Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO

Chapter 32

James cleared his throat. Well then, we should celebrate once the divorce is final. Let ma..

I turned to study his profile, my expression sharpening. What exactly did Astrid tell your when she asked for this favor?

He hesitated, caught off guard by my directness. “Just that she was swamped at work, needed someone to help…”

‘It’s the middle of a workday, James. Don’t you have your own responsibilities?‘

Taking a deep breath, I pushed forward. “Look, I appreciate your concern, but we were just senior and junior at Parsons. That doesn’t warrant dropping everything to rescue me. My marriage, my divorce those ate my battles to fight.

‘I don’t need commentary from the sidelines.”

4

Silence filled the car. James sat frozen, looking like I’d slapped him.

“When the divorce is final,‘ I added, softer now, “I’m taking at least six months. No dating, no relationships, no complications.”

keep our distance. For both our

hurt him when his feelings seemed genuine But his earlier comments had crossed

color drained from his face, but after a long moment, he just nodded. “I

James’s expression – not quite hurt, but

into his briefcase and retrieved a sleek leather portfolio. “Actually, meeting you today

raised an eyebrow, confused,

you submitted through Astrid?” He tapped the portfolio. “They landed on my boss’s desk this morning. The firm’s interested, but they need some market–oriented adjustments.” His smile widened slightly. “Imagine my surprise when I realized who the

heavy in my hands as I flipped it open. These were definitely my sketches the ones I’d asked Astrid to help distribute through her industry connections. After my marriage to Blake, I’d lost touch with the jewelry world, too focused on being the decent Parker wife. Astrid,

almost laughed at the irony. All this time, I’d been assuming James had some ulterior motive in picking me up,

review board was impressed,

I remembered

to pick you up? Sure. But you’ve made your position clear, and I respect that.” His tone turned purely professional. “Let’s not let personal history get in the way of what could be a solid professional

me feel small. I bit my lip, studying the

after a moment. “Pure creative work, no production. Would that

connections, expertise – everything I

document. “Good, here’s to a successful partnership. And here’s your compensation package Take