Chapter 217 Power over Passion
+8 Pearls
“Is liking someone really that important?” Amy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her tone calm. “Compatibility is more important. Sharing the same frequency and helping each other is the secret to a long–lasting relationship. Look at you and Mr. Hartwell. He liked you. He even married you, but so what? You still ended up parting ways. How long can ‘liking‘ really last?”
I was stunned by the confidence radiating from her face. At that moment, I felt a flicker of shame. She was right. A person’s perspective sets the ceiling for their life. And my perspective had doomed me to be a casualty of marriage.
“You think I want to be with Mr. Hartwell forever?” Amy gave a dismissive snort. “Wrong. He might want that, but I don’t. I like his version now. Sharp mind, decisive action. With his advic
and help, my career could soar. What I want is his business acumen. Love and sex? That’s just seasoning for day–to–day Nice if you have it, but if not? No big deal.” She spread her hands like it was all just a casual conversation.
I couldn’t help but chuckle and shake my head. “Chatting with ambitious people like you is unexpectedly enlightening.”
“For your own good,” Amy said with a wink. “Right now, we’re colleagues. In the future, I might even be able to help you in your career.”
She was trying to lock me into a future partnership. But I raised an eyebrow and replied coolly, “Ms. Baker, I’m sorry. I’m divorced from Shawn. I don’t want to get involved in his life anymore.”
“You sure you’re not still in love with him?” Amy shot back quickly, her eyes probing. “Afraid of seeing him marry someone else? Are you waiting for a chance to remarry?”
Honestly, I’ve never liked people poking around my private life, even if they claimed it was out of concern.
“Ms. Baker, you’re the expert in chasing men. I don’t have much to offer in that department.”
“Well, Queena’s been pretty active lately,” Amy said. “She’s been getting awfully close to Susanna. Aren’t you worried she might become the next Mrs. Hartwell?”
Of course, I was worried. In my past life, Queena tormented me for half a lifetime. If she married Shawn in this life, I’d never have peace again.
“I do worry,” I said flatly, “but that has nothing to do with helping you. Those are two separate things.” I wasn’t about to be manipulated that easily. As for Queena, I’d deal with her myself.
Last life, she used Yuna to drive me mad. This time, I could do the same. Turn the tables. I wouldn’t let her win. I’d settle this score no matter what. Call me vicious. I don’t care. I need to fight for myself this time.
Amy half–forced a smile and shrugged. “Ms. Mayfield, I suspect you still like Mr. Hartwell. Which means we might play multiple roles in each other’s lives: colleagues, friends, maybe even love rivals.”
“Love rivals is a bit much,” I said calmly. “Don’t worry. There won’t be any emotional entanglement between me and Shawn.”
“Really?” Her smile returned. “Is it because there’s something wrong with him? Health–wise, I mean? He’s got that abstinent, cold vibe going on. How often were you two intimate, as a married couple?”
I stared directly at her. “Ms. Baker, sometimes mystery makes things more fun.”
Amy gave a slightly awkward laugh. “I talk about this stuff all the time with my girlfriends. What? You don’t like that kind of conversation? If you ask me, I’ll answer!”
I shook my head. “Better to stick to work topics. Once you start sharing private stuff, using it against you is too easy.”
Amy burst out laughing. “You’re so cautious, Ms. Mayfield. But seriously, you’re interesting. Why did you and Mr. Hartwell get divorced?”
She sure knew how to dig right where it hurt.
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9:13 AM
Chapter 217 Power over Passion
After lunch with Amy, I headed straight to the hotel.
+8 Pearls
As I arrived, Jace stood up from his seat. He’d gotten here early, too. Was he also back from Craneport yesterday?
His job had shifted recently. Before, he handled all sorts of odd tasks. But now that the renovation work at the hotel was done, he’d been assigned to work as a front desk attendant.
He didn’t seem too thrilled about it.
Once I settled in, he knocked and came into my office. With a sheepish smile, he asked, “Tiffany, can I switch roles? HR wants me at the front desk, but I don’t want to be so visible.”
I laughed. “I know your identity makes it tricky to be in the spotlight. How about becoming my assistant? You can help with errands and paperwork. Sound good?”
His eyes lit up. “Perfect! That’s totally my thing!”
I smiled, glancing at him again. Today, he was dressed in the hotel’s tailored suit and had an upgraded air about him. .
Especially with his hair slicked back, revealing his clean–cut sideburns, it perfectly framed his sharp, handsome features.
Authoritative. That was it.
I’d always sensed something different about his presence but could never find the right word. Now, I realized Jace had a natural sense of authority, which was noble and commanding.
After a quick word with HR, I officially added him as my assistant. He was meticulous and reliable, never sloppy, and handled small details with finesse.
– That afternoon, Yuna came by to hang out. She even brought me some homemade bread from the housekeeper. Her hair
was shorter now. It used to fall to her waist, and I’d make her different braids daily.
But today, her hair only brushed her shoulders, loosely tied back with a simple hair tie. Wispy bangs fell across her forehead, and she had to push them aside every time she looked up. She looked nothing like the refined little girl she used to be, more like a tomboy now.
She sat beside me, quietly flipping through a comic book. No tantrums like before. Occasionally, she’d peek at my computer and ask me to teach her new words.
Just then, her smartwatch buzzed. She checked it, then muttered, “Mom, it’s Queena again. She keeps trying to hang out with me lately. I don’t want to. But she won’t stop coming.”
I froze. So, Yuna was actually annoyed with Queena now?
