After the divorce he begged novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Hearing some juicy gossip was one thing–it felt great. But when it was the kind that could blow up, even making a clean exit became a challenge.

“Jeffrey, I think that was just a friendly hug between old friends. No need to read too much into it,” Stanley said, trying to lighten the mood and catch his breath.

Gregory thought, ‘Maybe you should just stop talking”

Clearly missing Jeffrey’s icy glare, Stanley went on, “Besides, you and Rebecca have been married with kids for years. Ian’s crush is ancient history by now.”

Worried about getting dragged into the mess, Gregory asked seriously, “Mr. Garcia, are you thirsty?”

“Nope,” Stanley blurted out defensively.

Gripping the wheel with a sweaty hand, Gregory insisted, “I think you’re thirsty.”

Finally feeling the tension ease a bit, Stanley muttered, “Jeffrey, what’s wrong with your assistant? First he blocks me from leaving, and now he’s trying to force water on me.”

Jeffrey turned slowly toward him. “I think you’re thirsty, too.”

“I-” Stanley’s words caught in his throat under Jeffrey’s dangerous look.

‘What was I thinking? Lactually believed I was getting through to him,‘ Stanley thought.

Heart pounding, he grabbed a water bottle and sat back down obediently. “Well, if you say I’m thirsty, then I’m thirsty,” he

said.

Jeffrey looked away, his eyes darkening. ‘lan? I’ve almost forgotten this guy,‘ he thought.

The car continued down the street before following Rebecca and lan into an upscale restaurant. Through the window, Jeffrey watched the two step inside, laughing and chatting closely. His lips tightened into a cold, thin line.

Silence hung heavy in the car. Neither Stanley nor Gregory dared to speak.

Jeffrey glanced at the restaurant and asked, “Who owns this place?”

Stanley looked blank. ‘How am I supposed to know? It’s my first time here, too.‘

“It’s under one of the Garcia Group subsidiaries,” Gregory answered smoothly, relieved he’d anticipated the question.

Jeffrey’s gaze shifted to Stanley.

Stanley froze. ‘Seriously? I didn’t even do anything–how did I still end up in trouble?‘

He quickly pulled out his phone and said, “I’ll call the manager and have lan thrown out. And blacklist him from every Garcia property. Permanently.”

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13.20 wea, 17 Sept

Chapter 32

Jeffrey still stared at him, unmoved.

Gregory stepped in carefully. “Mr. Hanson isn’t that petty, Mr. Garcia.”

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“Then tell me what to do,” Stanley said, frustrated. He could easily figure out what Jeffrey wanted, except when it came to this kind of thing, Gregory always got Jeffrey better.

“Have the manager decorate their private room,” Jeffrey said, his tone cool and detached. “Romantic setting. During the meal, send in red roses and an engagement ring. Make sure Rebecca knows it’s all from lan.”

Gregory was confused.

Stanley stared in disbelief. “You’re helping your rival make a move on her?”

“If he likes her, I’ll help him say it,” Jeffrey replied, his voice cool and controlled.

Stanley was about to ask if he’d lost his mind when it suddenly clicked–he understood exactly what Jeffrey was doing.

Stanley had heard about Rebecca’s principles. With her divorce from Jeffrey not finalized, if lan suddenly confessed and proposed, she’d be completely turned off.

On the surface, it looked romantic. But in reality, it was deeply disrespectful–treating her like someone who’d entertain a proposal while still legally married.

‘Damn, that’s a killer move,‘ Stanley thought.

“But what if Rebecca doesn’t see it that way?” he asked, jumping on the gossip train. “She and lan still seem really close.”

Jeffrey didn’t answer. He knew Rebecca better than anyone.

Once she turned someone down, she wouldn’t even stay friends. She believed she owed them something if she couldn’t return their feelings–better to end it clean than to lead them on.

Jeffrey assumed lan, who had known Rebecca since childhood, was already aware of the situation, so he never confessed

to her.

“I’ll go brief the manager,” Stanley said, suddenly energized and having completely forgotten his earlier decision to stay away from drama. “I’ll update you when everything’s set.”

“No need,” Jeffrey replied.

Stanley looked at him, confused.

Jeffrey stepped out of the car. “I’m coming with you.”

“Alright,” Stanley said. Before leaving, he bragged to Gregory that he was going to get a front–row seat for the drama while Gregory had to stay behind and watch the car.

Gregory returned a polite smile. Somehow, he had a feeling Stanley wasn’t heading for some juicy gossip–more like straight into Jeffrey’s wrath.

Chapter 32

Stanley just charged ahead without a second thought. He grabbed the restaurant manager and quickly explained the plan. With Jeffrey here, he double–checked every detail to make sure nothing could go wrong.

In the end, Stanley whispered, “If Rebecca turns down the flowers, just glance at the card and pretend it was delivered to the wrong person.”

Jeffrey looked over at him.

The manager stared back, confused.

“Once you step out of the room, mutter something–but make sure it’s loud enough for the people inside to hear,” Stanley continued. “Say, ‘Mr. Yeats is so smart. No matter how that confession goes, he’s got a perfect excuse to save face.”

Stanley was usually laid–back. The reason he went this hard–aside from following Jeffrey’s request–was that he already had some bad blood with lan.

“Got it.” The manager nodded eagerly and hurried off.

“How’s my plan?” Stanley turned to Jeffrey, looking pleased with himself.

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