Chapter 11
Bastien thought Ophelia might have moved to one of their other properties.[]
He drove frantically from their downtown loft to their villa, finding no trace of her anywhere.[]
When he returned home, he noticed a realtor showing the villa next door–the one Connor had given Ophelia. He rushed over.]
“This property isn’t for sale.“[]
The realtor looked confused, then double–checked his paperwork.[]
“This is Ms. Hartley’s property, correct?“]
“I’m her husband.” Bastien stated firmly.]
The agent frowned slightly. “Sir. Ms. Hartley specifically informed us she’s recently divorced. She’s commissioned our firm to sell all her properties in the state.”
Bastien started to argue, then froze.[]
Ophelia had mentioned listing this house with a realtor days ago.]
Had she been telling people they were divorced even then?
“When exactly did she entrust you?“]
“About two weeks ago, sir.”
He’d never even mentioned divorce until today, but Ophelia had been planning this for weeks?
That couldn’t be right! [
She must just be angry, hiding somewhere.]
As Bastien turned to leave, the agent called after him. “Excuse me, are you Mr. Moreau?“]
Bastien stopped dead. “Did she leave a message for me?“]
“Ms. Hartley mentioned she’d temporarily loaned this property to your friend. She said if anyone came to view it, we should contact you about alternative arrangements for your guest.“[]
Bastien’s jaw tightened. “I buy it. Cancel all showings.“]
“I’ll purchase all her listed properties. Have the contracts ready tomorrow.“[]
Without waiting for a response, he strode away.]
He tried calling Piper next, but she didn’t pick up either.]
He drove straight to her office!
Piper was just leaving a conference room when she spotted him.]
“Well, if it isn’t the newly single Mr. Moreau. Congratulations on your freedom.“[]
The sarcasm in her voice confirmed she knew exactly where Ophelia was.[]
“Where is she?” he demanded.]
Piper gave him a cold smile. “Why would you be looking for your ex–wife? Interesting how you couldn’t be cared about her when you were married, but now that she’s gone, suddenly you’re playing detective.”
Piper,this was all planned.“]
Piper burst out laughing, the sound entirely without humor.
“Temporary divorce? Are you serious right now? You both had signed the name!”
“What the hell do you think marriage is, Bastien? She spent years and that wasn’t degrading enough? Now she’s supposed to sign diverce papers so you can play nurse to your ex–girlfriend, then sit by the phone waiting for you to decide you’re ready to be a husband again?“]
That’s enough!”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about!“]
Piper just cocked an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Please leave now.“]
Bastien stood there, caught between rage and desperation.[]
He forced himself to take a breath, lowering his voice. “Look, I just need to know where she went, okay? That’s all I’m asking.”
“So you can follow her and drag her back? Are you prepared to look her father and brother in the eye? Did you dare?“]
“She goes back to London, isn’t she?“]
Piper’s silence told him everything. He shook his head, the pieces not fitting together.[]
“But that’s–she couldn’t have just.. She must have…” The realization dawned on him slowly. “Hh..how long has she been planning this?“]
Piper just stared at him, her eyes cold.]
She thought about the growing tumor in Ophelia’s brain. []
She couldn’t imagine how desperate that moment, the complete abandonment Ophelia must have felt as she quietly packed away her life.]
“Has she wanted out for a long time?” Bastien asked, his voice smaller now.]
Piper kept her expression neutral, betraying nothing.]
“I didn’t konw.“]]
But something in her face must have given it away. Bastien could see it now–Ophelia’s departure wasn’t some emotional tantrum. It had been calculated.[]
She’d been planning her escape.
But why?
Ophelia had always loved him more than he deserved. What could have possibly made her give up?
With a sudden urgency, he pulled out his phone and called his assistant.[]
“Order the flight to London.“]
“Mr. Moreau,” his assistant reminded him, carefully, “the emergency board meeting is Friday morning. All the shareholders will be there specifically because of the… situation with Ms. Wilder. Your father was very clear about your attendance being non–negotiable.“[]
Bastien swore under his breath: The timing couldn’t be worse. The company stock had taken a nosedive since Anastasia’s overdose and their very public drama.]
He couldn’t skip this meeting. Not if he wanted to keep his position.
“Book me on whatever flies out inmediately after.
