Chapter 18 Shawn Apologized
Ethan’s words caught me off guard. He knew me surprisingly well.
+8 Pearls
“Have you been investigating me?” My expression darkened. Although my marriage might have failed, that didn’t mean I liked people digging into my life behind my back. It made me feel even more exposed–more humiliated.
“I’m sorry, I just heard some things in passing. I didn’t go looking into anything on purpose.” Ethan looked uneasy, his deep eyes meeting mine, then flickering away with hesitation.
“It was a pleasure meeting you.” I would rather not talk to him, so I turned and walked away.
He stayed right where he was.
Back at the table, Melanie was still fretting over how to talk to the handsome guy across from us.
“Melanie, are you full? Let’s head out,” I said, trying to shake the unsettling feeling of Ethan’s eyes. I was particularly struck by his statement that he expressed interest in me.
Melanie stood up, albeit unwillingly. Just then, Ethan came back.
I didn’t hesitate–I tugged her over and introduced her boldly. “Mr. Hayes, this is my friend Melanie. She’s a lawyer. If you ever need legal advice, she’s very good at what she does.”
“Tiffany.” Melanie looked mortified. She hadn’t expected me to just throw her into the spotlight like that. Her cheeks flushed, as if she wanted to disappear instantly.
I gave her a reassuring glance and said, “It’s fine. Mr. Hayes and I … we’ve met before.”
Ethan smiled slightly and handed her a business card. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Justice. My company is currently looking for legal support. If you’re interested, feel free to reach out to my assistant, Richard.”
“I’m Richard Sowle,” said the handsome man across the table, lifting a hand in greeting. “Just reach out to me directly. Here’s my card.”
Melanie took both cards, blushing so hard. She whispered, “Thank you. It’s a pleasure meeting you both.”
She quickly grabbed my arm and hurried us out of the restaurant.
Once outside, I couldn’t help it–I burst out laughing at the sight of her tomato–red face.
“Tiffany! That was so embarrassing!” Melanie stomped her foot and glared at me. “How could you just go up and ask for their numbers so casually? I’m doomed. I can never show my face again.”
I patted her on the shoulder, still laughing. “You’ve got their cards now. If you don’t reach out, it’d be such a waste!”
“Wait a sec.” Melanie’s expression shifted as something clicked. She grabbed my wrist. “You knew Mr. H When did you meet him? Under what circumstances?”
I froze, caught off guard by her rapid–fire questions.
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Chapter 18 Shawn Apologized
+8 Pearls
Melanie was my friend–I would rather not keep her in the dark. So, I told her the whole story about volunteering at that charity event and making a donation.
“Wait, what?! You donated to some hotshot tech CEO?” Melanie had already read Ethan’s business card. He was one of those young entrepreneurs who took the industry by storm–only 27 and already wildly successful.
I shrugged and shook my head. “I never met him before. I was unaware of his identity. Someone told me a story about this brilliant kid whose family went bankrupt, whose dad died, and he was still top of his class. I was representing the Hartwells for a charity fundraiser and… well, it just tugged at my heart. I wrote a check for 800,000 dollars just for him.”
“Tiffany, you have incredible instincts.” Melanie gave me a big thumbs–up. “That was a top–tier investment.”
I let out a bitter laugh. “It wasn’t even my money. It was Shawn’s. Technically, the one who helped Ethan wasn’t me–it was Shawn.”
Melanie burst into laughter, slapping her leg. “Hahaha! That’s hilarious! Shawn basically funded his own future competition. He’s probably crying in the bathroom!”
I clapped a hand over her mouth. “Keep your voice down! If anyone hears you, our friendship ends right here.”
Melanie calmed down, then whispered carefully, “Are you really divorcing Shawn? Do you want me to draft the papers? It’s kind of my specialty–I’ll do it for free.”
I looked at her serious face and couldn’t help but smile. “Sure, write something up. Let me see it.”
“Think he’ll give you half of everything?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
I shook my head and said, “Highly unlikely. I’m not expecting half. If he gives me even ten percent, that’s enough to keep me comfortable for the rest of my life.”
“But hasn’t he always been generous with you? Even if you don’t ask, he might just give it to you. Tiffany, when you got married, did you ever imagine it would end like this?”
“Of course not.” My voice grew soft, bitter. “I thought it would last forever. Grow old together. Build a life. Have kids, a home, and a family.”
“Maybe we just idealized love and marriage too much,” Melanie said, cutting me off gently. “Marriage is a partnership. If you find the right person, it works. If not…”
“You get out while you still can,” I finished for her.
Melanie smiled, nodding. “Exactly. You’re still young. You can still find the right one.”
But I shook my head and said, “I don’t want to anymore. I believe the majority of men share this sentiment. Indeed, this sentiment extends to women as well. The longer you’re with someone, the more the love fades. Maybe it’s better to just keep dating–never settle down. Always have someone who loves and misses you, but avoid becoming stuck in a routine.”
Melanie stared at me in disbelief. “Wow. Did you actually say that, Tiffany?”
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09:19 Fri, 4 Apr
Chapter 18 Shawn Apologized
There parked a luxury Maybach a few spaces down.
I knew it had to be Ethan’s.
+B Pearls
Sure enough, as soon as Melanie and I got in my car, Ethan and his assistant started walking over. Without waiting for them, I stepped on the gas and we departed.
That afternoon, I was back at the office, sorting out the hotel’s operation transition. Shawn called me into his office.
I went in, keeping my face tense and dodging his eyes.
“Last night, I was out of line.” He wasn’t calling me in for work. He was apologizing.
I turned my face away, pressing my lips together without saying a word,
Shawn stood up and handed me a dark blue box. “This is a gift for you, as an apology”
I glanced at it but didn’t reach out.
So he took my hand and shoved the box into my hands. “It won’t happen again. I promise.”
I held the box, blinking fast as I forced the tears to stay back.
Shawn leaned against the edge of his desk, his eyes fixed on me. When I still didn’t speak, he sighed heavily. “I’m thinking about investing 65 million dollars into your project. Will that make up for it?”
My eyes, still red, widened instantly as I stared at him. “Are you serious?”
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