Liam to know about you yet."

"Agreed," Andrew said, relief evident in his voice. "I’ll make the arrangements and text you the location once it’s secure."

I started to end the call, then hesitated. "Wait. There’s one more thing."

"Yes?"

"Sophie," I said, her name still difficult to say aloud. "Have you been able to reach out to her?"

There was a pause. "Not really," he admitted. "I saw her once, by chance. She was parked at a corner trying to clean some... hurtful things written on her car. I offered to help with cleaning supplies, but she refused and drove off before I could explain who I was."

My stomach clenched at the image of Sophie alone, her car vandalized, while strangers jeered. As hurt and angry as I was, the thought of her suffering public humiliation and potential danger from Liam twisted something inside me.

"I think she’s in trouble," I said quietly. "And despite everything that’s happened between us, I don’t want Liam to hurt her." I paused, swallowing hard. "I’m going to send you her number. I want you to help keep her safe."

"Of course," Andrew replied quickly. "I’ll do whatever I can."

"But don’t tell her I asked you to," I added hastily. "Don’t tell her we’ve spoken about this at all. I... I don’t know how I feel about her betrayal yet. I just don’t want her harmed."

"I understand," he said softly. "I’ll be discreet."

"Thank you," I said, the words feeling inadequate for what I was asking him to do.

"Diane," Andrew’s voice broke slightly. "I know I’ve been a terrible father. I know twenty-nine years of absence can’t be erased with a few weeks of presence. But I promise you, I will do everything in my power to protect both my daughters. Even if you never forgive me."

Tears pricked at my eyes. "I have to go," I said abruptly.

"I’ll be in touch about Liam," he promised before we disconnected.

I stared at my phone for a long moment after ending the call, wondering if I’d just made a terrible mistake. Trusting Andrew with this felt like handing a stranger the keys to my future. But I had few options left, and fewer allies I could count on. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

After sending Sophie’s contact information to Andrew, I took a few minutes to compose myself before heading downstairs for lunch.

The kitchen smelled invitingly of garlic and herbs as I entered. Joan was already seated at the table, a spread of sandwiches, soup, and a colorful salad laid out before her. My mother was arranging glasses of water and iced tea.

"Just in time," she said, smiling as I eased myself into a chair. "You must be starving after your eventful morning."

I nodded, suddenly aware of the gnawing hunger in my stomach. Despite the tension coiled inside me, my appetite hadn’t diminished—the twins saw to that.

"This looks amazing, Mom," I said, reaching for a sandwich. "Thank you."

We ate in companionable silence for a few minutes, each lost in our own thoughts. Finally, my mother set down her spoon and cleared her throat.

"I spoke with Sophie while you were out," she said tentatively.

My sandwich paused halfway to my mouth. "Oh?"

My mother nodded, her eyes watching me carefully. "She said she’d gone back to her apartment and that she doesn’t think Liam knows yet that she took those files." She hesitated. "She asked after you and the babies."

I set my sandwich down, appetite suddenly diminished. "And what did you tell her?"

"That you’re well. That the pregnancy is progressing normally." My mother reached across the table, her hand stopping short of touching mine. "She sounded terrible, Diane. Like she was trying so hard to be strong, but just barely holding it together."

"She made her choices," I said flatly, though the words lacked the conviction they would have had days ago.

"I know she did," my mother agreed. "And they were terrible choices. But I’m still worried about her. I don’t think she’s safe, despite what she told me. And I know her well enough to know when she’s putting on a brave face."

I took a sip of water, avoiding her gaze. "I’ve made arrangements for Sophie’s safety," I said finally.

Both Joan and my mother stared at me in surprise.

"What kind of arrangements?" Joan asked cautiously.

I shrugged, unwilling to elaborate. "The kind that will keep her out of Liam’s crosshairs, at least for now."

My mother looked like she wanted to press for details, but something in my expression must have warned her off. Instead, she nodded slowly. "Thank you, Diane. Whatever happened between you two, she’s still your sister."

"Ok. And besides I didn’t do it for her. I did it because Liam needs to face justice for what he’s done. If he hurts Sophie before that happens, he might never be held accountable."

Joan raised an eyebrow but said nothing, returning to her soup.

We ate the rest of our meal in relative silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging over us. I couldn’t tell them about my plans to confront Liam—Joan would object on legal grounds, and my mother would be terrified for my safety. But I needed to deal with Liam in my own pretty little way.