Chapter 414

"Victoria, have you really fallen for him? Do you even realize that falling for a man is just asking for heartbreak?" Jared practically exploded, demanding answers.

“I don’t love him,” I said, my voice sharp with annoyance. “We just need each other, and we appreciate each other. Can you drop it already?”

My answer was even more perfunctory, which only pissed Jared off more.

Seeing I wasn’t going to argue, Jared realized he couldn’t start a fight all by himself. It was like slapping a pillow—no matter how hard you try, you just end up getting more frustrated.

“Did you come back to Hachester yesterday because of Hayes Corp?” Jared asked, his voice suddenly all business.

My mind raced. Hayes Corp needed an investor, and Jared definitely had the money. But Jared wasn’t some gullible rich guy ready to be taken advantage of—especially not when he was still fuming about me letting Nathan stay over.

I immediately shut down that unrealistic idea and nodded. “Yeah, Hayes Corp’s IPO fell through, and now he’s scrambling to raise funds.”

“I know what’s going on. The Chancellor Family dumped their shares, Hayes Corp’s cash flow is shot, and now he’s in trouble. Victoria, if he goes bankrupt, would you still like him?” Jared said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

I could tell he’d love nothing more than to see Nathan fall flat on his face.

“Of course I would. Who cares if he’s broke? I’ve got money. I’ll keep him, and he’ll be even more well-behaved,” I snapped back—no way I was letting Jared have the last laugh.

Jared looked like he’d just been slapped across the face. “You’re going to use my money to support him?”

I nodded, completely serious. “Yes.”

“Are you trying to kill me with anger?” Jared planted his hands on his hips, looking like he might explode, unable to process just how furious he was.

I shot back with a cold sneer, “You just can’t stand to see him doing well, can you? Now that he’s down, I say I’ll support him, and you’re still not happy.”

Jared squinted at me. “So, the more miserable he is, the more it turns you on, huh?”

I fluttered my lashes. “Depends on the mood. If he’s down bad at night, I might actually find it pretty thrilling.”

“Victoria, I’m being serious,” Jared bit out, lips tight. “Do you really believe if his company bounces back and he hits it big, he won’t just kick you to the curb? Don’t push your luck with men.”

I let out a casual “Oh.” “I’m planning to invest in him. If he makes it, whether he kicks me out or not, I’ll be right there enjoying the feast. Why would I be mad about that?”

“You’re really gonna invest in his company? Using your divorce money? That tiny stash won’t even put a dent in his mess. Don’t just flush it down the drain,” Jared blurted out, totally freaked and desperate.

“I believe in him,” I replied, totally serious. “I’m putting my faith in him.”

Jared just stared at me for ages before finally saying, “You thought I was a good bet once, and look how that turned out—we’re divorced. Guess your taste isn’t all that sharp.”

“People aren’t all the same, you know. Anyway, I’m investing in him to make bank, not to get played,” I shot back with a sly smirk.

Jared’s brow furrowed. “The Chancellor Family’s putting the squeeze on him. Right now, all the investors are just watching from the sidelines. Unless someone with real clout steps in, there’s no way Hayes Corp is getting past them.”

“So, you’re saying the Chancellor Family’s the biggest problem right now?” I asked, finally getting the picture.

“I’ll admit Nathan’s got the talent—everyone can see that. But business is all about strategy and weighing your options. Sometimes, you have to ask yourself whether that money is actually up for grabs,” Jared said, his voice low and serious.

I frowned, switching topics. “What time does Yvonne finish class? I’ll pick her up this afternoon.”

Jared said, “Her class ends at 5:30. I’ll come with you.”

I knew Yvonne wanted the three of us to have a family dinner together—she made that wish last time.

I agreed, “Alright, I’ll handle the restaurant for tonight.”

Jared nodded. “Alright.”

At 5:30 that afternoon, I rode with Jared to pick up Yvonne. She looked a little taller, and with her backpack slung over her shoulders, she ran straight into my arms with a happy grin.

We went to the restaurant I’d reserved—a spot our family used to visit all the time.

Yvonne spent the whole car ride telling me about all the fun things happening at her school, her eyes shining with excitement as she shared.

I listened closely and responded here and there, while Jared caught my gaze in the rearview mirror.

Since it was a family dinner, Jared was behind the wheel, driving me and our daughter to the restaurant.

Our eyes met just for a moment, and there was something shadowy in Jared’s gaze—an emotion I just couldn’t figure out.