The Tycoon's Secret Wife's Escape

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I lifted my gaze to Grayson, caught off guard. I hadn't known he had removed Valeria from Summit Glow-Sophia hadn't mentioned it to me either.

Back in Paris, I almost suspected Valeria had a sexual relationship with my husband, but now it seemed I had nothing to worry about.

Grayson's eyes darkened as he regarded the woman. "I informed you in an email last week. I requested your presence, but you claimed you were on vacation." Observing the event, he said firmly, "Ms. Moroz, this is neither the time nor the place to discuss this. Your response speaks volumes about your character." Valeria's face paled, her earlier confidence evaporating as she lowered her gaze.

Grayson turned to his business partners, smoothly introducing me before guiding me to a nearby table. Once I was seated, he leaned in.

"Would you like anything?" he asked.

1 ignored his question, my gaze drifting toward Valeria. "You removed Ms. Moroz from SummitGlow Talent?"

"Yes. I stopped by the office this morning and made the final decision. I kept receiving complaints-employees said she did nothing but travel abroad, and even the business partners you brought into the company had grievances about her. One of the artists even filed a case against the company due to overwork. In just a few months, she contributed nothing positive. Removing her was inevitable."

He paused, his expression softening slightly. "I owe Valeria a debt-she saved my grandmother when I brought her to Europe. At the time, Valeria struggled in modeling, so I helped her financially and with her career-out of respect for my grandmother. For years, I gave her whatever she wanted."

That revelation caught me off guard. So, this was the source of Valeria's unwavering confidence.

"My grandmother specifically asked me to look after her. And since my family had

the resources, I ensured Valeria lived comfortably-supporting her career, providing her with money and jewelry, and even allowing her to stay in my properties across different cities."

I waited for him to say something... anything illicit. But Grayson's gaze remained steady, his words deliberate. Cassie had once hinted at an unusual closeness between Grayson and Valeria, but now, I didn't think he had ever desired the woman. Perhaps, because of Grandma Blake, he had never even considered it.

"When I received your divorce request, I was upset about the terms. At the same time, Valeria was eyeing the position, so I handed it to her without hesitation. But she was never serious about the job."

I had long suspected that Valeria only wanted my position at SummitGlow to challenge me. I never imagined there was more to her relationship with him.

"I owe her a lot, but I'm a businessman, Bella... I'm not a fool."

I ventured carefully, "About those divorce terms-you mentioned them before. I believe Evan might have altered them after

I signaled his lawyer. It's possible they sent me a different version than the one you received," I said.

Guilt clouded his eyes. "I've considered that possibility. The terms I received demanded most of my assets, properties, and complete control and ownership of SummitGlow."

My eyes widened in shock. "What? Gray, I would never do that!"

"Yeah. Eliot said it was probably a misunderstanding. But that day, Grandma Blake passed away. I was overwhelmed-with grief, frustration, and anger...' Grayson took my hand and pressed a kiss to my fingers. "I'm really sorry...'

III, 14 MUI

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I cupped his check, my thumb grazing his skin. "I had my own faults too. I failed to see what you were going through. My timing couldn't have been worse.

The event's photographer captured that moment.

"Once you're ready, I'll give you full control of SummitGlow. Sophia and Pulse Five have been urging me to remove Valeria from the company for a while now. I finally had the chance to act, only to find out she was off in another country, relaxing while the office was in turmoil. It was infuriating...

"For now, Eliot will handle operations with Sophia's help to keep things stable if you choose to return."

I smiled at him, silently conveying my gratitude. All I needed was to manage my time wisely. With Martha's commitment to watch over my child, along with another trusted caregiver, I could see the pieces falling into place.

"Sophia deserves a promotion," I said.

"Alright! I'll tell Eliot."

After a few minutes, while Grayson was occupied socializing with partners and acquaintances at the gathering, I briefly stepped into the restroom. Valeria entered and went straight into a cubicle as I washed my hands. I finished when she emerged, casually setting her open bag on the counter.

"Isabella, I need to tell you something-I'm pregnant!" she announced.

I raised an eyebrow, maintaining a calm demeanor.

"Oh? Congratulations, Ms. Moroz," I replied, my tone nonchalant. "Just to be clear, you're not planning to pin this pregnancy on me, are you? Because I'm definitely not the father."

She clenched her jaw. "That's not what I meant! Grayson belongs with me! You may be pregnant, forcing him to take responsibility, but now I am too! Once he knows about my baby, he'll leave you without hesitation."

A dangerous smile spread across my face as my pregnancy hormones made my irritation even stronger. Where did she get the confidence?

"Ms. Moroz, do you think I'm with Grayson because of the pregnancy? Or perhaps you believe your supposed condition will compel him to claim responsibility? Or- and this seems most likely-are you even pregnant at all? Which version of reality are we discussing?

She swallowed, clearly underestimating me. The rumors about me clearly made her think I'd be an easy target, someone who could easily be intimidated.

But she recovered quickly. "It doesn't matter! You need to break up with him because he'll marry me."

I leaned in, my voice sharp. "Allow me to offer some advice, Ms. Moroz: Attempting to intimidate me only highlights your desperation. Pregnant, my ass! We both know Grayson would never touch you. And just so you know, when you

try to fabricate stories, make sure you're not on your period."

I pointed to her open clutch, where a few tampons were plainly visible.noveldrama

Color flooded her face as she snatched up her belongings and fled the restroom, thoroughly humiliated.

A wave of victory washed over me as I opened the door, only to find Valeria throwing a scene in the hallway.

"Help! Isabella Prescott hurt me!" she wailed, clutching her cheek.

Just by looking at her disheveled state, anyone would think I bullied her in the restroom.

12:48 Mon, 14 ADE A MI