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?”

notebook. “You’re dismissed,” Jeffrey said coldly. “Victor

arguments were futile, Rebecca left without another word, notebook clutched to her

few days. Victor had always treated Samuel well. Her

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

quickened her pace to leave. By the time she returned to her seat, she had

already prepared an excuse for when she was asked why she was kept behind alone. “He said the initial probation period evaluation is over, and I’ll just follow Jane’s arrangements

see.” Lisa sounded slightly disappointed at the lack of juicy

design software and continued drawing, caught in the

up

instead. Jessica had parked across from the company building and waved enthusiastically when she spotted Rebecca exiting.

waited for the pedestrian light to turn green, checked both ways, and

passenger seat and greeted her son

course,” Jessica replied while pulling away from the curb. “Don’t worry. I checked. This restaurant isn’t affiliated with either the

heard all about what had happened after Ian returned and knew

but seeing her friend’s excitement, she decided not

a window seat. Before he could greet them, his expression darkened because he

with that face?” Jessica snapped as she took her seat, immediately

them, prompting both Rebecca and Jessica to

arm–in–arm with Jeffrey, her cheerful greeting utterly devoid of awkwardness. “What

under her breath.

the odd

a look, knowing he remained unaware that

vanished as she took Samuel’s hand. “This dump clearly doesn’t screen its patrons. Might as well

flashed an approving

until Samuel intervened in

retracted his gaze and crouched before Samuel, reaching out

8:48

Chapter 70

him after their last