The Invisible Wife Turned Savage novel Chapter 165

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For the rest of dinner, every time Wendy tried to speak to Jonathan, Perry somehow wedged himself into the conversation, stealing her chance.

Her face grew darker and darker.

Estella nearly laughed aloud – Wendy looked ready to explode.

She leaned toward Jonathan and whispered, “I never realized you could be so bad.”

Jonathan raised a brow, his long fingers tapping lightly against his temple. “I thought you’d call

it clever.”

Estella clinked her glass against his. “Alright then

–

very clever.”

She’d eaten her fill and was content to sit back, watching the others joke and tease.

That was when Lana spoke up. “Estella, aren’t we planning to barbecue tonight? I heard the hotel terrace gets crowded. Why don’t you and the boss head over first and save us some spots?”

Estella nodded, glancing at Jonathan.

He caught the intent behind Lana’s suggestion – she was deliberately creating space for the two of them. He rose smoothly. “Let’s go. A little walk will be good.”

As they turned to leave, Jonathan added over his shoulder, “Lana, when this retreat ends, you’ll take over Mr. Morris’s case.”

Lana’s eyes lit up.

The Morris case was already half complete, with only easy wrap–up left. Taking it over meant high commission with minimal difficulty.

All for nudging her boss’s love life along? She beamed. “Thank you, boss. I’ll do my best!”

Jonathan simply inclined his head and walked out with Estella.

Wendy tried to follow, but Perry clung to her like glue. For the first time, she felt the full misery of being hounded by someone she didn’t want.

The terrace stretched wide under a sky spattered with stars.

Estella sank into a folding chair, breathing in the night air, her body finally loosening.

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14:03 Thu, Oct 23

Chapter 165 Under the Stars

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Since starting her business, her days had been dawn–to–dusk toil. Nathaniel’s shadow hanging over her had kept her nerves wound tight.

Now, just for a while, she could breathe freely.

Jonathan draped a blanket over her shoulders, then handed her a thermos. “Drink more water.”

The simple gesture made her chuckle. “Sometimes you remind me of an old–fashioned official. Always so proper in the details.”

He gave her a questioning look. “Why are you laughing?”

She teased, “Mr. Bennett, you don’t always feel like someone from my generation.”

He tilted his head, eyes narrowing slightly. “Are you calling me old–fashioned?”

“No,” she laughed again, covering her lips with her hand. “You can be stylish too. Like today — that outfit is young.”

Jonathan glanced down at the hoodie he wore, and a smile tugged at his lips.

He’d bought it deliberately, after noticing Estella often wore hoodies after work. They weren’t his usual style, but slipping into something that matched her somehow made him absurdly pleased.

He’d never cared to change his wardrobe before. But for her, he found himself willing.

Estella sipped from the thermos and suddenly thought of Tuan Tuan. “What about him while we’re away?”

“He’s at a pet boarding house,” Jonathan said.

“Do you think he’ll adjust?”

Jonathan’s mouth curved. “Maybe he’ll enjoy it.”

She raised a brow. “What do you mean?”

“There are a few dogs there he seems to get along with.”

Her eyes

widened. “Wait… are you saying he has a girlfriend?”

Jonathan chuckled. “Hardly. He may look sturdy, but he’s still a pup. Too young for that yet.”

Estella gave a small “oh,” realizing she’d imagined too much.

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