After the divorce, he begged

Chapter 70

Intimidated by Jeffrey’s presence, everyone else quickly dispersed from the conference room, leaving behind only Rebecca, Jeffrey, and Andrea.

Rebecca remained poised to leave, her gaze stripped of past affection or recent anger–simply indifferent, as if Jeffrey were a complete stranger.

Jeffrey instantly recognized that look, feeling a pang of pain in his chest.

“Would you like me to step out?” Andrea offered considerately.

Jeffrey said, “Unnecessary.”

Andrea retreated a few steps to give them space, murmuring, “Take your time.”

“You’ll stay at the villa on Monday and Tuesday. Samuel will be picked up by Victor,” Jeffrey declared, locking eyes with Rebecca. “Collect him yourself after work on Thursday.”

Rebecca didn’t even think twice before refusing. “I’ll make time to get back instead.”

“I’m not negotiating,” Jeffrey said, his gaze holding commanding intensity.

Rebecca was about to speak, but Jeffrey continued in a chilly tone, “Defy me, and I’ll revoke the divorce agreement. You’ll lose custody of Samuel.”

Rebecca’s head snapped up, surprise flashing across her face at his sudden reversal.

“Listen to Jeffrey,” Andrea chimed in. “You can relax knowing Samuel is safe with Victor handling his care at

the manor.”

The justification only fueled Rebecca’s anger. She met Jeffrey’s eyes squarely. “The team–building event and team dinner were intentional, weren’t they?”

“What gives you the right to ask?” Jeffrey’s eyes revealed nothing as he drawled, “As an employee? A stranger? Or my ex?”

dismissed,” Jeffrey said coldly.

without another word, notebook clutched to

was only a few days. Victor had always treated Samuel well. Her real

manor will interact with him,” Jeffrey said abruptly as she reached the doorway, as if worried about

to her seat,

she was asked why she was kept behind alone. “He said the initial probation period evaluation

see.” Lisa sounded slightly disappointed at the lack of

her design software and continued drawing, caught in the endless cycle of creating, revising,

up

parked across from the company building and waved enthusiastically when she spotted Rebecca exiting. “Rebecca, over here!” Samuel watched Rebecca through the

the pedestrian light to turn green, checked both ways, and then crossed to meet

into the passenger seat and greeted her son in the back before asking

treat you two to a nice meal, of course,” Jessica replied while pulling away from the curb. “Don’t worry. I checked. This restaurant isn’t affiliated with

happened after Ian returned and knew

seeing her friend’s excitement, she decided not to

Ian had secured a window seat. Before he could greet them, his expression darkened because he noticed two

Jessica snapped as she took her seat, immediately berating

them, prompting both

cheerful greeting utterly devoid of awkwardness. “What a coincidence seeing you two

under her breath.

the odd address.

a look, knowing he remained

she took Samuel’s hand. “This dump

subtly flashed

gaze lifted, his chill intensifying until Samuel intervened in a

and crouched before Samuel, reaching out

8:48

Chapter 70

would ignore him after their last