Hell Hath no fury like a billionaire's Ex-Chapter 86: Karma’s Messenger

Diane’s POV

The drive home from the warehouse felt surreal, as if I were watching myself from outside my body. My hands, steady on the steering wheel, betrayed nothing of the storm raging inside me. What had I become? The woman who’d walked into that warehouse wasn’t the same one driving away from it.

I pulled into Joan’s driveway and sat for a moment, collecting myself. The twins kicked vigorously, as if sensing my turmoil. I placed a hand on my swollen belly.

"We’re going to be okay," I whispered. "Mommy’s got this."

I checked my reflection in the rearview mirror, ensuring no trace of the morning’s events remained on my face. Satisfied with what I saw—a composed, if tired, pregnant woman—I made my way inside.

Mom was in the kitchen, chopping vegetables for what smelled like her famous vegetable soup. Joan sat at the island counter, laptop open, fingers flying across the keyboard.

"There you are!" Mom exclaimed, setting down her knife. "I was worried when you rushed out like that."

Joan looked up, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in my appearance. "Where did you disappear to so early?"

I arranged my face into what I hoped was a casual expression. "Just getting some information about Elite Group. If I’m going to secure that contract, I need to be prepared."

"You could have done that from here," Joan pointed out, ever the skeptical one.

I shrugged, moving to the refrigerator. "Sometimes I think better when I’m out driving. Besides, the air did me good." I pulled out a bottle of water. "What’s for lunch?"

Mom seemed to accept my explanation, but Joan’s eyes lingered on me a moment longer before returning to her screen. I knew she suspected something, but thankfully, she didn’t press the issue.

"Vegetable soup and grilled cheese," Mom replied. "Should be ready in about thirty minutes."

"Perfect. I’m starving." I wasn’t, really, but normalcy was what I needed right now. "Mind if I put on the news?"

No one objected, so I made my way to the living room, settling into the plush sofa with a soft groan. My back ached from sitting in the car and the uncomfortable metal chair at the warehouse.

I switched on the television, flipping to a national news channel. The familiar drone of breaking news and political commentary washed over me, providing a comforting background noise as I tried to process the morning’s events.

Mom joined me a few minutes later, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel. "Joan says lunch will be ready in twenty. She’s taking over the cooking while I rest my feet."

I patted the seat beside me. "Come sit, Mom. You’ve been on your feet all morning."

She settled beside me, her presence warm and comforting. "You look tired, sweetheart. Are you sure everything’s alright?"

"Just pregnancy fatigue," I lied smoothly. "Dr. Chen says it’s normal, especially with twins."

Mom nodded sympathetically, reaching over to pat my hand. "I remember those days. Your father used to joke that I was growing an entire soccer team, the way I would fall asleep mid-sentence."

The mention of Andrew made my stomach twist uncomfortably. If only Mom knew what I’d asked him to do this morning.

Joan appeared in the doorway, dish towel slung over her shoulder. "Soup’s on in ten. Who wants—"

She was interrupted by the television suddenly increasing in volume as a breaking news banner flashed across the screen.

"We interrupt our regular programming to bring you breaking news from downtown," announced a grim-faced reporter. "Liam Ashton, CEO of Synergy Spheres, has been found partially clothed and injured on a public street near the business district."

My breath caught in my throat. Onscreen, blurred footage showed paramedics loading what appeared to be Liam onto a stretcher. Even with the pixelation, I could see he was wearing only a pair of ripped pants, his body visibly bruised.

"Oh my God," Mom whispered, her hand flying to her mouth.

Joan rushed into the room, eyes wide. "Is that—?"

"Authorities are still investigating how Mr. Ashton came to be in this condition," the reporter continued. "Early reports suggest he may have been the victim of an assault, though details remain unclear."

The scene shifted to the studio, where the anchor’s expression was one of poorly concealed excitement at covering such a salacious story.

"For those just joining us, Liam Ashton, the embattled CEO of Synergy Spheres, has been found injured and partially clothed on a public street. Mr. Ashton has been at the center of controversy in recent weeks following revelations of his extramarital affair with his sister-in-law, Sophie Evans, and allegations of financial malfeasance."

A box appeared in the corner of the screen showing a photo of me from a charity gala last year, looking radiant in a blue gown, my arm linked with Liam’s.

"Ashton’s wife, Diane Ashton, filed for divorce some months ago and is reportedly expecting the couple’s first children. Sources close to Mrs. Ashton say she was devastated by her husband’s betrayal."

Mom turned to me, her face pale. "Diane, are you alright?"

I realized I had been staring at the screen, motionless. I forced myself to blink, to breathe. "I’m... shocked."

