Chapter 268

Seeing Yvonne pout, I said, “You need to learn how to tell who’s genuine and who’s just pretending. If someone makes you uncomfortable, just keep your distance.”

Yvonne nodded. “Dad said the same thing.”

I nodded. “It’s your call if you want to answer the phone or not.”

“I don’t want to.” Yvonne declined the call, then looked at me and asked, “Mom, can I sleep at your place tonight?”

I shook my head. “I have to work tonight.”

“Oh, okay. Maybe you can call me when you have time,” Yvonne said, and her voice was tinged with disappointment.

“Sure.” I didn’t lecture Yvonne like I did in my previous life, nor did I try to force her to mature overnight. I just chatted with her gently, and I could see how much she’d changed.

Yvonne could tell I wasn’t as fond of her as I used to be, and she’d learned a bit of self–respect. She didn’t cling to me like she used to.

In the afternoon, Jared swung by to pick her up. Lately, he’s been tangled up in a couple of lawsuits, and the company’s hunting for a more capable legal team. With all the internal drama going on, he’s been pretty swamped.

Jared walked straight into my office, shooting a frosty look at Ryan, who was sitting on the other side of the room.

Ryan sat there unfazed, meeting his gaze.

Jared settled into the single sofa across from me and said, “So, you’re really that attached to him? Can’t go anywhere without him?”

I replied coolly, “He’s young. He needs some proper mentoring.”

“What are you even gonna teach him? In bed, you only ever do the same two things,” Jared sneered, not even realizing he’d hit a nerve.

I paused, then smiled. “That was with you. With someone else, I’ve got a whole repertoire.”

Jared turned red, glaring at me, totally flustered. “All talk. When it’s the real deal, you’d probably chicken out,” Jared said, acting like he had me all figured out.

I fired back, “Relax. We’re done anyway. Why do you care if I bail or stick around?”

Jared was left speechless. He looked around the office. “Where’s Yvonne?”

“She’s at the playground. Go look for her yourself,” I said, waving him off.

Jared stood up, then stopped and turned back to me. “We still haven’t had our farewell dinner. Let me arrange it for tonight.”

“I’m not having dinner with you,” I snapped back.

Jared froze for a second, totally caught off guard. Maybe he thought I was being way too cold, so he didn’t bother saying anything else and just went straight to find Yvonne.

Ryan knocked and walked in. He’s gotten a lot gutsier lately. “I moved into a new place today. Wanna come over tomorrow night?” Ryan just came right out and asked me.

I blinked, surprised. “Where’d you move this time?”

“Still in your neighborhood, just one of those houses in the back,” Ryan said, lowering his voice.

“Oh, those places aren’t cheap,” I nodded.

Ryan gave me a serious look. “I won’t be staying around here much anymore. I’ll give you my keys. Can you look after the place for me?”

I paused, a little taken aback. “Isn’t that a bit much?”

Ryan smiled, lips pressed together. “Don’t freak out. I swear, it’s nothing weird.”

“Me neither,” I replied coolly.

Ryan’s eyes lingered on my face for a few seconds before he lowered his voice. “Victoria, I probably won’t be sticking around much longer. I need to head back to Braylin for a while.”

“Oh, really? Well, go take care of your own stuff. I’m thinking of bringing someone new on board myself,” I said, already knowing Ryan could up and leave whenever he wanted. He looked at me, like he had something to say.

Just then, Jared walked in, holding Yvonne’s hand.

Yvonne ran over to Ryan, grabbed his finger, and gave it a little shake. “Ryan, you promised you’d teach me the Rubik’s Cube. When are you gonna show me?”

Jared and I both froze. I didn’t know when Ryan and Yvonne became so familiar.

Ryan smiled. “I’ll get you a 2×2 Rubik’s Cube tomorrow. We’ll start with that.”

Jared’s face darkened. He yanked Yvonne back. “Yvonne, say goodbye to your mom.”

Yvonne blinked, glancing at me and then at Jared. “Bye, Mom. Bye, Ryan!”

Ryan gave her a little wave, and Jared shot me a look that screamed “watch yourself” before heading out with Yvonne.