The Billionaire Heiress Strikes Back (Veronica and Carter) novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Carter’s POV

It had been a week since Veronica disappeared. Seven days, twenty–four hours each, stretching endlessly without a single word or clue about where she’d gone or why. Every passing moment was like a gnawing itch. under my skin.

Not a minute passed without me regretting my actions. Maybe I should have paid more attention to her. Maybe I should have tried being a better husband to her instead of holding onto a grudge for three whole years.

I sat in my office, my fingers drumming against the edge of the desk. Before me lay a stack of resumes, each representing yet another potential replacement for her.

“Next candidate.” I muttered to my assistant, who nodded and motioned. for the applicant to enter.

The woman walked in, exuding confidence. She handed over her portfolio and sat down across from me, flashing a professional smile.

“Tell me about

voice flat. This ur experience,” I said, leaning back in my chair, my

voice flat. This was the twenty–third person I was interviewing and none. of them seemed to match Veronica by half.

She launched into a rehearsed speech about her qualifications, experience in executive administration, and multitasking skills. I barely listened. My thoughts drifted to Veronica, how effortlessly she’d managed my chaos. How she never needed to list her skills because her work spoke for itself.

“…and I pride myself on being proactive,” the candidate finished, her voice pulling me back to the present.

“Proactive?” I echoed, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, sir,” she said, her smile unwavering.

I studied her for a moment before shaking my head. “Thank you for coming in. We’ll be in touch.”

Her smile faltered slightly, but she nodded, gathering her things before leaving the room.

My assistant, Mark, entered, carrying his tablet. “That’s the last candidate. for the day. More will come tomorrow,” he said.

More? Come to where?

“Cancel the rest,” I snapped, tossing the resumes aside. “None of them are worth my time.”

Mark frowned but nodded. “Understood, sir.

I pulled out my phone and scrolled to her number again. For the hundredth time, I dialed it, and for the hundredth time, it went straight to voicemail.

“Damn it, Veronica,” I muttered, my frustration boiling over. I slammed the phone down on the desk.

Mark hesitated, then stepped forward cautiously. “Sir, perhaps it’s time to move on. She’s clearly made her choice.”

“Move on?” I repeated, my voice sharp. “Do you think I can just forget about her? After everything we’ve been through?”

Mark lowered his gaze, choosing his words carefully. “It’s just… she left, sir. Without a word to prepare anyone. And she hasn’t reached out. Maybe she doesn’t want to be found.”

I glared at him, my chest tightening. “She’ll come back. She has to.”

Mark wisely said nothing, instead handing me an envelope. “This just arrived. It’s addressed to Mrs. Veronica Blackwood.”

My heart skipped a beat. “From where?”

“No sender information, sir.

I snatched the envelope and tore it open, my breath hitching as I pulled out the papers inside. My eyes scanned the header, and my stomach dropped.

“Divorce papers,” I said aloud, disbelief coating every word.

Mark looked at me cautiously. “She sent them?”

I flipped to the signature line, and there it was: Veronica’s signature, bold and final.

“She signed them,” I muttered, my voice barely audible. “She signed them. without even talking to me.”

I felt a sudden, overwhelming wave of anger and helplessness. I flipped to the return address, hoping for a clue, but it looked suspiciously generic.

“Check this address,” I barked, handing the papers to Mark.

He hesitated. “Sir, I already did. It’s a fake address. She doesn’t want to be found.”

“Of course, it’s fake,” I muttered, pacing the room. My mind raced, torn between fury and despair.

Mark cleared his throat, clearly nervous. “There’s one more thing, sir.”

“What?” I snapped, whirling to face him.

“You have a dinner appointment tonight with Miss Meaghan. At Le Jardin. Shall I confirm your attendance?”

I pinched the bridge of my nose, exhaling sharply. Meaghan was the last person I wanted to see right now, but appearances mattered. “Confirm it.” I said curtly. “And…” I paused, an idea forming. “Lift all restrictions on Veronica’s accounts.”