THE REJECTED STONE IS A BILLIONAIRE

Chapter 7

That afternoon, a different plan occupied Nathan's mind after agreeingto meet   Jessica as Jacob Dome.

But he couldn’t risk exposing himself directly. He needed a stand-in, someone who could convincingly play Jacob’s part without raising suspicion or doubts.

So he got to work. He quickly posted a job ad under one of his corporate aliases:

Well-paid one-time role. Must dress, speak, and carry yourself like a shy, wealthy investor by the name of Jacob Dome. Confidence in silence is preferred.

Location: London Square. High discretion required.

Appearance: Polished.

Communication: Minimal but elegant.

Applicants must send a voice note. Payment in two parts.

Within minutes, responses poured in like streams of joy.

Nathan sat at his desk, listening to voice notes. Some were ridiculous, arrogant, overly slick and cocky, while others lacked presence and capacity.

But then, one of the voice notes caught his attention: His voice was enigmatic and smooth like a business con-man; he sounded unsure but not weak, more like someone used to watching before speaking.

Nathan leaned back and smiled faintly. His little plan would be taking shape, and he'll have his revenge, one bit at a time.

Perfect.

He sent a short confirmation message along with a partial payment. The rest would be delivered once the meeting concluded.

“Stick to the script,” he messaged. “She’ll do most of the talking. Just listen, nod and smile. No names. Be rich, but withdrawn.”

The man agreed.

Good enough, in the course of his chat with Jessica, he had never posted his picture anywhere, so that this job would be prettystraightforward.

Back at the estate, he sat in the corner of the study as Jessica skirted around like a college girl preparing for prom, dabbing through lipsticks to swirling her silk dress a million times before the mirror.

Silas followed her, irritation barely masked under a thin smile.

“Didn’t we have the fitting today?” he asked, trailing behind her like an obedient lapdog.

Jessica waved a hand dismissively. “I postponed it. I’ve got a client meeting. Big one.”

Silas frowned. “Again?”

“Yes, again,” she snapped. “Some of us are still trying to build something before the wedding.”

Nathan didn’t speak, he just watched.

Jessica blinked in disdain when her eyes met his. “For Chris' sake,Nathan! Is there any day that you can at least act busy, even if you're not?” She paused. “Divorcing you remains my best decision…ever!”

Nathan chuckled softly. Poor Silas.

If only he knew.

At London Square, the aesthetic shimmered in the soft evening light with tall glass walls reflecting passing traffic and pedestrians below. It was the kind of place Jessica loved: expensive, elegant, just exclusive enough to feel important. The café on the ground floor had been reserved under the name “Dome,” and the staff treated the reservation like a seat in Heaven.

Across the street from the booth sat Nathan, dressed like an ordinaryman with a low cap which shadowed his face. He was swirling a half-empty glass of water with his gaze fixed on the cafe's entrance.

His chest tightened from the continuous ache, which grew each day.

The sickness was worsening.

Nathan checked the time. His stand-in would already be there, seated, waiting. He’d gone over the instructions in detail. Let Jessica talk, show mild interest, drop vague hints of a deal, and above all, say nothing that could arouse suspicion.

Then, someone else entered the building, and Nathan’s heart skipped.

Albert.

The same Albert who once shut a door in his face when he was at his lowest. The man who claimed he didn’t “have space” for a broke friend in his guest room, because “my wife’s not comfortable with guests. Especially at the last minute.”

Now here he was. Wearing a cleanly tailored blue blazer, a freshly trimmed beard, and confidence as sharp as a razor, like he was some groom's man.

Nathan blinked slowly. No, he’s not...

But there he was, seated now at the private corner booth, awaiting his date.

Now, a familiar figure appeared near the entrance. Dressed with precision like a Roman goddess walking amongst mortals. The moment she entered the building, the staff guided her to the VIP booth.

Albert stood and, with a polite smile, offered both his hand and a chair, and she took both.

The meeting, she said, was with a client, and was actually with Albert,who was playing a fake Jacob Dome. And just like online friends, they were laughing, leaning in, and talking with ease, the kind of ease that didn’t come from strangers. When she laughed, she would lean forward and lightly touch Albert on the arm, who would smile lightly and enjoy the attention.

Jessica had chosen to lie. She plans to sneak off and meet her new catch under the guise of a business client, all while mocking Nathan, and all while preparing to marry Silas.

From where he sat, Nathan sipped his water and continued to watch.

Thirty minutes passed, then the energy changed.

A black saloon pulled up at the café entrance, and a keen-eyed woman entered. Stylish, grave, and around early twenties. Nathan recognisedher immediately from Albert’s social media back in the day.

It was Albert’s wife, and, unfortunately, she spotted them instantly.

Jessica didn’t notice at first, still chatting, but Albert’s smile vanished the moment he saw his wife charging toward the table.

And then came the confrontation.

From Nathan’s view through the bar’s upper window, he couldn’t hear the words, but the gestures said everything. The wife’s finger was jabbing toward Jessica. Albert stood up, trying to explain. Jessica’s stunned face morphed into one of cold defiance. The entire floor of the café was turning to watch.

Albert’s wife picked up a glass and flung its contents at him.

Jessica stood, now furious, yelling back. Security rushed over. Phones were out, and some patrons were recording.

Nathan sank back into his seat; his face was the same black expression as before.

And it was in that moment where hell hath no fury like a woman scorned — chaos was let loose!