Divorce To Restart: Vengeful Ex-Wife Strikes Back!

Chapter 88 The Naive One

M&M FOODS, NEW YORK. Nina stared anxiously at the building and suddenly felt an intense pressure in her bowel. She thought about what might be going through Xander’s head for the rest of the weekend. He had constantly evaded any means of them getting intimate beyond foreplay, and Nina was beginning to think he might not have as much interest in her as she did. Either that, or she is pushing too fast. Thinking about that alone had her on the edge, now returning to the same place where she had experienced so much humiliation it made her feel suffocated. Inhaling sharply, she gripped Xander by the arm. He turned to see her pale face. “Hey baby, are you okay?” He asked in a worried tone. Nina managed to put up a smile. “Yes, I am. I need to get to the restroom. I will join you soon.” “I will wait for you then.” “No, don’t do that. I know my way around here, remember?” Xander looked skeptical, but he chose to respect her privacy. “Alright, just call me if you need me.” She didn’t wait to hear the rest of his words before hurrying off. Nina let out a long breath. She didn’t realize she was holding it until she stood in front of a mirror in the restroom. Staring at herself in the mirror, Nina looked impressed. Her face appeared smooth, and her red lipstick made her look more confident, which made her face pop. “Easy now.” She mumbled to herself when it seemed like the anxiety was about to take over again. There is no need to fear the folks who are obvious cowards and have nothing else to offer. Whatever happens at the end of today is proof of everyone getting what they deserve. She had worked hard to get here, and nobody else should be in the space except her. Becoming the head researcher and shareholder for the same company where she had started her career, which will now be under a different name, seems magical. But then, she worked for this despite the hurdles. “So, chin up, baby. This is our time.” Nina stated, grinning widely. One of the toilet stalls opened, letting out Andrea. She scoffed at the sight of Nina. “Oh, wow, see what the breeze let out. Are you here to get some child support now that you are aware of the money my husband is about to make?” She sneered, still fuming at the humiliation Nina had put her through the last time they met. Nina scoffed, not bothering to turn, and instead held her gaze from the mirror. “You should get out of your bubble, girl. Not everything is about you.” Andrea took intimidating steps towards her but paused, noticing the cold glare in Nina’s eyes. “I know you are trying to sneak back into Xander’s life. But you are so naive to see. I know men better; he would only use you eventually. What sensible man would want anything with a single mother? You had better think again and move on with your life. But who knows, I might feel generous to speak to Asher on your behalf after the meeting. Probably a few thousand every month will keep you and your child off the streets. Such a pity.” A dry cackle escaped Nina’s lips. To think Andrea was the naive one. “Yeah, yeah, do all that you want, Andrea. It’s your world; keep living it.” She mused and walked away. Nina met Asher on her way to the board room. He stood in her way with a frown. “Why are you here?” He asked. Nina flipped her hair with an attitude. “Excuse me, do I owe you an explanation?” She retorted. “Nina?” Jason called out from behind, disrupting the mini-get-together. “I thought that was you. How are you, dear?” “Uncle J. R.” Nina walked up to him for a hug. Jason gave Asher a swift glance before turning back to her. “Why are you out here? You should be seated in the board room now. Come with me.” “Sure.” She smiled in return, walking hand in hand with him. Nina could feel Asher’s intense stare behind them. “She knows one of the board members?” Andrea questioned, startling Asher. He backed away, cursing under his breath. “What the hell is wrong with you? Wait a minute, why are you here?” Andrea squared her shoulders, knowing he might intimidate her to leave. “What? You think I wouldn’t know what you and your mother are trying to do behind my back? Hell no. That is never going to happen. I am entitled to whatever money is shared with you. Don’t even dare try to get rid of me.” She hissed, walking away quickly before he dragged her out. Asher clenched his fist tightly but remained calm as he reminded himself of the essence of the day. Entering the room, he didn’t fail to notice the close relationship between Nina and Xander. Xander’s eyes seem to be following her everywhere. When their eyes met, Asher felt the despise Xander harbors towards him. Shaking it off, he pulled out a chair to sit. This would no doubt be the last time they see each other. Nina has become a thing of the past, but he can’t help but worry about her presence. At the same time, getting the money is very important right now. “So, shall we begin the signing?” Jason inquired after Leila and Darren walked in. Someone passed the files around, and the people who needed to