Hell Hath no fury like a billionaire's Ex-Chapter 90: Thank You For Time

Diane’s POV

The evening shadows had crept into Joan’s living room by the time I hung up the phone with Andrew. Outside, the streetlights flickered on one by one, casting a warm glow against the darkening sky. Joan busied herself with clearing our research materials from the coffee table while I sat in contemplative silence, trying to process the conversation.

"That was... unexpected," I finally said, my hand absently stroking my belly.

Joan glanced up from her organizing. "Which part? The Elite Group connection or the bodyguards?"

"Both," I admitted. "I’ve spent so long keeping Andrew at arm’s length. Accepting his help feels like... I don’t know. Like opening a door I’ve tried hard to keep closed."

Joan set down the stack of papers she’d been gathering and settled onto the couch beside me. "You’re not selling your soul, Diane. You’re using available resources to protect yourself and secure your future. There’s no shame in that."

I sighed, leaning back against the cushions. "I know. I just wish the ’available resource’ wasn’t the father who abandoned me, my sister and my mother."

"People change," Joan said gently. "Or at least, they can. Maybe this is his way of trying to make amends."

Before I could respond, the doorbell rang. Joan’s security system chimed, and she reached for her tablet to check the front door camera.

"Right on time," she said, showing me the screen. Two men in dark suits stood on the porch, their posture straight and alert, scanning the surroundings with professional vigilance. "Your new shadow detail, I presume."

My stomach twisted with a mixture of relief and unease. Having security would certainly help me sleep better after everything that had happened, but the constant presence of watchful eyes—even friendly ones—felt like yet another invasion of privacy in a life that had become increasingly public.

Joan went to the door, speaking briefly with the men while I gathered my things. When she returned, her expression was impressed.

"They’re very professional," she said. "They’ll maintain their distance as you requested—one at the perimeter of the property, one in a vehicle across the street. They’ll follow when we go out, but discreetly. Andrew wasn’t exaggerating about their training."

I nodded, too tired to feel anything but grateful for the extra layer of protection. The exhaustion of the day was finally catching up with me, and the weight of the twins seemed suddenly heavier than usual.

"I think I need to lie down," I said, struggling to my feet.

Joan immediately stepped forward to steady me. "Of course. You’ve been pushing yourself too hard. The Elite presentation can wait until morning."

But even as I settled into my room, sleep eluded me. My mind kept circling back to Andrew’s offer to connect me with Elite Group’s owner. If he could truly deliver on that promise, it would catapult my chances of becoming CEO. And with that position, I could finally reclaim my life Liam had stripped from me and secure the future of my children.

I reached for my laptop, pulling it onto the table. If the meeting with Elite’s owner was going to happen, I needed to be prepared. My presentation had to be flawless, undeniable. I worked late into the night, my determination fueled by the memory of the board members’ skeptical faces and Guerrero’s challenging tone. I would prove myself worthy, not just as Liam’s wronged wife, but as a businesswoman with expertise as a marketing executive in my own right.

----

Morning arrived with the soft chime of my email notification. I blinked awake, disoriented at first by the laptop still balanced on the bedside table where I’d finally set it down in the early hours. The room was bathed in the golden light of dawn, dust motes moving in the sunbeams that filtered through the curtains.

I reached for my phone, expecting a message from Dr. Chen or perhaps Noah who have refuse to return my calls or text. Instead, I found an email from Elite Group—an invitation to present to their executive team. Today. At 2 PM.

My heart leaped into my throat. Andrew had delivered, and faster than I could have imagined. I called out for Joan, my voice cracking with excitement and nerves.

She appeared in the doorway moments later, her hair tousled from sleep. "What’s wrong? Are you okay?"

I held up my phone, my hand trembling slightly. "Elite Group. They want me to present today at 2 PM."

Joan’s eyes widened. "Today? That’s... that’s unheard of. Their waiting list for presentations is months long."

"Andrew came through," I said, still hardly believing it myself. "He actually did it."

"Well," Joan said, recovering quickly from her surprise, "we’d better get you ready. You’re about to walk into the opportunity of a lifetime."

The morning passed in a whirlwind of preparation. I finalized my presentation, rehearsed key points, and tried to anticipate potential questions while Joan helped me select the perfect outfit—a navy blue maternity dress that was both professional and comfortable, paired with a structured blazer that lent an air of authority.

By the time we left for the meeting, my nervousness had transformed into a steady determination. The security detail Andrew had arranged followed at a discreet distance in a sleek black sedan, their presence oddly reassuring against the backdrop of recent threats.

"You’ve got this," Joan said as our car pulled up to the imposing glass tower that housed Elite Group’s headquarters. "Remember, you’re not just fighting for yourself anymore. You’re fighting for your children, for your future."

I nodded, drawing strength from her words and the gentle movements of the twins inside me. "For all of us," I agreed.

