Game of Love and Deception: The Billionaire's Ex Wife
Chapter 46: Disaster was inevitable

Chapter 46: Disaster was inevitable

Before Ashley could ask if something was wrong, Michelle spoke. "It was your grandfather’s hospital," she said, her voice measured. "They’re assigning him a new doctor."

Ashley’s brows furrowed. "Did they say whether he’s responding to treatment yet?"

Michelle pressed her lips into a thin line, her gaze dropping to her phone. "Not much for now, which is why they’re making the change. I think I’ll be traveling there next week."

"Can I go with you? We can both be there for him," Ashley asked, her tone laced with concern.

"As tempting as that sounds, someone still needs to take care of the company, darling," Michelle said, unaware of the recent crisis. Ashley had kept it a secret because she didn’t want to add to her worries.

Ashley’s heart hammered in her chest when she talked about the company. She hesitated, then nodded, agreeing with Michelle. Leaning in, she wrapped her arms around the old lady in a comforting hug before they left the dining room and headed upstairs to their respective rooms.

But her mind remained restless. The news about her grandfather gnawed at her. She could only hope nothing would happen to him.

And since she couldn’t be by his side, the least she could do was ensure the company he had entrusted to her didn’t crumble under her watch. It wasn’t just a company, it was his entire legacy, his life’s work. If she failed, she wouldn’t just disappoint the shareholders; she would fail him. She had to do everything to prevent that.

Back in her room, Ashley called Nicolas to check for updates on Vanessa. But when she hung up, her frustration had grown–there was still no progress.

With a heavy sigh, she sank to the floor beside her bed, resting her head in her hands, elbows propped on her bent knees. The weight of helplessness pressing against her chest felt suffocating. Her heart pounded and her head throbbed.

Why couldn’t the universe just grant her a break?

**********

Monday Afternoon – Raphael’s Residence

Raphael sat in his study, smoke curling from his pipe as he discussed the progress of their latest plan with his son, Marcus. With his eldest son, Damien, choosing to be the black sheep of the family, Raphael now preferred handling important matters with Marcus instead.

"Do you think she can secure that level of investment before the end of the week, Dad?" Marcus asked, watching his father, who appeared completely at ease.

Raphael took a slow drag from his pipe before exhaling, his expression unreadable. "The timeframe is too short. No sensible businessman would invest in a company in crisis, especially when its CEO is desperate to sell shares. She shot herself in the foot trying to prove a meaningless point."

A smirk tugged at Marcus’ lips. "So, what do we do if she fails... when she fails," he corrected himself.

"We won’t have to lift a finger," Raphael said smoothly. "The majority of the shareholders will vote for her removal. But until then, we have to keep pretending we’re on her side."

Marcus’ smirk deepened. If their plan worked, the board would have no choice but to elect a new leader. And with Mikael out of the country and incapacitated, the position would fall to either his father or one of his sons.

He was about to ask Raphael who he had in mind for the role—him or Damien—when the door swung open.

Damien stepped in, his sharp gaze flickering between his father and younger brother. Lately, the two had been unusually close, always caught in hushed conversations. And Damien had a sinking feeling that whatever they were up to, it wasn’t good.

"What do you want, brother? Dad and I were discussing something important before you interrupted," Marcus said, his tone sharp.

Damien’s jaw clenched at his younger brother’s arrogant tone. "Go play with the kids, Marcus. I need to speak with Dad." His voice was calm, but the jab was deliberate.

Marcus’ face darkened as he realized Damien had just called him a child. He opened his mouth to retaliate, but Raphael cut in before he could.

"Excuse your brother and me, Marcus. We’ll continue our discussion later."

Marcus’ jaw tightened, his fingers curling into fists at his sides. He couldn’t believe his dad was dismissing him like an afterthought just because Damien had decided to grace them with his presence.

He stood up, shooting his older brother a glare. "You always barge in like you own the damn place."

Damien took a lazy step forward, meeting his glare with a smirk. "Maybe because I do."

Marcus’ face burned with rage. He had been the one pulling the strings with their father, trying to secure the company, yet Raphael still treated Damien like he was the prodigal son who could do no wrong.

"Go now," Raphael ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Marcus exhaled sharply. He turned around, storming out and slamming the door behind him.

He hated that Damien thought he could walk all over him just because he was the firstborn. One day, he promised himself, he’d make Damien regret underestimating him.

********

Wednesday arrived faster than Ashley had anticipated, leaving only two days until the deadline she had promised the shareholders.

The stocks were still plummeting. While no additional shareholders had pulled out yet, some were already threatening to. Everyone knew that if a miracle didn’t happen in the next forty-eight hours, disaster was inevitable.

So far, she had managed to bring in three investors—an improvement, but nowhere near enough.

Pacing her office, Ashley racked her brain for a solution. The CFO had suggested selling shares at a lower price to attract more investors, particularly the greedy ones who wouldn’t pass up the offer. But that move would cost the company money, which was why she had hesitated. Now, though, she was running out of options.

With a tired sigh, she walked toward her desk and reached for the office phone. She needed to discuss the matter with Claire before making a final decision.

Just as she was about to dial, a knock sounded at the door.

Ashley straightened, her brows creasing as the door opened to reveal Claire. She wondered what news she had this time. Lately, every unannounced visit had been about the stock crisis. But today felt different. The usual panicked expression she always wore was replaced with a small smile.

Ashley narrowed her eyes, her heart picking up speed. Could this be a sign of good News?

"What is it, Claire? Or do you need me to pass out before you spill?" she asked impatiently.