Chapter 461

Nathan let out a self-deprecating laugh. “Jared’s your ex-husband and a sharp businessman. We actually have a lot in common. Now that we’re both just passersby in your life, we’ve got even more to talk about.”

I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment and forced a laugh. “If you guys want to talk business, fine, but leave me out of your conversations from now on.”

“We weren’t talking behind your back or anything,” Nathan said quickly, thinking I was mad at them for gossiping. “We were just curious about what kind of future you might have.”

“Thanks, but you really don’t need to worry about me,” I said, picking up my fork and going back to my meal. “I’ve got my own plans.”

“Victoria,” Nathan said, trying to persuade me, “if work ever feels too much, you really don’t have to keep at it. The company dividends from now on will be more than enough for you to live comfortably.”

“I can’t do that,” I replied. “I actually enjoy being busy–it makes me feel fulfilled.”

Nathan suddenly laughed. “I always thought you weren’t the type to chase after powerful men. Looks like I misjudged you.”

“Chasing power?” I arched a brow. “You think I broke up with you just because Ryan’s family has more influence?”

Nathan nodded. “I get it. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing.”

I hesitated, but honestly, there was no point in dodging the topic. Chasing strength is normal–no one wants to struggle if they don’t have to.

“Yeah, the Jennings family is definitely more powerful,” I said, “but I’m not after anything big. I never planned on marrying Ryan.”

Nathan stared at me for a moment, then let out a laugh. “So Ryan’s just another passerby in your life too? Guess that makes things feel a bit more fair for me.”

“There are so many ways to live a life,” I said, lowering my gaze with a wry smile. “Life has so many dimensions—no single right answer. If you get hung up on chasing some perfect ending, you’re just making things harder on yourself.”

“So,” Nathan said, his voice full of meaning, “are you saying the one I’m waiting for might come back to me someday?”

I looked up at him, in disbelief.

After I told him to move on and find someone else, he still ended up right back here, saying he’d wait for me.

“When you say things like that, it really puts a lot of pressure on me,” I said, frustrated by how stubborn he was. “And how long do you plan to wait? What if we only meet again when we’re old and gray? Your life matters too–don’t put it on hold just for me.”

Nathan nodded, surprisingly easygoing. “Alright, I’ll keep looking and waiting at the same time. No need for you to feel pressured.”

“Don’t you understand what I mean?” I asked, exasperated.

“I do,” Nathan replied, then with a teasing smirk, added, “Even Mr. Holcomb is still waiting for you. Maybe I should just get in line too, huh?”

“There’s no way he’s waiting for me,” I said, biting my lip. “He’s got plenty of options.”

Nathan shook his head with a wry smirk. “Trust me, men can read each other best. Jared might not say it, but it’s obvious he wants to get back together with you.”

“It’s over between us,” I said firmly.

“You two have a kid together,” Nathan said, sounding almost a little jealous. “That means you’ll always be connected in this life.”

I was taken aback for a second, then said, “Honestly, I’ve put most of my money into your company. That ties me to you even more. I care more about money than anything else.”

Nathan’s eyes froze for a moment, then he smiled and nodded. “You’ve got a point there.”

Honestly, I never thought things would end up like this–going from breaking up with Nathan to just chatting calmly like nothing happened. I figured he’d blow up at me, maybe accuse me or just storm off.

Looks like I didn’t know him as well as I thought. He actually managed to stay so cool about it all.

Guess guys are just naturally better at keeping their cool, while us girls are the ones who get all worked up.

When Nathan found out I’d asked the Jennings family to help him out of his company crisis, he actually thanked me for it. Just goes to show he’s got good character.

We ended up chatting over dinner until after nine. I didn’t touch a drop of alcohol, but Nathan was already halfway drunk.

His handsome face was tinged with red, and every so often, I caught a flash of tenderness in his eyes–feelings he quickly tried to hide.