The Elite Group headquarters was even more impressive up close than I had imagined—twenty stories of gleaming glass and steel reaching toward the sky, a testament to the company’s status as one of the most prestigious investment firms in the country. As we entered the soaring lobby, with its marble floors and abstract sculptures, I couldn’t help but feel dwarfed by the grandeur.

"Ms. Ashton?" A polished receptionist approached us. "Welcome to Elite Group. We’ve been expecting you." frёeωebɳovel.com

I blinked in surprise at the warm greeting. The woman’s smile seemed genuine, almost as if she’d been instructed to give us special treatment.

"Thank you," I replied, trying to maintain my composure. "This is Joan Hand, my legal counsel."

"Of course, Ms. Hand is also on our visitor list," the receptionist said with another smile. "Please, follow me. I’ll show you to the VIP waiting area."

Joan and I exchanged glances as we were led to an elevator that required a special key card. "VIP waiting area?" Joan mouthed silently, raising her eyebrows.

The elevator whisked us to the 18th floor, opening directly into a luxurious space with panoramic views of the city. Plush seating arrangements, a coffee bar, and fresh flower displays created an atmosphere of refined comfort.

"Please make yourselves comfortable," the receptionist said. "The executive team will be ready for you shortly. In the meantime, can I offer you coffee, tea, or perhaps something to eat?"

"Tea would be lovely, thank you," I said, still trying to process the unexpectedly warm reception.

As soon as the woman left, Joan leaned in close. "This is definitely Andrew’s handiwork," she whispered. "I’ve presented to dozens of investment firms, and I’ve never received treatment like this, even from longtime clients."

"If he’s this influential," I murmured back, "how is he able to pull strings like this? And more importantly, why didn’t he ever use this influence when my mother was struggling to make ends meet?"

Before Joan could respond, a young executive appeared with our refreshments—not just tea, but an elegant spread of small sandwiches and pastries.

"Thank you," I said, forcing a smile despite the conflicting emotions swirling inside me.

"It’s our pleasure, Ms. Ashton," he replied. "If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to ask."

As he departed, Joan shook her head in amazement. "I think we’ve stepped into some alternate universe where you’re royalty. How connected is your father?"

The question hung in the air, unanswered, as we sipped our tea and tried to look as if this level of treatment was normal for us. I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Andrew’s relationship with Elite Group than he had revealed.

After about twenty minutes, another staff member appeared. "Ms. Ashton? The executive team is ready for you now. If you’ll follow me?"

I gathered my materials, took a deep breath, and exchanged one last look with Joan, who gave me an encouraging nod. "You’ve got this," she mouthed again.

The conference room was expansive, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Around a massive oval table sat eight executives—five men and three women, all impeccably dressed and watching me with interested expressions as I entered.

"Mrs. Ashton," a distinguished older gentleman with silver hair rose to greet me. "I’m Walter Kingston, Chief Operating Officer. Thank you for joining us today. We’re very interested in hearing about Synergy Sphere’s proposal."

I shook his hand, summoning every ounce of confidence I possessed. "Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Kingston. I’m eager to share our vision with you."

As the other executives introduced themselves, I set up my presentation materials, grateful that my hands remained steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me. This was it—my chance to prove my worth beyond Liam’s shadow, to secure the future I desperately needed for myself and my children.

"Whenever you’re ready, Ms. Ashton," Kingston said, gesturing toward the screen.

I clicked to my first slide, took a calming breath, and began.

"Elite Group has built its reputation on recognizing innovation before the market catches up," I started, my voice stronger than I’d expected. "Today, I’m going to show you why partnering with Synergy Sphere represents exactly that kind of forward-thinking opportunity—not despite our recent challenges, but because of them."

For the next forty minutes, I presented with a passion and clarity that surprised even me. I detailed Synergy Sphere’s innovative smart building technology, our sustainability initiatives, our market potential, and our strategic advantages. I addressed the company’s recent public relations challenges head-on, positioning them as an opportunity for transformation and growth rather than liabilities.

The executives listened attentively, nodding at key points and occasionally making notes. Unlike most presentations I’d witnessed, where attention frequently wandered and side conversations erupted, these executives remained fully engaged—almost as if they’d been instructed to give me their undivided attention.

As I concluded the financial projections section, I noticed several of them exchanging impressed glances.

"The partnership we’re proposing isn’t just profitable for both parties," I said, moving to my final slides. "It aligns perfectly with Elite’s Group commitment to sustainable innovation and positive social impact. By backing a company in transition—one moving toward more ethical leadership and transparent practices—Elite Group can demonstrate its values in action."

I clicked to my final slide, a simple but powerful image showing Synergy Sphere and Elite Group logos side by side, with the tagline: "Building Tomorrow, Together."

"Thank you for your time," I concluded. "I’m happy to answer any questions you might have."