“Don’t want to be a little greedy? I really think Nathan’s company is going places. He’s been tight with the government lately,” Jared said.

I shrugged. “Greed never ends well.”

“You know, your calm vibe really doesn’t match that face of yours. Someone with your looks ought to be hungry for more,” Jared said, and there was a heat in his gaze as he looked at me.

I tilted my head, sunlight spilling across my cheek as I squinted at him. “I’ve already managed to pull together all you guys' resources and put them to work for me. Isn’t that ambitious enough?”

Jared’s face stiffened, his dark eyes fixed on me. “Now that you mention it, I almost forgot—Ryan’s family opens doors for you, Nathan’s tech brings in the cash. And me? What do I bring to the table?”

“You? You helped me get rid of my hopeless romantic side and actually use my brain for once. Oh, and you gave me a gorgeous, adorable daughter—so you’re not totally useless after all,” I said, lazily twirling a strand of hair, putting on a show.

Jared’s expression shifted, stormy and uncertain. “You’re walking a dangerous path. Aren’t you afraid it’ll all crash and burn? If Nathan finds out his company’s only back on its feet because you’re planning to leave him for someone else, you really think he won’t make a scene?”

Jared’s warning made me sigh softly. “Even if he does cause trouble, the result will be the same. And honestly, that’s probably the best outcome, don’t you think?”

Jared was stunned, at a loss for words.

I took a sip of my coffee and turned to look out the window. “There’s no end to making money, but life does have a finish line. Once I hit ten billion, I’m done. I’ll retire and live a quiet life.”

“Ten billion?” Jared raised an eyebrow. “People’s desires never stop. When you get there, you’ll just want more.”

I looked at him, and in his eyes, I saw the calculating gaze of a true power player.

I nodded, “Maybe you’re right. I shouldn’t lock myself into one goal. Maybe someday, when I feel like I’ve made enough, I’ll just chill, grow some flowers, keep some fish, and live easy.”

“And when that day comes, who’ll be with you?” Jared’s eyes went a little blank, and he asked, almost lost.

I was caught off guard. I hadn’t even thought about that.

Seeing me go quiet, Jared’s face clouded over, a touch of sadness there. “Nathan? Or Ryan?”

I suddenly laughed. “Whoever wants to stay with me, that’s who I’ll be with. I’m not going to force anyone.”

“Could I be that person?” Jared’s eyes were burning as he looked at me. “There’s no one out there who’s a better match for you than me.”

“What makes you so sure?” I shot back, not hiding my annoyance.

“You push other people away and they leave, but not me. Maybe I’m the one who’s supposed to take it from you,” Jared said, his voice low. “I still want to keep the vows we made when we got married.”

“Jared, did you take the wrong meds or are you just not sober yet?” I muttered, thinking to myself that he really wasn’t acting like himself right now.

Honestly, I wasn’t the same me anymore either.

Jared gave his head a little shake. “Maybe you’re right. My head’s killing me, I’m kinda out of it. Maybe I’m just rambling.”

I really didn’t see the point in talking about this stuff, so I just wanted to drop it.

“I’ve got things to take care of this afternoon, so I’m gonna head out,” I said, getting up and going over to settle the bill for our coffee.

Jared just sat there, watching me go. I didn’t bother looking back.

I flagged down a cab and headed back to the office. While I was in the car, my phone buzzed—a WeChat message had come in, with several photos attached.

I froze. Someone had secretly snapped pics of me and Jared talking at the café.

Then a message popped up: [It’s Edward. This is my WeChat.]

I stared in shock and quickly replied: [How did you manage to add me on WeChat?]

Edward replied: [If I want to add you, I can.]

Classic bossy CEO talk—seriously, where do these guys get their lines?

I fired back, annoyed: [Why the hell did you take those photos?]

Edward shot back: [If you’re going to be with Ryan, then cut your ex-husband out of your life for good.] Talk about controlling—he really doesn’t hold back.

I couldn’t help thinking Edward was way too nosy. Work is work—why does he have to mix it up with my personal life?

[Sorry, but I actually like my job. Quitting isn’t even on my radar,] I replied, totally cold.