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?”

knuckles whitened around her notebook. “You’re dismissed,” Jeffrey said coldly.

left without another word, notebook clutched to her

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

staff at the manor will interact with him,” Jeffrey said abruptly as she reached the doorway,

to leave. By the time she returned to her seat,

she was kept behind alone. “He said the initial probation period evaluation is over, and I’ll just follow Jane’s arrangements

disappointed at the lack of

and continued drawing, caught in the endless

up

arrived with Samuel to pick her instead. Jessica had parked across from the company building and waved

light to turn green, checked both ways,

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

nice meal, of course,” Jessica replied while pulling away from the curb. “Don’t worry.

happened after Ian returned and knew how scheming Jeffrey

originally wanted to decline, but seeing her friend’s excitement, she decided not to spoil

the restaurant, where Ian had secured a window seat. Before he could greet them, his expression darkened because he

with that face?” Jessica snapped as she

the area behind them, prompting

Jeffrey, her cheerful greeting utterly devoid of awkwardness. “What

under her breath.

seized the

he remained unaware that Andrea

appetite vanished as she took Samuel’s hand.

flashed

chill intensifying until

Samuel, reaching out to

8:48

Chapter 70

after