sign off appended their signatures. A proud smile crossed Xander’s face when it returned to him. Finally, he has gotten the long-awaited desire-only one last thing before everybody leaves. He cleared his throat and glanced around. “I want to thank you all so much for the success of this business transaction. All parties must have gotten the payment alerts. But it never would have been possible if not for this woman right here.” He pointed at Nina while keeping a side eye on Asher. “Nina Ruiz had given us a perfect pitch to make the food package industry a better place. Her brilliance has aided X&J Foods to soar beyond imagination in a year. Because of this, we couldn’t think of any other person to handle the reins of the new merger. So, Miss Nina Ruiz, we have made you the CEO of the new X&J Foods.” “What!” Asher and Andrea exclaimed while the rest clapped in delight. Nina blinked in shock. Xander didn’t share that information with her. “When did you decide this?” She mouthed. Xander shrugged, clapping. “It’s not like any of us knows what to do with the company in the first place. You made this happen; only you can take it to greater heights.” “This is unbelievable!” She gasped, hugging him tightly. “You bitch!” Asher finally found his voice and roared out, leaving abrupt silence. He stormed towards Nina, but Xander swiftly stood in front to shield her. “So this was your plan all along? To take my company away from me? No wonder you were quiet all this time. Is this what you wanted? To rip me off my position? How dare you!” He gritted. Nina tried to move past Xander, but he stopped her. She held his arm and assured him she could handle it. Folding her arms, she held up an amused grin and stared intensely at Asher. “I will advise you to watch what you say. We invited a few media houses to cover the handing over.” She said in a low tone. At the same time, I was catching a glimpse of the cameras going off. “Do I look like I bloody care!” He yelled, snatching his arm away from his mother, trying to pull him away. “It’s good to know that everyone can see your face and how useless of a woman you are. I am sure you were sleeping around with him when we were married. No wonder you didn’t lift a finger when I accused you of cheating on me and trying to make the bastard you were carrying mine.” “Asher!” Xander yelled. Nina held him back. “Trust me, Xander, I can handle this.” She inhaled sharply and took two steps forward, causing Asher to stumble backward. “If you dare refer to my child as a bastard one more time, I am going to show you how crazy I am. Do I need to tell the world how you cheated on me with my supposed best friend just a year after we got married?” She intentionally pointed at a flushed-looking Andrea, who took a second to notice the cameras on her and tried to hide her face. Nina scoffed. “To cap it all, your shameless parents knew about it. But they thought her better than I am since she was tagged a heiress. And I am just a poor orphan with nothing but the goodness of heart to offer. Should I tell the world how you made me sign a divorce paper forcefully after telling you that I was pregnant with your child, and you went ahead to send me out of the house with nothing but a bag? You blocked me from getting a job in the food industry after sacrificing years of hard work to build the company. Taking away my home wasn’t enough for you; you also had to ruin my career. You are the crazy one, Asher, and this doesn’t feel like enough to repay you for all you did to me.” “And so what?” He stuttered but maintained his stance. “Does that give you the right to take my company away?” She laughed dryly. “Oh, please. Your company was in debt. You sold yourself out, and you should be grateful that I had a good enough pitch to make X&J buy the company and pay your debts. If not, you won’t even have a home to return to. Be glad for my niceness until the end. I am so sorry, everyone, for this commotion. I hope the next meeting will be devoid of riffraffs.” Nina said to the people and moved to leave, but Asher tried to block her way. “Don’t you dare!” Xander growled at him and plunged Asher aside like a piece of paper. “I won’t warn you again.” Nina gave him a thankful nod and took Jason’s hand, which was outstretched to her in appreciation. Her legs were shaking profusely, and she needed someone to lean on. “It’s okay, honey. You did well.” Jason assured, helping her out. Xander followed suit but paused when he walked past Andrea. Leaning towards her ear, he whispered. “I know you won’t give up easily on getting back at Nina. I am not Asher, nor do I like snakes like you. I have enough money to make you disappear from the face of the earth. If you try anything funny, you will cease to exist, and that is a promise. Try me and see.” He threatened before walking away. Andrea stood stiffly on the spot, paled out. On the other hand, Asher kept cursing at the top of his voice. Nobody paid them mind as they filed out of the meeting room, leaving them to their woes.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .