After the divorce he begged novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70

Intimidated by Jeffrey’s presence, everyone else quickly dispersed from the conference room, leaving behind only Rebecca, Jeffrey, and Andrea.

Rebecca remained poised to leave, her gaze stripped of past affection or recent anger–simply indifferent, as if Jeffrey were a complete stranger.

Jeffrey instantly recognized that look, feeling a pang of pain in his chest.

“Would you like me to step out?” Andrea offered considerately.

Jeffrey said, “Unnecessary.”

Andrea retreated a few steps to give them space, murmuring, “Take your time.”

“You’ll stay at the villa on Monday and Tuesday. Samuel will be picked up by Victor,” Jeffrey declared, locking eyes with Rebecca. “Collect him yourself after work on Thursday.”

Rebecca didn’t even think twice before refusing. “I’ll make time to get back instead.”

“I’m not negotiating,” Jeffrey said, his gaze holding commanding intensity.

Rebecca was about to speak, but Jeffrey continued in a chilly tone, “Defy me, and I’ll revoke the divorce agreement. You’ll lose custody of Samuel.”

Rebecca’s head snapped up, surprise flashing across her face at his sudden reversal.

“Listen to Jeffrey,” Andrea chimed in. “You can relax knowing Samuel is safe with Victor handling his care at

the manor.”

The justification only fueled Rebecca’s anger. She met Jeffrey’s eyes squarely. “The team–building event and team dinner were intentional, weren’t they?”

“What gives you the right to ask?” Jeffrey’s eyes revealed nothing as he drawled, “As an employee? A stranger? Or my ex?”

Rebecca’s knuckles whitened around her notebook. “You’re dismissed,” Jeffrey said coldly. “Victor will collect Samuel first thing Monday.”

Knowing arguments were futile, Rebecca left without another word, notebook clutched to her chest.

She reasoned it was only a few days. Victor had always treated Samuel well. Her real concern lay elsewhere- Jeffrey’s parents,

“Only the staff at the manor will interact with him,” Jeffrey said abruptly as she reached the doorway, as if worried about her. He added, “They won’t see him.”

Rebecca paused for a moment and then quickened her pace to leave. By the time she returned to her seat, she had composed herself. Lisa immediately leaned over to gossip. “What did Mr. Hanson want with you?”

“To discuss work progress.” Rebecca had already prepared an excuse for when she was asked why she was kept behind alone. “He said the initial probation period evaluation is over, and I’ll just follow Jane’s arrangements from now on.”

“I see.” Lisa sounded slightly disappointed at the lack of juicy gossip.

Rebecca opened her design software and continued drawing, caught in the endless cycle of creating, revising, and starting over.

up

That afternoon after work, as she was about to pick up Samuel, Jessica arrived with Samuel to pick her instead. Jessica had parked across from the company building and waved enthusiastically when she spotted Rebecca exiting. “Rebecca, over here!” Samuel watched Rebecca through the car window.

Rebecca waited for the pedestrian light to turn green, checked both ways, and then crossed to meet them.

She climbed into the passenger seat and greeted her son in the back before asking Jessica, “What brings you here?”

“To treat you two to a nice meal, of course,” Jessica replied while pulling away from the curb. “Don’t worry. I checked. This restaurant isn’t affiliated with either the Garcia Group or the Hanson Group.”

She’d heard all about what had happened after Ian returned and knew how scheming Jeffrey was.

Rebecca originally wanted to decline, but seeing her friend’s excitement, she decided not to spoil the mood.

The car soon arrived at the restaurant, where Ian had secured a window seat. Before he could greet them, his expression darkened because he noticed two additional figures entering behind.

“What’s with that face?” Jessica snapped as she took her seat, immediately berating him.

Ian jerked his chin toward the area behind them, prompting both Rebecca and Jessica to glance back simultaneously.

“Hi, dear sister and Rebecca.” Andrea approached arm–in–arm with Jeffrey, her cheerful greeting utterly devoid of awkwardness. “What a coincidence seeing you two here for dinner.”

“Shit, Jessica cursed under her breath.

Ian seized the odd address. “Sister?”

Rebecca shot him a look, knowing he remained unaware that Andrea was Jessica’s father’s illegitimate daughter.

“Let’s find another place,” Jessica declared. Her appetite vanished as she took Samuel’s hand. “This dump clearly doesn’t screen its patrons. Might as well be a landfill cafeteria.”

Ian subtly flashed an approving thumbs–up.

Jeffrey’s gaze lifted, his chill intensifying until Samuel intervened in a sweet voice, “Dad?”

Jeffrey retracted his gaze and crouched before Samuel, reaching out to ruflle the boy’s hair. He’d thought

8:48

Chapter 70

Samuel would ignore him after their last encounter. “Yes?”

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“Could you go elsewhere with this lady?” Samuel glanced at Andrea with his round eyes, adding earnestly, “I don’t want to see her. I don’t want to watch you two together.”

Jeffrey paused. A flash of venom crossed Andrea’s eyes.

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