Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 499

"...Well, you're certainly taking this lightly."

Miranda muttered, flopping back on the bed with her arms spread wide. She sighed, "Honestly, what's the point in worrying? How many marriages in this world are truly about love anyway? Finding someone decent is already more than most people get."

Mila paused, her heart tightening just a little.

While the two friends were tucked away in their room, whispering secrets, someone knocked at the guest room across the hall. Forrest opened the door to find the butler standing there, wearing his usual professional smile.

"Mr. Whitmore, Mrs. Sutherland would like to see you in her study for some tea."

Forrest hesitated for a split second. So, this is it, he thought. No wonder she ignored him at dinner-she'd been waiting for this moment.

"Of course. Let me get myself together."

He said he needed a moment, but really, he'd been ready for this all night. He hadn't changed out of his suit after dinner, half-expecting this summons. Straightening his jacket, he followed the butler down the hall.

The study was filled with roses in every shade imaginable, their fragrance subtle but unmistakable. Clearly, Mrs. Sutherland had a fondness for them.

Forrest stepped inside.

behind him; the

Sutherland," he greeted

of the room, Jade cradled

"I wouldn't dare."

"You seem daring enough to me. But I suppose

didn't flinch. "That's

shifting abruptly. "Let's get to it—whose idea was this charade? Yours, or

hesitated. There was no way

idea." He stood tall, his words clear and steady. "Mila was afraid you'd worry yourself sick, and I—I care for her deeply. So I took the chance to come up with this plan,

almost surprised by his candor. She fell silent for

my Mila. How much? When did this

met her when I was fifteen..." Forrest didn't dodge

isn't it?" She

"Yes."

to defend himself. "But I've sorted out those matters.

those people will never show up in

believe you?" Jade's voice was mild, but her eyes were sharp. "I know better

a disaster a

it drags everyone down with it Mila could do so much better. Why should it be you? Because of your empty promises? Or this so-called heartfelt devotion you're showing me now? You ought to know, sometimes a relationship built on mutual benefit is