My ex-husband's nightmare - Chapter 33: Chapter 33

Victoria
I walked into the building in front of me, my stiletto clicking sharply against the hard floor.
I stopped in front of the receptionist. Her blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders.
With a bow and word of greetings, she asked, “Do you have an appointment with Mrs. Adeline Rivers?” I didn't.
“Mrs Adeline Rivers and I are very good friends,” I said instead of answering her, “I don't need an appointment to see her.”
Mrs Adeline Rivers was the moderator of the club and also one of the top members. But before that, she is my friend. That concept of us may have blurred over time, but that doesn't change the fact that we were once college buddies.
This is the second time I'm coming to see her. I can't stay kicked out of the club forever. What would I tell my friends when I meet them?
I already lost the necklace to Lydia which had made me crazy. Being cut off from the club for good would do the worst to me.
“Maam, you can't see her without an appointment; I'm sorry.” I stared at her lips, painted red and lined with purple.
“Inform her that Victoria is here. She won't send me back.’ I said boldly.
This was a gamble.
She clearly stated the last time that she did not want to see me anymore.
The receptionist seemed torn.
“She's my very good friend.” I heard myself say. After a few minutes, the receptionist was finally able to reach Mrs Adeline Rivers.
I stepped into her office an hour later.
“You don't just show up unannounced,” she said with a tone of disappointment.
“Well, You left me with no choice,” I said, dropping on the couch by the side.
As the CEO of Beta Nation, a multi-purpose company, her office was spacious and had all the luxury any office could have.
She had over fifteen branches nationwide. Her business was doing super well, which is why she was in the billionaire session of the club.
“Did you speak to Miss Brooks?” She asked. I placed my bag on the side of the couch
“At least I should get a cup of tea or coffee,” I said, looking around.
“You can do that at a cafe. I didn't invite you in to entertain you.” I smirked, looking at her; her tone had changed, sharper than it used to be.
It's funny how humans can change. Before Lydia arrived at the club, she used to be all over me.
“Now, did you speak to Miss Brooks?” She asked again, and I shook my head.
“Adeline, there should be something you can do.”
Adeline shook her head, “you are the moderator of the club.” I reminded.
“That doesn't mean I call all the shots.” She replied.
There was a pile of files on her table. She wore round-rim glasses, which stopped at the bridge of her nose.
“You know that I can't do that,” I said. Watching her pull off her glasses.
“I've been meaning to ask.” She paused, gauging my expression. “What's your relationship with Mrs Brooks? She doesn't seem to like you at all.”
“Oh, you noticed too?” I asked. Not that I cared if Lydia liked me or not. I'm quite sure that this was her mini-revenge. But it would forever be her chasing after the wind as I'll always be out of her reach.
“Don't be so shocked when I tell you this.” I began shuffling a bit off my chair.
Mrs Adeline Rivers nodded, also moving her body forward.
“Well, she is my ex-daughter-in-law.”
Mrs. Adeline Rivers blinked, not quite getting it. I understood her confusion.
“Are you aware her name is Alissa Brooks?” she questioned. I leaned back into my chair.
“I can not forget the face of that girl, no matter the name she decides to use.”
It was no secret what Lydia did. Or, in a more correct form, it was no secret what I made her take on.
I saw a chance to kick her out of my life, and my son's life, and I grabbed it. But who knew that stubborn fly would come back years later to interrupt my life and try to bring me down?
Just like that first time, I intend to crush her. Wealth or not, she'll never be a match for me.
“What about her pregnancy?” Adeline was already in gossip mode.
I raised a brow. That was when it occurred to me that all through I have missed the most important thing.
Lydia was pregnant then. Did she lose the baby? Her baby bump was gone since it was over five years, and she was already over six months along.
Was it stillbirth?
“Well, for now, I have no idea where the baby is or what happened to it.”
“This is news. I'm surprised. I can only tell that it must be devastating.”
“It is.” I tried to maintain a sad expression. “You can only imagine,” I said.
“That's why I was surprised when I saw her in the club with a different name. But that girl has been funny, and up till this moment, nothing has changed about that.”
I knew I was sounding bitter, but I couldn't help it.
“So you see why it's difficult to approach her and beg.” I released a tired sigh.
Adeline moved into her chair.
My eyes moved from the floor to the ceiling window at the side where the sun poured in, casting a shadow on the closed things.
“So please, Adeline, help me save my place. You know I've been a loyal member of this club from the beginning. I am one of the founding members. How can I be kicked out by a new member? It feels unfair. This doesn't make sense.”
She shrugged her shoulders, “that's how the club is.” she said in resignation. She should have the authority to kick Lydia out, and not the other way out.
“Money rules. She has more money and influence.” I clasped my hands together under the table.
“Still doesn't make sense or explain anything. There are rules guiding the club.”
“You broke them, I can't really blame Lydia.” She avoided my eyes.
Was she taking that bitch side right now?
“What do you mean?”
What were the rules that I didn't know?
“You insulted a higher ranking member; plus, she is currently the richest in the club, and you disregarding her and embarrassing her broke the rules.”
She gave me a look as if to say, ‘I see you aren't consistent with the rules.’ but you can't blame me.
The rules have never been applied.
“The only thing you can do is beg Miss Brooks.” She wore her glasses, a sign that the conversation was over.
“That's the only way you'd return back.”
I left her office feeling more angry than I've ever been.
I punched the middle of my steering wheel.
Closing my eyes I placed my head on the steering wheel, holding back my scream of frustration.
Lydia, you won't have me throw out.
My mind reverted to how I knelt down in front of her all because I didn't want to be removed from the group but she ended up sending me out regardless of that.
Now, she wants me to beg her again.
It's clear that no matter how much I beg or what I do, she'll never agree to take me back to the group. She just wants me to embarrass myself.
She's in for the embarrassment and I won't give her that satisfaction.
If I can't get back to the club without her, then I'll make sure she doesn't get to stay in that club.
‘I won't let you be Lydia. Never.’
As I drove back to the mansion, I received a call from Julia's mom, Mrs. Everett.
“Would you like to go shopping with me?” She asked after exchanging pleasantries.
“Of course.”
We will be in-laws soon, so there is no need to delay. If it was up to me, Mason would have gotten married to her by now.
But the thing with children, especially males, is that you can't force them. I can only pressure him, giving him that subtle push.
My spirit was lifted when Julia informed me about their lunch today. I looked over to my wristwatch, they should be together right now.
I hope Mason has seen how important Julia is.
If you want to keep growing in life, you need a capable woman.
Thirty minutes later, I pulled up in front of the shopping mall. Mrs. Everett sent me a message as to the exact place she was.
There were people all around, chatting as they shopped.
I met a salesgirl and was glad to know she was waiting to lead me to her.
“Mrs. Everett,” I said when I saw her. She was trying on a heel.
She smiled, lifting her head, “Victoria.” I liked the way she pronounced my name.
By her side was a lady with red hair and light makeup. With her dress and the way it was accessorized, it was clear she was a high-class lady.
Something about her reminded me of Lydia.
“Was around and thought this would be a good time to bond.” I paused and looked at the woman.
“You are finally here,” Mrs Everett said, and we hugged.
“Was around and thought it would be a good time to spend together.”