Chapter 153

I just smiled and stayed quiet. Wendy, perceptive as ever, saw I had no interest in talking about Jared and slipped back into the kitchen.

Instead of going to the office, I went to the temporary workspace next to Harmonia Hotel. After yesterday’s fight, there was no way I could face Jared without showing my displeasure.

I checked the renovation work at Harmonia Hotel and thought about taking both hotels off his hands to run myself. I knew it would be tough without the right connections, but I still wanted to give it a shot.

By the afternoon, my phone rang. It was Jared. I was still debating whether to answer when I saw him through the glass door, phone in hand.

This sneaky man was just checking my reaction. I glanced up, and he hung up and walked in.

The moment he arrived in person, a few colleagues quickly found excuses to slip out, leaving just the two of us in the office.

I kept my face cold, eyes on the computer, refusing to look at him. He dragged a chair over and sat beside me, his gaze fixed on my screen.

I shut the file, leaving a screen full of shirtless male models with killer abs and charming looks.

Jared had been expressionless, but at the sight of my screen, his expression darkened. “Let’s talk.”

“Got the divorce agreement ready? I can sign whenever,” I said without looking at him.

Jared’s jaw tightened. After a moment of silence, he asked, “Do you still want the place in Shariport?”

I stared at him. Meeting my gaze, he said, “I got one. 1,500 square feet, 28th floor, fully furnished. Do you want it?”

I blinked, thrown off. I was talking about divorce papers, and he was talking about a Shariport apartment.

My fingers tightened on the armrest, my expression laced with mockery. “Seriously? We’re divorcing. Buying me a place now is pointless. Jared, don’t play games with me.”

Jared frowned. “I know you’re disappointed in me, but I’ve always kept my word. If I said I’d give you the apartment, I would.”

I let out a derisive laugh. “Forget it.”

Jared’s face instantly soured, a hint of anger flickering in his eyes. “You think there’s something improper between Tracy and me, don’t you? I did think she’d be useful at work and a good partner at home.

“She’s got skills, a background like mine, and is attentive and passionate. I thought about going further with her, but never acted on it. What else do you want to know?”

Jared actually admitted his feelings for Tracy. I froze, looking at him. “If you want to live with her, then just be straightforward about it. I agree with what you said. Don’t worry, I won’t get jealous. That's your call. I don’t care.”

“Jared, let’s stop fighting. Follow your heart. Whoever you want to choose is your own business.”

Jared’s face darkened. I made myself clear, but he still seemed unhappy.

“You’re so unreasonable,” Jared said. “Are you still interested in the apartment? I set up a meeting to sign the contract tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” I had to admit that Jared was efficient.

“If you still want it, come with me tonight. If not, I’ll give the apartment to Yvonne.” Jared sounded like he was deliberately trying to provoke me.

“I want it.” I didn’t care about pride or anything else. If he wanted to give it, I wasn’t saying no.

“Come on, let’s head to the airport,” Jared said.

I stood up. “I'll grab all your documents."

I nodded. “I’ve got everything with me.”

Jared and I hurried to the airport, and the scenery along the way seemed somehow brighter.

At the airport, Jared called Yvonne and then handed me his phone. “She wants to talk to you.”

I took the phone and heard Yvonne promise, “Mom, I’m sorry for being so stubborn before. I promise I’ll behave and won’t cry anymore. Please don’t leave me, okay? I’ll be good. Please don’t divorce Dad.”

My heart skipped a beat as I looked at Jared. I hadn’t expected him to tell Yvonne about our divorce.

Yvonne said, “Mom, please don’t leave me. I was wrong. I’ll do whatever you want from now on, and I won’t cry again.”

I listened to Yvonne’s repeated promises over the phone with growing irritation. I knew those words were as fragile as bubbles.

“Alright, stop crying. Just think things through before you do anything next time.” I didn’t comfort her; I ended the call abruptly. Jared stared at me in shock, apparently unprepared for my coldness. Yvonne was crying on the phone, and I just ended the call like that. I handed the phone back and slumped over the nearby table, silent.

I wished Yvonne would misbehave like she did in my previous life, so I could just dislike her and ignore her without feeling bad. However, she was apologizing to me. It was as if she valued me more than Tracy.

Jared placed a hand on my shoulder, soothing in a low voice, “Alright, stop crying. Yvonne is used to getting her way. She might have said some harsh things before, but she is sorry. Just forgive her. She’s still a kid.

“I told her no matter what, she has to treat you like her mom with love and respect. No rudeness allowed.”

Jared’s words struck me deeply. I turned to look at him, my eyes rimmed red with tears.

Jared saw me crying and softened up. “I know you’re hurting, Victoria. Yvonne won’t be mad at you anymore. Can we please stop talking about divorce?”

I was surprised. Jared should be preparing the divorce papers now, not trying to hold me back with a house and Yvonne’s apologies.

I didn’t understand what was happening. I thought this time, things would go like they did before.

Jared noticed my silence and assumed I might be giving in. He hugged me, chin resting on my shoulder, and said, “Every couple fights. It’s how they figure out what they want.

“I know you feel wronged. I’m under pressure, too. I hope you understand. Victoria, let’s move past this, alright?”

I pushed him away, determined not to yield.