Chapter 76 Beat Him at His Own Game
Finished
Shawn was smiling as he chatted with a middle–aged man. Out of the blue, the man reached out and gently patted Queena on the head, like a father doting on his daughter.
Shawn turned to Queena too, a look of admiration softening his features.
Queena leaned sweetly against the man’s shoulder and poke to him in a playful, girlish tone. She didn’t look anything like the stern, professional woman she usually was at the office. No, she looked like a daughter chattering away in front of her loving dad.
Shawn’s smile was warm and easy. The three of them chatted and laughed; the atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant. Whatever they were discussing seemed to have gone smoothly, because they eventually went into a private dining room together.
I had been watching the entire time, snapping photo after photo with my phone.
“What is she blushing about? Are they really at the ‘mee–the–parents stage now?” Melanie huffed beside me, her fists clenched in frustration. “Shawn is unbelievable. You two aren’t even divorced yet!”
“I set my phone down and told her gently. “Don’t get worked up. Let’s finish our meal.”
“Eat? I’m already full of anger, she grumbled. “Shawn can’t treat you like this. Is it appropriate to meet her family before your divorce is finalized? Does he hate being married to you that much? Melanie was always straightforward, and right now, she was even more furious than I was
The truth was, I felt awful too. But what could I do?
Even last night’s passionate encounter between Shawn and me wasn’t enough to stop this train from derailing. We were drifting apart, and nothing could fix that.
Suddenly, Melanie looked at me seriously. “Tiffany, your marriage is already on the rocks. Will you let me give you some advice?”
I looked up at her.
“You ever hear that saying?” she continued. “You’re supposed to sell stocks when the market is booming–at the most valuable. The same goes for a woman’s youth You ‘sell‘ when you’re at your best; that’s when you’ll get the highest return.”
I froze, still holding my fork, staring at her in disbelief.
said She looked me over with a calculating gaze. “You’re young, elegant, and beautiful. The other day, you Shawn’s been showing more interest in you again. Have you thought about what that could mean? Maybe -just maybe he’s starting to feel something again.”
“And then what?” I asked, already knowing where she was going.
Then you play along. Make him fall for you again. Then, once he’s fully invested, you initiate the divorce
the process. He’ll be full of guilt, remorse, and maybe even still in love with you. That’s when you’ll get most money out of him. Trust me, I’ve handled enough divorces to know this–smart women don’t fight men head–on. They use that guilt to walk away with more. Tiffany, I know you’re kind, but now is not the time for kindness. Be sharp. Don’t walk away empty–handed, or I’ll be seriously disappointed in you as a
friend.”
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13:43 Sat, Apr 5
Chapter 76 Beat Him at His Own Game
I gave her a faint smile. “Alright. I’ll take your advice.”
Finished
After lunch, Melanie and I headed downstairs, and just as we reached the lobby, the door to that private dining room opened too.
Shawn and the middle–aged man came out first, still deep in conversation. But Queena spotted me right away. She walked over with a smile that was all charm and grace. “Mrs. Hartwell! What a coincidence–are you dining here too? Shawn and I were just having lunch with my father, she said sweetly.
Shawn?
They were already on a first–name basis?
Shawn noticed me. He paused slightly before politely saying goodbye to Queena’s father and walking over.
Davis Tackman–Queena’s father–gave me a long, thoughtful look, then called his daughter by nickname with clear affection.
Queena gave Shawn a desolate look. “Shawn, I’ll head our with my dad now.”
go ahead.”
Shawn nodded gently. “Alright, go
“But Queena didn’t leave right away. She smiled sweetly at me and added, “Mrs. Hartwell, please don’t misunderstand. Today’s just a business lunch. Shawn’s discussing a potential partnership with the Tackman Group. Don’t worry–with me on board, this deal is as good as done.”
Then she gave a final sweet smile, the picture of a well–behaved daughter, and followed her father out of the restaurant.
Shawn turned to me, his expression unreadable. “What are you and your friend doing here?”
Melanie wasn’t having it. “Mr. Hartwell, are you saying Tiffany isn’t allowed to be anywhere you are?”
“That’s not what I meant,” Shawn said with a slight smile.
“Oh?” Melanie pressed. “Then what did you mean? Are you suggesting Tiffany followed you here?”
Her words struck me deeply, yet I remained silent about Shawn and Queena. I had decided–I wouldn’t waste another breath on them. As far as I was concerned, she didn’t exist.
Shawn shook his head. “That’s not what I meant either. Tiffany, are you planning to head back now? I’ll ride with you.
“Sorry, I’m giving Melanie a ride home.” Without waiting for a response, I took Melanie’s hand and walked straight out.
Shawn didn’t follow.
Inside the elevator. Melanie turned to me, still fuming. Tiffany, why are you so quiet? Don’t bottle this up. You can’t just let him off the hook. At the very least, make him write a confession letter or something!”
