I’d seen just how reserved Jared could be; his self-control was top-notch. I got straight to the point. “Was it you?”

Jared shook his head. “Nope, not me.”

“Really?” I pressed, wanting to be sure.

Jared sighed, sounding helpless. “Looks like someone beat me to it. But what makes you think those two buildings have anything to do with you?”

I replied, “I heard they’ve been named Admira Hall and Reminiscence Hall.”

“Who comes up with such poetic names?” Jared blinked, a little surprised.

I shook my head. “No idea. But with two letters from my name in there, I can’t help but wonder.”

Jared nodded. “So, someone really did donate those buildings because of you. Well, it might not be a fortune, but the thought behind it is priceless.”

I stared him down again. “If it wasn’t you, then who else would do it?”

Jared shot me a look. “Could it be that Nathan of yours?”

I chucked a pillow at him. “Cut it out.”

Jared’s tone turned sour. “I know you’ve had to stay at his place to look after him, but honestly… it still makes me uncomfortable. Just the two of you, alone, in the middle of the night…”

“Jared, cut it out,” I said seriously. “Nathan isn’t that kind of guy. He really respects me.”

Jared’s face froze, like I’d just called him out. He lowered his eyes and gave a bitter laugh. “Yeah, he’s the gentleman, and I’m worse than a beast.”

I was so exasperated I had to laugh. “Well, at least you’re self-aware.”

Jared…

“If you really want to know who it is, I can help you find out,” Jared said, his voice turning serious.

I nodded. “Sure, go ahead and check. If it really has something to do with me, I should at least thank them properly.”

Jared got up, grabbed his phone, and immediately started dialing.

I had no clue who he was calling, but I knew I could count on Jared to handle it.

Around six in the evening, Jared took Yvonne and me out for dinner. He was hosting a bunch of company—executives tonight, a mix of business and personal gathering where they could bring their families along.

In a spacious private room that could fit over fifty people, Yvonne was having a blast playing with kids her age. Now that I was part of the company’s upper management, I could follow the conversations and even chime in. And those who used to look down on me were suddenly all smiles, trying to butter me up. Over the past six months, I’d transformed from a stay-at-home mom into a working professional.

Jared had been a huge help in all of this. Whether as my ex-husband or my boss, I couldn’t say a bad word about him.

Halfway through dinner, I got up to head to the bathroom. This place had a classic, traditional vibe—right in the middle was a little bridge over a stream, making the whole restaurant feel so peaceful. From across the room, I caught sight of a familiar figure.

It was Nathan.

He was standing in a pavilion by the bridge, talking to a young woman. I couldn’t hear what they were talking about, but the girl was smiling shyly, her head lowered. For a second, I just froze. Then I snapped out of it and made my way toward the restroom.

When I got back, both Nathan and the girl were nowhere to be seen.

Maybe this was what Nathan meant when he said he had plans tonight.

Back in the dining room, Jared was already a bit tipsy. When he saw me, he tilted his head to the side, looking up at me from his chair. He was in his early thirties, his black shirt showing off his striking features and a maturity that seemed beyond his age. Jared’s gaze was downright flirtatious as he looked at me. I ignored him and sat down at my spot.

One of the executives' wives leaned over with a smile. “Ms. Murphy, you and Mr. Holcomb are getting back together soon, right?”

I asked in surprise, “Why would you think that?”

The woman laughed. “It’s not just me–everyone thinks you two are getting back together. Honestly, you did the right thing leaving and building your own career. Staying home all day with the kids, my husband acts like I’m invisible. When my kids start school, I’m getting out there too.”

I glanced over at Jared.

With a bit of alcohol in him, Jared’s gaze turned bold and unrestrained. That look alone is enough to make people think we’re getting back together. His gaze was anything but innocent. I just smiled, a little vague. “Honestly, every woman should have her own career–it’s what gives us confidence.”

“But not all of us are as lucky as you,” one of the wives joked. “You’ve got Mr. Holcomb, your young and handsome ex, giving you a leg up and opening doors for you.”

“Seriously! All the hot husbands belong to someone else, and we’re stuck with the plain ones,” another chimed in.

I laughed along. “Trust me, once they’re your husband, you just stop seeing them as attractive.”

“Exactly! Even eye candy gets old fast,” someone else agreed.

“Seriously, even someone as gorgeous as Ms. Murphy ended up divorced! Good looks and charm are only temporary–once you’re married, all that magic just disappears,” another woman chimed in.

Listening to these women talk, I felt even less inclined to ever get married again.