MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE
Of a tattoo and clue.

(JARED'S POV)

After Arielle left with Nana Jean, I tried to keep up with conversing with Maverick, even though my mind kept wondering about what Nana Jean needed to say to Arielle in private.

I pushed the thought aside and focused on Maverick, who was talking excitedly about how big the mansion was and how beautiful his great-granny was. I listened attentively, smiling and nodding in all the right places.

But my mind kept drifting back to Arielle. Speaking of her, since our last conversation three days ago, I have tried to keep my distance. Not because I was mad at her, but because it was the best thing to do.

And today, when she stepped out in that dress, my breath was swept away. She looked like she was meant to be in dresses like that always. The way the fabric hugged her curves, the way the color matched with her skin and highlighted it...I felt my heart skip a beat as I stared at her.

As I remembered that after tonight, we were no longer going to be staying under the same roof, my heart squeezed painfully in my chest. I had gotten so used to being with her and our son, and any other way of living felt odd and inappropriate.

I thought of my son, poor boy. I knew Arielle had not told him about my leaving because I was sure the little man would have queried me. A bitter smile crossed my features as I watched the little man chatter innocently, unaware tonight was probably our last supper. I was still in that state, fighting with my thoughts when my mother summoned me to the study through a maid.

"Excuse me for a minute, buddy," I said to Maverick, beckoning the butler to keep him company while I was away. "I'll be right back."

"Okay, Daddy," Maverick replied, smiling up at me.

And with that, I walked off, to go answer my mother's call.

I arrived at the study, and my mother was standing next to the large mahogany desk, her back to me. The room was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of old books and leather.

I felt a surge of nostalgia hit me, as I inhaled sharply. This used to be my father's, and I used to frequent it, but after he died, I stopped coming. This was my first time coming here after his death, and it brought back memories of how we used to read together, and on some days, I helped him with paperwork.

Being here again reminded me of just how much I missed him. I sighed and shoved the thoughts aside, focusing on why I was there.

"Hi, Mom," I called out, approaching her. It was the first time I had seen her since we arrived. I had speculated she would be in her room getting ready, and not in the study. But as I took in her appearance, I saw that was already dressed for the occasion.

"Jared," she swirled around to face me, a bright smile spreading across her face. She approached me and pulled me in a hug, the familiar scent of her perfume caressing my nostrils.

"You sent for me," I said, going straight to the point, as I pulled back from the hug.

She nodded, her eyes turning serious. "I did. I want to show you something."

I watched her curiously as she picked up a folder on the desk and handed it to me. It was filled with female photos and I silently wondered what to do with them.

"These are pictures of

women-noble women from high societies and families," she began, her voice persuasive. "They're all from good families and will make excellent wives and mothers. You need to start thinking about the future if things are not moving smoothly with you and Arielle."

My mouth hung open in disbelief as I stared from her to the pictures. The hell? Has it gotten to this?

"Jared, look -" she started to say when she noticed my sour mood, but I cut her short.

"Please. Mom," I said, punctuating each sentence. My patience was wearing thin now. This was not the first time she had made this request, and I was tired of hearing it already. I knew she wanted me to settle down, but have made my choice-Arielle, and I am determined to stick to her no matter what.

But she was persistent, as she tried to remind me of Nana Jean's ultimatum.

"Jared, don't forget that if you don't secure a family, your inheritance might be at risk. Especially with Nana Jean's strict views on this matter. I thought I reminded you last time?"

I found the idea laughable, and almost gave in to the urge. What's my mother thinking? Nana Jean had no other heir besides me. There was no way she would leave the family's fortunes to someone else.

"I don't think that's going to happen, mother. Nana knows I'm her only heir."

"Don't be too sure, boy. You have to -"

"I'm sorry, Mom. I have to leave now, and you should join us," I said, turning to leave, bored and tired of the conversation.

"Jared!"

But I didn't look back, annoyed that she'd suggest a thing like that to me knowing how much effort I have been putting into winning my family back.

But as I walked through the hallway, my mind was soon distracted by the ding of my phone in my pocket. I pulled out my phone and saw it was a message from my PA Oliver. I halted, clicking on it to peruse the content. "Sir, the footage of the warehouse has been partially recovered," it read. "I've attached photos. Take a look."

Anticipation immediately flooded my system as I could not wait to see what he got. I opened the attachment and scanned the photos.

They showed a car and the three

men in black that had rescued Maverick. On zooming in on one of the pictures, I realized one of them had a distinctive tattoo on his Kand, but the image was blurry, and I could not make it out.

I stared at the photo intently, deep in thought.

Could the tattoo be a clue?