Billionaire ex wife

Chapter 5

As the days passed, Samantha settled into her new life with Ashley. She tried to stay focused on her new role, but Sophia's hostility was starting to get under her skin. Despite Ashley's reassurances, Samantha couldn't shake the feeling that Sophia was going to make her life difficult.

One evening, as Ashley was getting ready for a business meeting, he called Samantha into his study. "Samantha, I need you to come with me to this meeting tonight," he said, his eyes scanning his phone. "It's a charity event, and I want you to meet some of my business associates."

Samantha's heart skipped a beat. She wasn't sure she was ready to meet Ashley's business associates, but she didn't want to disappoint him. "Okay, I'll go," she said, trying to sound confident.

Ashley smiled, looking up from his phone. "Great. You'll need to wear something appropriate. I'll have my assistant send over a few options."

Samantha's eyes widened as she realized he was serious. "Ashley, I can pick out my own dress," she said, laughing.

Ashley chuckled, putting down his phone. "I forget you can take care of yourself. But let me do this, okay? It's important to me."

Samantha's heart melted at his words. She nodded, smiling. "Okay, thank you."

As Ashley's assistant arrived with a selection of designer dresses, Samantha couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. She was going to a charity event with Ashley, and she was going to make a good impression.

But as she got ready, Sophia's words kept echoing in her mind. "You're not going to last." Was she really ready for this?Samantha's nerves were on edge as she got ready for the charity event. She had never been to an event like this before, and she wasn't sure what to expect. The dress Ashley's assistant had chosen for her was stunning - a floor-length red ghal, with intricate beading and a daring neckline. Samantha felt like a million naira as she slipped it on, her hair and makeup done to perfection.

As she descended the stairs, Ashley looked up, his eyes widening in appreciation. "Wow," he said, his voice low. "You look incredible."

Samantha blushed, feeling a flutter in her chest. "Thanks," she said, smiling.

Ashley took her hand, leading her out to the car. The drive to the event was quiet, with Ashley working on his phone and Samantha taking in the sights. As they arrived, she could feel her heart racing. There were paparazzi and cameras everywhere, and she didn't know how to act.

Ashley sensed her unease and squeezed her hand. "Just stick with me, okay?" he whispered.

Samantha nodded, taking a deep breath. She could do this.

As they entered the event, Samantha was hit with a wave of noise and glamour. There were celebrities, politicians, and business leaders everywhere, all mingling and laughing. Ashley introduced her to so many people, she lost count, but she tried her best to remember names and faces.

Just as she was starting to relax, she saw her - Rachel. Rachel was standing across the room, sipping a glass of wine and smiling at Ashley. Samantha's heart sank. What was she doing here?

Ashley's eyes met Rachel's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Samantha felt like she was intruding on something, like she was witnessing a moment that wasn't meant for her eyes.

"Ashley," Rachel said, her voice husky as she approached them. "It's been too long."

Ashley's smile was polite, but Samantha could sense the tension. "Rachel," he said, his voice neutral. "Welcome back to Los Angeles ."

Samantha felt like she was trapped in a spider's web, with Rachel's eyes drawing her in. She knew she had to get out of there, before things got any more awkward.

"Excuse me," she said, smiling at Ashley. "I need to powder my nose."

Ashley nodded, his eyes never leaving Rachel's face. "I'll come with you," he said, but Samantha shook her head.

"I'll be fine," she said, trying to sound confident. "I'll meet you back here."

As she walked away, she could feel Rachel's eyes on her, boring into her skin. She knew she had to be careful, because Rachel was not someone to be underestimated.Samantha made her way to the powder room, trying to collect her thoughts. She couldn't believe Rachel was back in Nigeria, and she was already feeling threatened. She took a few deep breaths, reminding herself that she was Ashley's partner, and she had no reason to be intimidated.

As she was fixing her makeup, she heard a voice behind her. "Samantha, right?"

She turned to see Rachel standing in the doorway, a smile on her face. "Yes, that's me," Samantha said, trying to sound calm.

Rachel walked in, her eyes scanning Samantha's face. "I wanted to talk to you, Samantha. I saw the way Ashley looked at you tonight, and I had to wonder... what's going on between you two?"

Samantha's heart was racing, but she kept her cool. "Ashley and I are partners, Rachel. We're working together."

Rachel laughed, a low, husky sound. "Oh, I don't think that's all, Samantha. Ashley doesn't look at people the way he looks at you. He's still in love with me, you know."

Samantha felt a surge of anger, but she kept her cool. "I'm not going to discuss Ashley's feelings with you, Rachel. Excuse me."

As she walked out of the powder room, she felt a sense of satisfaction. She had stood up for herself, and she had shown Rachel that she wasn't going to be intimidated.

But as she made her way back to Ashley, she couldn't shake the feeling that Rachel was going to be a problem. A big problem.

Ashley was waiting for her, a concerned look on his face. "Are you okay?" he asked, taking her hand.

Samantha nodded, smiling. "I'm fine. Just a little...overwhelmed."

Ashley nodded, his eyes understanding. "Let's get out of here," he said, leading her out of the event.

As they drove home, Samantha couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen next. She knew that Rachel was back, and she was going to make a move. The question was, what was Ashley going to do?The next day, Ashley left for his meeting with Rachel, leaving Samantha to her thoughts. She was determined to focus on her own goals and ambitions, rather than getting caught up in the drama between Ashley and Rachel.

She spent the morning working on her own projects, trying to distract herself from the thoughts that kept creeping in. But she couldn't shake the feeling that Ashley was hiding something from her, and that Rachel was going to be a major obstacle.

As the day wore on, Samantha's curiosity got the better of her. She found herself wondering what was going on between Ashley and Rachel, and whether she was just a temporary distraction for him.

Just as she was getting lost in her thoughts, the doorbell rang. Samantha's heart skipped a beat as she heard the sound of voices in the hallway. She made her way to the door, and was surprised to see Sophia standing there, a determined look on her face.

"Sophia, what are you doing here?" Samantha asked, trying to sound calm.

Sophia walked in, her eyes scanning the room. "I need to talk to you, Samantha. It's about Ashley and Rachel," she said, her voice low.

Samantha's heart sank. What did Sophia know? And what was she going to do with that information?

"Okay, let's talk," Samantha said, leading Sophia to the living room.

As they sat down, Sophia leaned in, her voice urgent. "Samantha, I know you're trying to make a life with Ashley, but you need to know something. Rachel isn't going to give up easily. She's been in love with Ashley for years, and she's not going to let you come between them."

Samantha felt a surge of unease, but she tried to stay calm. "I appreciate your concern, Sophia, but I can handle myself."

Sophia nodded, her eyes serious. "I hope so, Samantha. Because if you can't, you're going to get hurt."