When most people left work, AnaLise had already prepared dinner and a pot of locust flower tea. However, she ate nothing, instead peering at the entrance. "Why isn't Sean back yet?"

Abigail glanced at AnaLise, remembering Tom's words. A lump formed in her throat.

Abigail couldn't imagine the difficulties AnaLise faced—arriving in an unfamiliar city with failing eyesight and little experience leaving her hometown. She had brought so many belongings. Was AnaLise worried about Abigail's well-being, feeling she couldn't manage alone in the city? AnaLise feared Abigail would be utterly alone, even fearing that if she passed away, Abigail would be left without family. How could she bear that thought?

Abigail suppressed her tears, smiling and rising. "He's still busy. Don't worry, I'll call him now."

She went into the bedroom, rubbed her eyes, hesitated, then dialed Sean's number. She resolved to plead with him to come, even if necessary, just for a meal and tea.

Unexpectedly, he answered quickly. His voice was cold: "What is it?"

Abigail was startled. "Um, are you busy? Could you come over for dinner?"

Sean frowned on the other end. He hadn't expected her to act so quickly. "I still have things to attend to."

Despite his lack of enthusiasm, Abigail was overjoyed. She didn't care why; she just feared he would leave again. "It's okay. Are you at the office? I'll pick you up."

Sean was speechless. Kevin was right; Abigail was playing hard to get.

After hanging up, Abigail changed clothes, then told AnaLise to stay put while she fetched Sean.

He was in his office, and she reached him easily. When she entered, he was working at the computer. A flicker of emotion crossed his eyes, quickly masked.

"Have a seat."

Abigail sat, attempting to explain. Seeing he was no longer occupied, she fidgeted with her clothes. It was embarrassing; she'd initiated the divorce. Her face flushed; she closed her eyes, steeling herself. "Can we not get a divorce, for now?"

Before he could respond, she rushed on, "Wait, don't protest. I know you dislike me, and I don't particularly like you either. But there's an emergency. My grandmother is here; she believes we're still together. She's ill, and I don't want to upset her with divorce news. Our relationship is private; I don't want to involve others." She paused. "Please compromise. Let's pretend for Grandma. Once this is over, I'll send her home, and you can do as you please. Okay?"

Sean frowned, surprised by AnaLise's presence. "Is Grandma really here?"

Abigail nodded. "Yes, she arrived this morning. I know this—"

"Are you sure? That I can do whatever I want?" Sean raised an eyebrow.

Abigail, unprepared for his agreement, nodded eagerly.

Sean pointed to the door. "I want you to leave now."

Abigail was frustrated but could only turn to go; she was asking a favor. However, before reaching the door, his cold voice stopped her. "To be clear, if either of us angers the other, that person is responsible for appeasing the other."

Abigail's eyes widened. For the first time, she saw Sean's humanity. But before she could comment, her phone rang.