Jilted Ex-wife Billionaire Heiress

Chapter 49 All's Fair In Love And War

Getting no help there, Josh ventured, 'Um, because that's what she is? I mean, we all know she married you for money, right?'

He tilted his head towards Darya's table. 'Now she's flirting with the young Timothy Barrett. Probably doing what Ryan said-finding her next meal ticket.'

'And she's two-timing Avery McAllister,' Ryan chimed in.

'She is?' Josh took a second look at Darya, who just stood up. 'Huh, I underestimated her charm.'

Turning back to Micah, he tried to convince his friend to move on. 'I've been meaning to tell you this, that woman's not good enough for you.'

Ryan nodded in agreement.

Josh continued, 'If you are interested in her looks-and I admit she's quite a stunner-you can just date her for a couple of months. Buy her a couple of handbags, pay for an overseas trip or two, and then be done with her. It's efficient.'

He threw an arm around the waist of his date, who was blushing. 'Like this one right here. She's well aware of the arrangement and won't get clingy afterwards. Will you, honey?'

The woman pouted. 'Am I just worth two months of

your

time?'

Josh squeezed her buttocks suggestively. 'That depends on your performance later tonight."

Ryan shook his head.

He enjoyed the ladies as well, but he'd never do it the way Josh did.

It was too transactional, in his view.

Women needed to be wooed, pursued, pampered.

And then dumped.

Micah made no comment.

He disagreed with Josh's view.

Romantic relationship was never a priority for him.

But if he had to find someone, he preferred it to be a one-time, lifelong deal.

He wanted a woman who was a kindred spirit, someone he could both respect and trust.

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Chapter 49 Affs Fair in Love And Viar

In other words, he wanted a soulmate, not a string of one-night stands.

He considered the time spent wooing her to be a worthwhile investment.

After all, there'd be no trust if he didn't even know her

Which was why he was so hostile towards Darya when they met.

In his view, he was coerced into marriage by someone who was practically a stranger to him.

But the more he got to know her after the divorce, the more he realised that she might be exactly the kind of

mate he was looking for.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but glance again in Darya's direction.

But she was no longer at the table.

She and Timothy had moved to the small dance floor on the left.

She had her hands on Timothy's shoulders while he had his on her waist.

Like the other two couples nearby, they were swaying gently to the tune of Etta James' 'At Last' played by the

band.

As she twirled, Darya's eyes met with Micah's.

Then she turned her back to him.

Even from halfway across the room, Timothy could see Micah's clenched jaw and flared nostrils.

Feeling smug, he flashed a taunting smile at Micah.

The dance was his idea.

Even though Darya said she'd moved on from Micah, Timothy still felt, instinctively, that Micah had not donenoveldrama

the same.

Darya's ex-husband could be a serious threat to Timothy's plan to win her over,

'What are you thinking so hard about?' Darya asked.

'Nothing Timothy withdrew his gaze. Just wondering what business I should start.

Do you think I have a chance running a restaurant like this?'

'Well, you do have expertise in fine wine and gourmet food. But setting up a restaurant involves more than just a discerning taste. Do you have any experience with management?'

'No, but you can teach me.' Skilfully, Timothy steered Darya out of Micah's line of sight.

All's fair in love and war.

Sometimes, to win the heart of a lady, a little trickery might be necessary.

"You run a huge company. You must have the expertise.'

'I don't run Paragon, Darya corrected him. 'Avery does.'

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Chapter 49 All's Fair In Love And War

'Still, being the vice president must be a lot of work, right? When I went to your office, almost everyone had

left.'

'I was just putting the finishing touches on a proposal.' Darya briefly mentioned

the Solaro project. 'It's going to be my first major project as VP. I intend to do a good job.'

'Solaro?' Timothy's eyes lit up. 'I can help!"

'How?'

'Solaro's CEO is throwing a party tomorrow. It's private. By invitation only.'

As one of the most prominent families in Hagen, The McAllisters probably already received an invitation.

But it was likely sent to Avery.

'You can come as my plus-one, Timothy suggested.

He smirked. 'I can introduce you as my fiancée.'

Smiling, Darya stomped her high heel on Timothy's shoe.

'Ow!' Timothy hissed in pain. 'What did you do that for?'

Darya just stared at him.

'Fine, fine.' Timothy backed down first. 'Forget I said anything. But you are still

going to the party, right?'

'Of course, but I'm not going as your plus-one.' Darya wouldn't miss the chance

to talk to Solaro's CEO face to face.

'I've another invitation card. It's in my car. I'll give it to you later.'

'That's better.'

As the song drew close to an end, Timothy suddenly pulled Darya in.

With both of his arms wrapped around her, it looked as if they were locked in a passionate lovers' embrace.

Darya shot him a warning glance as Timothy moved closer until their foreheads almost touched. 'What are you doing?'

It looked as if he was about to kiss her.

Darya briefly entertained the idea of boxing his ears for the impudent act.

But Timothy just whispered, 'I've enjoyed tonight, Dolly.'

Then he drew back.

Darya said nothing, puzzled.

As they moved around the dance floor, Timothy glanced in Micah's direction, feeling triumphant. The music was romantic, the food was delicious, but the mood

at Micah's table was far from happy. Josh clicked his tongue. 'Look at the two of them practically making out in public.

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Chapter 49 All's Fair In Love And War

His date of the night leaned in. 'I want a dance later.'

Josh ignored her.

He turned to Micah. 'I didn't know your ex-wife could dance.'

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