Chapter 148: Don’t Mention the Divorce!

“Okay!” The meeting continued, and Taylor resumed her notes while an awkward tension filled the air. On the other side of the top floor, in the CEO’s office…

“Why is it that every time you come, nobody informs me?”

Just last week, Easton had told Victoria to go through his assistant first for anything, and only if his assistant couldn’t help should she come to him. Victoria hadn’t taken this to heart; a week had passed, and she was back, causing Easton to suddenly realize a bigger issue. Every time Victoria visited, no one notified him. Has my office become a free-for-all? What about the professionalism of my staff? Can’t they even handle basic tasks?

As soon as Easton’s office door swung open, Victoria saw his furrowed brow, and his cold words caught her off guard.

“Easton… it’s not every time. The first time I came, your assistant did tell you.”

The first time she had come to Hudson Group, she wasn’t allowed to just walk into his office; she had to go through his assistant. Easton, usually not one to lose sleep over trivial matters and normally indifferent because of their shared history—Victoria was not only his ex-fiancée but also his childhood friend—suddenly felt uncomfortable with her free access amid his current sleep-deprived and emotionally unstable state.

“I’ll say it again, talk to my assistant about any issues!” He signaled with his eyes for Victoria to leave.

Just stepping in and already being shown the door. Victoria looked hurt. “Easton, I can’t reach Jackson.”

She had arranged with Jackson just days ago for Easton to meet her today. At this critical moment, Jackson was unreachable; his phone was turned off. Her company’s celebration tonight wasn’t just about celebrating; it was also to announce that Easton and Hudson Group backed her, which was crucial for her company’s growth and attracting investment. If Easton didn’t show, her efforts would be wasted, so in desperation, she came to Hudson Group.

Once Victoria mentioned this, Easton realized he had forgotten to introduce his new assistant, Taylor, to her.

“My new assistant’s name is Taylor. Just ask anyone outside, and they’ll direct you to her,” he said indifferently, dismissing her once more.

Easton has a new assistant? Victoria paused, then asked pensively, “By the name, she’s a girl?”

Easton had heard similar comments from Ellis. Ellis, ever paranoid about being replaced as Easton’s wife, was overly concerned about him interacting with other women. She would have preferred that the only women in his life, apart from her, were related to him by blood, and everyone else should be male. If Ellis were still working as his assistant, she probably wouldn’t have allowed a female assistant. With her out of his life, Easton felt freer to make decisions without worrying about her temper tantrums.

As this thought crossed his mind, another voice inside him asked, Do you really like this unrestrained freedom?

The question seemed almost humorous, and he smirked disdainfully. Why wouldn’t I enjoy it? Sometimes, Ellis was irrational, acting out based on her moods, even resorting to tantrums to get her way. He often felt helpless, wishing she would just calm down.

1:59 PM

Chapter 148: Don’t Mention the Divorce!

Now that she was finally quiet, he was free at last! Yet, a slight restlessness and irritation bubbled up inside, subtly telling him that this wasn’t the freedom he wanted.

Easton’s expression barely changed, but the tension in his furrowed brows created an invisible pressure, leaving Victoria unable to pinpoint what she had said wrong. Still, she put on a wounded act. “Easton, I really hope you can attend my company’s celebration tonight. You have been…”

A newly established company relying on the channels, resources, and funding he provided, Easton felt he had done enough for Victoria. When she continued as if she hadn’t heard his previous rejections, he cut her off directly. “I’ve been very busy lately. Don’t pretend you don’t understand my refusal. I told you to leave, so just go. Don’t bother me.”

Easton’s shift from being always accommodating to speaking harshly today made it clear she was pushing him too far. Stunned for a moment, then acting as though wounded, Victoria clutched her chest, tears welling up in her eyes. “Easton, you promised to protect me for life. How can you…”

Interrupting her again, this time unmistakably irritated, Easton retorted, “I did say I’d protect you for life, but that was contingent on our marriage. We’re no longer engaged, just childhood friends. Why would I still owe you lifelong protection?”

After returning to the country, despite Easton not contesting her reminders of his promises made during their engagement, this time he did. Victoria was stunned but kept a composed facade.

“Easton, aren’t you divorced from Ellis…”