Chapter 136

After making our wishes, the two executives and I toured Stonecrag Church, paying no attention to Jared and his group.

By the time we circled back, Jared stood alone in the smoking area, taking a drag from his cigarette. The others were nowhere in sight.

I didn’t approach him. Instead, I chose a bench, sat down, and took a sip of water.

Not far away, I spotted Tracy writing her own wish. So even someone as driven and self-assured as her believes in those supernatural things.

Jared noticed me and stubbed out his cigarette, walking over. He sat beside me and said, “I have plans tonight. Do you want to head back early?”

“Sure,” I nodded.

His gaze lingered on my face for a moment before he added, “Have you called Yvonne?”

“No.” Truthfully, I hadn’t spared a single thought for that child. There was a time when three minutes apart would’ve left me anxious. Now, a full day and night had passed without her crossing my mind.

This must be what it means for a heart to turn cold.

“Yvonne said she misses you,” Jared reminded me, his voice carefully neutral. “She wants you to bring her a gift when you come back.”

“She doesn’t need another present every time I step out,” I replied coolly.

His brow furrowed, and he lowered his voice. “You’ve been distant from her lately. Is it because of me?”

I turned to face him. Dappled sunlight flickered across our faces through the trees, and for the first time in a long while, Jared looked… unsettled.

“You’re overthinking it,” I said, keeping my tone light. “I just don’t believe in spoiling children.”

I didn’t want him to mistake my indifference for lingering resentment. Hate requires love to fuel it. But when even that burns out? There’s nothing left.

Jared let out a quiet, humorless laugh. “Victoria… have you ever really tried to understand me?”

My spine stiffened. Hadn’t I? I’d lived an entire lifetime with him. If that wasn’t understanding, what was?

I stayed silent. Jared surprised me with his next words. “I’m not the villain you’ve painted in your head. I care about my reputation, my legacy.”

He stood abruptly, sliding a hand into his tailored slacks as he turned away. “You want to ‘aim for the peak.’ Need someone to point the way?”

My breath caught. The late afternoon light traced the sharp line of his jaw.