Wedding My Ex's Uncle (Kaia and Alden) novel Chapter 203

Chapter 203 Shadows of Collapse

Tobias had no energy left to worry about Kimberly’s future, not

anymore.

Kaia stared at the plummeting stock charts, her heart racing with disbelief. Lucien had moved faster than she thought possible.

She grabbed her phone and fired off a text to him: [Hey honey, dinner out tonight? My treat.]

Lucien glanced at the playful message from his wife and let out a soft, amused scoff.

He replied: [Fine by me, love.]

But when he arrived at the restaurant, Kaia was nowhere to be

seen.

A waiter approached, his tone polite and deferential. “Sir, Mrs. Graves asked me to let you know she’ll be a bit late.”

Lucien raised an eyebrow, giving a faint nod in response.

He pulled out his phone and dove into work emails.

He’d planned to stay late at the office tonight, Coming here was already bending the rules a little.

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The lights in the private dining room dimmed unexpectedly.

As Lucien started to rise, candlelight illuminated the darkness, and a woman’s voice filled the air.

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…”

Lucien’s lips curved into a subtle smile, his gaze locking onto Kaia’s glowing face as she carried in a cake, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Lucien, happy thirty–fourth birthday!” she teased, her voice bubbling with warmth. “Congrats on getting another year older!”

His eyebrow twitched.

Was that a jab?

Her words carried a playful sting, but he let it slide, his smile deepening.

“Come on, blow out the candles! Make a wish!”

Kaia nudged him toward the cake, her excitement infectious.

Lucien never cared much for birthdays. To him, they were just another day on the calendar, nothing special.

But for Kaia, he played along, closing his eyes as she urged. Kaia

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watched him, curious about the thoughts behind his serene expression. A full minute passed before he opened his eyes again.

“Blow them out!” She chirped.

With one steady breath, Lucien extinguished the candles.

Kaia reached under the dessert cart and pulled out a pie, her grin wide. “I made this with the chef earlier. Try it!”

Lucien didn’t hesitate, digging in with enthusiasm.

In no time, he’d polished off a slice.

Kaia leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. “So, what’d you wish for? You looked so serious.”

He had looked so incredibly devout when he made his wish, she couldn’t help but wonder. /

His brow arched, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “You really want to know?”

“Uh–huh, If it’s okay to share,” she said, her tone light but eager.

“Oh, it’s fine.” Lucien wiped his mouth with a napkin, his voice dropping to a low, teasing drawl. “My birthday wish? To use up an entire box of condoms with you tonight.”

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Kaia froze, her jaw dropping.

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Heat rushed to her cheeks as his words sank in. The audacity of this man was maddening!

What kind of person makes such a shameless birthday wish?

Dinner wrapped up, and Kaia, still rattled, followed him to the car. In a small, hesitant voice, she mumbled, “How about… half a box?”

Lucien shook his head, a wicked grin tugging at his lips.

“Sweetheart, you told me to make a wish. I’m not settling for less.”

The next day, Kaia woke up sore, her back aching, and her glare fixed on the infuriatingly chipper man beside her, fuming silently.

Thirty–four years old, and he’s still got that much energy?

Lucien caught her look and chuckled, “Someone needs to work on their stamina. The gym’s always open.”

Kaia rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Oh, please, I will be just fine if we sleep in separate rooms tomorrow.”

Lucien’s grin faltered, and he quickly backtracked, his tone

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softening. “You know, you’re working so hard during the day, it’s no wonder you’re wiped out. How about I give you a massage tonight to help you unwind?”

Kaia’s lips twitched, barely hiding her amusement.

Hmph, that man’s really sly.

Meanwhile, the chaos at Domley Tech was spiraling.

The company’s stock had crashed to its daily limit the day before, and Tobias initially chalked it up to a warning shot from Lucien.

But when banks started pulling loans and bonds went unsold, Tobias realized he was out of lifelines.

For five relentless days, the stock tanked as panicked retail investors dumped their shares.

Tobias was cornered, a man on the edge of ruin. He called Kaia dozens of times, but her phone stayed silent.

He showed up at the Graves Group repeatedly, only to be told, “Mr. Graves is away on business.”

Staring at the empty expanse of his sprawling villa, Tobias fell hollowed out, like a shell of the man he’d been.

Is this really happening? Am I really going bankrupt?

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Sue, who had turned whistleblower against Sally, had long since left the Domont Villa.

When she left, she took a group of loyal servants with her.

The once–bustling estate was now eerily quiet, save for one aging butler who remained.

The butler approached cautiously, his voice low. “Mr. Domont, there’s someone outside for you.”

Tobias shot to his feet, a flicker of hope sparking in his chest. He believed it must be Kaia!

She was his last shot at saving the company. He had made up his mind. He’d even give her another 10% of the shares if she’d forgive him.

What he failed to realize was that in a failing company, shares were nothing but worthless/paper.

“Kaia! It’s Kaia, isn’t it?” he called out, rushing toward the door.

“Kaia, please, have mercy! Save my company!”

But when he reached the villa’s entrance, it wasn’t Kaia waiting for him. A stranger stood there, his presence cold and commanding. Tobias‘ excitement curdled into confusion. “Who are you?”

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Chapter 203 Shadows of Collapse

The man wore a chilling smile. “What, you don’t remember me?”

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