The Divorced Military Queen Awakens (by Sadie Baxter) novel Chapter 506

“Is that so?” Harlan’s gaze slipped past her, focusing on something–or someone–behind her. “So you found a new distraction to erase my uncle from your heart?”

Laura gave a self–mocking chuckle. “Back then, I had no time, no money. I was juggling lawsuits, scholarships, and odd jobs. Work kept me breathing. The grinding paid off. Now I have money, a career, and if 1 fancy a younger boyfriend, I can indulge.”

She didn’t regret the choice. That chapter with Weston had cured her of romantic tunnel vision, taught her to chase paychecks instead of daydreams.

“A younger boyfriend, huh?” Harlan’s smile twisted. “Then what’s this thing between you and my Uncle Weston now?”

“Nothing serious. Call it a game.” Laura lifted her shoulders again, casual to the point of carelessness.

“A game?” Harlan looked downright perplexed. “So your feelings for him…”

“Died long ago. If love can’t be earned, why fight for it? People have to look forward.” She patted his shoulder. “Lose your fixation on Quinn and you might discover someone far more worthy.”

“Enough. I’m hardly that easy to sway, so your effort may be wasted. Still, it’s funny you claim you feel nothing for my uncle anymore.” Harlan jerked his chin toward the shadow behind her. “Uncle Weston, you’ve been eavesdropping forever. Heard enough?”

Laura spun. Weston stepped out of the dim corridor, his figure sliding into the light as if he’d been carved out of the night itself.

When did Weston get here? So Harlan must have spotted his uncle long ago. Were all those questions a trap he set, baiting me to spill the words Weston needed to hear?

Laura’s brow tightened, unease sliding beneath her skin. Had Harlan really played me that neatly?

“Even if you hated me dragging you to this mixer, you didn’t need to haul your uncle in as backup,” Laura muttered, voice pitched low so only Harlan could hear.

“I never asked my uncle to show up,” Harlan answered, tugging once at his loosened tie. “And yes, I nudged you. I want Uncle Weston free of a love that will never be his. Laura, save your speeches for him. Help him look forward, not back.”

Laura frowned harder. What on earth does that mean? What hopeless feeling is Weston trapped in?

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Harlan straightened, smoothed his jacket, then rose from the table as though the conversation already bored him. “Anyway, I’m out. Have fun talking. And next time you plan one of these mixers, leave my name off the list.”

With a casual wave, he strode toward the exit, not bothering to look back.

“Harlan—” Laura had only opened her mouth when a tall figure cut across her line of sight, Weston planting himself squarely in front of her.

“What’s wrong? Can’t bear to see him go? Still want to chat?” Weston’s usually refined features were shadowed by a stormy scowl.

“That’s my business, not yours,” Laura shot back, rolling her eyes at him.

“Not mine?” He gave a cold laugh. “Don’t forget our deal. For this entire year, you are my girlfriend.”

She huffed. “I remember perfectly. Spare me the reminder.”

“Then you also remember the clause that says no messy ties with other men. Even if you fancy Harlan, you’ll wait until the year is up.

Understand?”

He had told himself, before coming, that he was here only to find his nephew. Yet the moment he overheard Laura’s teasing words to Harlan, anger ignited in him like a struck match.

“You’re talking nonsense. Harlan is just a friend!”

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