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?”

Jeffrey said coldly. “Victor

without another word, notebook clutched to

Victor had always treated Samuel

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

quickened her pace to leave. By the time she returned to her seat, she had composed herself. Lisa immediately leaned over to gossip. “What did Mr. Hanson want with

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

disappointed

and continued drawing, caught in the endless cycle of creating, revising, and starting

up

Jessica had parked across from the company building and waved

green, checked both ways, and then crossed to meet

seat and greeted her son in

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

heard all about what had happened after Ian returned and knew

wanted to decline, but seeing her friend’s excitement,

arrived at the restaurant, where Ian had secured a window seat. Before he

as she took her seat,

the area behind them, prompting both

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

under her breath.

seized the odd

him a look, knowing he remained unaware that Andrea was Jessica’s

Jessica declared. Her appetite vanished as she took Samuel’s hand. “This dump clearly doesn’t screen its patrons. Might

flashed

chill intensifying until

his gaze and crouched before Samuel, reaching out to ruflle the boy’s hair. He’d

8:48

Chapter 70

ignore him after their last