Chapter 181 I Tend to Be Quite Rebellious.
Finished
Melanie supported me while expressing her indignation. “What kind of people are these! You’re not even divorced yer. and the Hartwells‘ matriarch is already scouting new partners for him. This is so inappropriate. Tiffany, you’re absolutely right to want a divorce.”
I felt a quiet sense of relief that it was all coming to an end, and the pain of divorce no longer seemed so piercing
“Well, let’s see what else they try to pull. Eager to move on, I shifted the conversation.
Melanie did not bring up Ethan again. She understood that I was not one to flirt and that any rumors linking me to another man could complicate my divorce proceedings.
After lunch, I headed back to my temporary office and found Shawn occupying my chair, engrossed in a book.
Nearby, Jace fiddled with a pen, watching Shawn with a keen interest.
Ms. Mayfield, Mr. Hartwell has been waiting for a while. You’re finally back,” he commented.
“Mr. Hartwell seems really taken with you. He’s been coming around a lot lately on his own.
“He must have owed you a favor in a past life, by looking at the way he’s so drawn to you now,” Jace joked.
I simply smiled in response.
It was not that I had saved him; he just had a way of getting under my skin..
Shawn looked up at me, his gaze intense.
As I entered the office, Shawn stood up, offering me the seat he had just vacated.
I chose not to sit in that chair but pulled up another next to him, asking, “Mr. Hartwell, is there something specific you wanted to discuss?”
Shawn’s expression was somber as he answered, “Why so formal? I was just passing by and thought I’d bring you som
snacks.”
I then noticed a delicate bamboo basket beside me, filled with an assortment of small cakes that I favored.
“You certainly know how to charm,” I said lightly, with a hint of sarcasm.
Shawn seemed surprised, then responded with a sheepish laugh. “I haven’t really tried before, but maybe starting now counts as progress, right?”
new
“Shawn, don’t squander your efforts on me, I responded coolly, my eyes on the computer screen, which displayed lineup of male models with striking features. It struck me then just how pointless it was to pin all hopes on one possibility.
Seeing my cool detachment and rejection of even his kindness, Shawn appeared wounded. “Tiffany, does it have to be like this? Won’t you give me a chance to change!”
“Our relationship has run its course; there’s no need for empty gestures. I have my own family to think about,” I stated plainly, cutting off any lingering hope he might have held.
Moreover, Susanna and Yuna were off in Andorwood, possibly scouting for his next partner. What did he hope to achieve by playing the sentimental card here?
I was certain Shawn knew about his mother and daughter’s actions. Even if they tried to keep it from him, hints would surely slip through.
Yet here he was, attempting to extend an olive branch. Was he genuinely that magnanimous?
1/2
11:27 AM
Chapter 181 1 Tend to Be Quite Rebellious
I took a deep breath to collect myself and resumed my work for the rest of the afternoon.
Finished
As evening approached, the office was a bit disorderly since the cleaning staff was out. Dust had gathered on the floor from all the construction traffic carlier.
I planned to clean up after everyone had left, but to my surprise, Jace was already handling it.
He was not very adept, suggesting he did not do much cleaning at home.
This earnest young man with a spark in his eyes was endearing in his own way.
After he finished with the outer office and changed the water, he paused at my office door. “Ms. Mayfield, may I mop in here! as well?”
I smiled. “Why take on a task that no one else has bothered with?”
Jace returned the smile. “I like things clean. The dirt was bothering me.”
Thank you” I said, standing to give him space.
Jace quickly set about tidying up, even wiping down my desk after mopping.
“How will you get home later?” I asked him, appreciating his thoughtfulness.
“I’ll probably take the bus,” he replied, still smiling.
“Why don’t you ride with me instead?” I offered, knowing it was on my way.
Jace nodded appreciatively. Thank you, Ms. Mayfield”
That evening at seven, I drove home with Jace seated quietly in the back.
When I glanced in the rearview mirror, our eyes met briefly. I noticed a certain depth in his gaze that was not as apparent during the day.
To break the silence and ease any awkwardness, I initiated a conversation. A handsome guy like you must have a girlfriend, right?”
“No,” he responded. “My family is quite strict and doesn’t allow me to chate.”
I could not help b
smile at the obedient type?”
is answers you’re
I’m not exactly obedient, Jace countered softly, revealing a hint of defiance. “In fact, I tend to be quite rebellious.”
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