Joan’s eyes hadn’t left the television. "What the hell happened to him? He looks like he got the crap beaten out of him."

"This isn’t the first trouble for the tech CEO," the reporter continued. "Synergy Spheres stock has plummeted nearly 20% since news broke of Ashton’s affair and the company’s financial irregularities. Industry insiders say the board has been considering removing Ashton from his position."

They cut to an interview with a financial analyst who looked entirely too happy to be on camera. "Frankly, Ashton hasn’t been himself since his wife left him. The man’s been spiraling, making erratic decisions. Synergy Spheres is in freefall, and now this? It’s like watching a train wreck in slow motion."

The anchor reappeared, her expression serious. "Many are speculating that today’s incident is yet another sign of Ashton’s unraveling. Some are even suggesting that karma may be catching up with the disgraced CEO."

"What goes around comes around," her co-anchor added with barely concealed satisfaction. "Our hearts go out to his wife, Diane Ashton. We can only imagine how difficult this must be for her."

A strange sensation bubbled up inside me—something between anxiety and triumph. I pressed my lips together to keep me from laughing inappropriately.

"Poor Diane," the female anchor continued, her voice dripping with sympathy. "First the affair with her own sister, then being cut off financially, and now this public disgrace. We hope she’s somewhere safe, focusing on her health and her baby’s well-being."

Mom put her arm around me protectively. "Those vultures! Looking for people’s lives to feed on!"

Joan moved to sit on my other side. "Are you okay? This has to be a shock."

I felt their arms around me, their concern warm and genuine, and for a moment I was tempted to confess everything—the warehouse, Andrew’s involvement, the torture I’d inflicted on Liam. But the words wouldn’t come.

"I’m just... processing," I managed. "It’s a lot to take in."

As if on cue, my phone rang. Dr. Chen’s number flashed on the screen. I glanced at Mom and Joan before answering.

"Hello, Dr. Chen," I said, my voice carefully controlled.

"Diane," Dr. Chen’s familiar voice came through, professional but tinged with concern. "I’m calling about your husband, Liam Ashton. He’s been brought into Memorial Hospital—our hospital—and he’s in a very bad state."

I closed my eyes, feigning distress while my heart raced with excitement. "I just saw it on the news," I said quietly.

"I understand the condition of your relationship," Dr. Chen continued, her voice softening. "And I wouldn’t normally call in these circumstances, but I felt I should inform you personally."

I took a deep breath. "How bad is it?"

"The doctors have managed to control the bleeding, and he’s resting now. But it’s quite serious, Diane."

I kept my eyes on Mom and Joan, who were watching me intently. "I understand. Thank you for calling, Dr. Chen. I’ll be there in thirty minutes."

As I ended the call, Joan immediately upset. "What was that about? You’re not actually going to see him, are you?"

Mom looked equally concerned. "Sweetheart, after everything he’s done to you..."

I held up a hand, silencing them both. "Calm down. I know what I’m doing."

"But why would you go?" Joan demanded. "He doesn’t deserve your sympathy!"

I reached for my purse, my mind racing ahead. "I don’t want to appear as the vengeful soon-to-be ex. I’m going to play Liam’s game."

Mom’s brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"It would look good in the public eye to know that despite everything Liam has done, I couldn’t wish him ill," I explained, my voice measured and calm. "It will also help in my mission to take over Synergy Spheres. When they make me CEO, it would be easier to get people on my side if I’m seen as compassionate rather than bitter."

Joan’s eyes narrowed with dawning understanding. "So this is strategic."

"Exactly." I nodded, grateful that she was catching on. "It’s about optics. The grieving, forgiving wife looks a lot better to the board than the vengeful ex."

Mom still looked uncertain. "Are you sure about this, sweetheart? Seeing him might be more upsetting than you anticipate."

I squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I’m stronger than you think, Mom. I can handle Liam."

If only she knew how true those words were.

I grabbed my keys and headed for the door, my mind already plotting the next scene in this drama.

Memorial Hospital was bustling with activity when I arrived. This was the same hospital where I had my regular checkups, so the surroundings were familiar to me. Several reporters lingered near the entrance, no doubt hoping for a glimpse of the disgraced CEO—or perhaps his pregnant wife.

I spotted Dr. Chen waiting for me in the lobby. Her face lit up with a mixture of relief and admiration as I approached.

"Mrs. Ashton," she greeted me, clasping my hand in both of hers. "Thank you for coming, especially under these circumstances. I truly appreciate you showing up despite everything." freewebnσvel.cѳm

"Of course," I replied softly, adopting the mask of the concerned wife. "How is he doing now?"

