The next morning, I transferred 30 thousand to Ryan, hoping it would help him get through this tough time.

Jared called me into his office, and on his desk was a list. “Take a look at this,” he said.

My heart skipped a beat as I picked it up. It was a list of properties and shops under Jared’s name–over thirty in total, spread across all the top-tier and second-tier cities nationwide.

“What’s this?” I asked.

Jared lit up a cigarette and said, “These are for you. I’ll have all these properties transferred to your name within three days, and they’ll be listed in the divorce papers. The company shares will take a bit longer, but if you’re in a rush, we can sign the divorce papers by the end of the month.”

“Thanks. I want to get this over with as soon as possible, if possible,” I replied.

Most people went to war over assets in a divorce, but not Jared. He was loaded, and his real power was his ability to make money. To him, this cash was just pocket change. But to me, it was life-changing money.

Jared stared at me, smoking moodily and tapping the ash off his cigarette. He then said, “Fine. I’ll get it done as soon as possible.”

“What about the hotel business?” I asked.

Jared said, “Even if you end up working for me, you probably won’t see me much. Don’t worry–I won’t be all over you.”

I froze for a second. After the divorce, he would be swarmed by gorgeous women. He probably wouldn’t even have time to think about me.

“I wasn’t worried about that,” I replied.

Jared let out a soft laugh and said, “Victoria, I always thought you were gentle and easygoing, but I never realized you were soft on the outside and tough on the inside. Once you make up your mind, not even a herd of wild horses could drag you back.”

I was stunned.

There was a hint of self-deprecation in Jared’s eyes as he continued, “I always thought you’d never have the guts to divorce me. In this marriage, I just took everything for granted.”

“Because you were always the one who got all the love,” I replied with a faint, mocking smile.

Jared nodded and said, “Yeah, you blindsided me. Made me realize that no feeling can stay new forever—not even with someone who once loved me like you did.”

“Men are supposed to be all about logic, right? Most couples don’t even make it past three months. Seven years? We beat the odds,” I said with a fake smile, trying to sound comforting, even though I didn’t really mean it.

Jared said, “Yeah, you’ve got a point.”

“I’ve got things to take care of, so I’m heading out,” I said, not wanting to get into any more deep talks with him. As far as I was concerned, we were done here.

Jared stood up, calling out to me, “Victoria.”

I stopped at the doorway, turned back, and met his gaze.

Jared drew in a long breath and said, “If you have time, could you check in on Yvonne? She’s just a girl, and no matter what I do as her dad, I can’t give her a mother’s love.”

I answered flatly, “Just hurry up and get yourself a new girlfriend. Let her play mom for Yvonne–she won’t be lonely then.”

Jared looked at me, all bottled up and frustrated.

I didn’t bother with him anymore. I opened the door and walked out.

The whole divorce mess with Jared had finally cleared up. Recalling the list of properties he’d turned over to me, I realized I could just sit back and watch my net worth grow without lifting a finger.

I wasn’t about to get greedy. Jared gave me way more than I ever asked for.

At noon, Ryan offered to treat me to lunch.

Since I’d just helped him out with some cash, I couldn’t say no. I drove over to my office, and Ryan was already waiting for me by the curb.

“Ms. Murphy, what do you want to eat?” Ryan asked as soon as he hopped into the car.

“How about some street food? I haven’t had that in forever,” I suggested, just so he wouldn’t have to spend too much on me.