"Stable. We’ve managed to stop the bleeding, and he’s resting now." She led me through a maze of corridors as we stopped outside a private room, and Dr. Chen turned to face me. "You’re a remarkable woman, Diane. After everything he’s put you through..."

I lowered my eyes modestly. "He’s still the father of my children."

Dr. Chen opened the door, and I stepped inside with her and a nurse. The sight of Liam in a hospital bed, hooked up to monitors, his face swollen and bruised, sent a thrill of satisfaction through me, though I was careful to keep my expression concerned.

Taking in Liam’s appearance. His eyes were closed, his breathing even—but I knew he wasn’t really asleep. The slight tension around his eyes gave him away.

I hurried to his bedside, sitting beside him. I reached out to take his hand, the very picture of a devoted wife.

"Oh, Liam," I whispered, loudly enough for Dr. Chen and the nurse to hear. "Who did this to you?"

I stroked his hair back from his forehead, my touch gentle despite the rage that still simmered beneath my skin. I could feel Dr. Chen watching me, no doubt moved by my apparent forgiveness.

She stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Mrs. Ashton, you have a heart of gold."

I placed my hand over hers, offering a small, sad smile. "Thank you, Dr. Chen."

She nodded, her eyes warm with sympathy. "We’ll leave you two alone for a moment. The nurse and I need to check on another patient. We’ll be back shortly to check his vitals."

"That would be kind, thank you," I replied.

As soon as the door closed behind them, my entire demeanor changed. I dropped Liam’s hand as if it were contaminated and leaned in close to his ear.

"You son of a bitch," I hissed, my voice cold as ice. "You just got lucky. Next time, I’ll make sure you lose a limb. Fool."

Liam remained perfectly still, committed to his pretense of unconsciousness. I had to admire his dedication, if nothing else.

I stood up and walked to the bathroom, leaving the door slightly ajar so I could watch him while pretending to make a phone call.

"Hello?" I said loudly into my silent phone. "Yes, I’m with him now. The nurse just left."

From my vantage point, I could see Liam’s eyelids flutter slightly.

"No, he’s still unconscious," I continued my one-sided conversation. "Did you bring the injection? Good. I need you to come up now, before they check his vitals again."

I paused for dramatic effect, watching Liam’s fingers twitch on the bed.

"I know what I’m doing," I said firmly. This will look like natural complications. No one will suspect a thing." Another pause. "Because I want to end this today. He deserves to suffer for what he did to me."

I saw Liam’s eyes snap open, panic written across his face. With surprising agility for someone who’d been seriously beaten, he ripped the IV from his arm and disconnected the monitors, setting off a chaos alarms.

"Get here quickly," I said into my phone, raising my voice to be heard over the beeping. "Room 412. He’s not going to hurt anyone else after today."

I could hear Liam stumbled out of bed. The loud bang of the door made me realize he had scurried off.

I stayed in the bathroom, a triumphant smile spreading across my face as I heard the commotion in the hallway. The sounds of startled voices, running footsteps, and Liam’s desperate flight filled the air.

By the time I emerged, feigning confusion and distress, a small crowd of nurses and security personnel had gathered outside the room.

"What happened?" I asked, placing a protective hand on my belly. "Where’s my husband?"

A flustered nurse turned to me, her expression incredulous. "He just... ran out! Tore out his IV and everything! He knocked down the Nurse and just kept going!"

"But he was unconscious," I protested, my eyes wide with manufactured innocence. "I went to use the bathroom for just a minute..."

"He was seen running through the lobby in nothing but a hospital gown."

"Oh my God," I whispered, pressing a hand to my mouth. "Is he having some kind of breakdown? Could it be the medication?"

The nurse shook her head, bewildered. "I’ve never seen anything like it. One minute he was stable, the next he was running like the devil himself was after him."

"Or the devil’s very pregnant ex-wife", I thought with grim satisfaction.

"Mrs. Ashton, I’m so sorry," Dr. Chen said, approaching me with concern. "This is highly unusual. Are you alright?"

I swayed slightly, allowing her to guide me to a chair. "I’m just worried about him," I lied. "He’s clearly not in his right mind."

"We’ll find him," she assured me.

I nodded gratefully and thanked her, promised to stay by my phone, and made my exit, maintaining my worried expression until I was safely in my car.

Only then did I allow the laughter to bubble up, laughing until tears streamed down my face at the image of Liam sprinting through downtown in a flapping hospital gown, convinced that his murderous wife was hot on his heels with a lethal injection.

Oh, how the mighty had fallen indeed. And I was just getting started.