Chapter 28

Leroy frowned as he dialed a number he hadn’t called in a long time.

Scarlett had just finished a rare, satisfying meal, and her mood had lifted for the first time in days. She glanced at Cedric, who was tidying up the table with an attentive smile, and felt a faint sense of contentment. But the sound of her phone ringing pulled her out of her thoughts. Scarlett frowned when she saw the name on the screen, hesitation flickering across her face.

“What’s wrong? Is it a work call?” Cedric asked, noticing her reaction.

“It’s nothing. Can you give me a moment?” Scarlett said, trying to keep her tone casual.

Cedric hesitated, curiosity flashing in his eyes, but he nodded and walked out of the room, stealing one last glance before leaving.

Scarlett answered the call, her voice sharp and direct. “Leroy Olson, didn’t I make myself clear before? What’s the point of calling me now?”

Her blunt tone took Leroy aback, but he quickly collected himself. “Did you eat the food?” he asked instead, his voice neutral. He had intended to call about Grace, hoping Scarlett might help curb her meddling, but the moment he heard Scarlett’s voice, his mind shifted to the meal.

Scarlett didn’t respond right away. She glanced out the office window, her eyes landing on Cedric, who was standing in the hall, giving her a warm smile. His gaze felt grounding, pulling her back to reality.

“Leroy, I thought I told you at the hospital—we’re done,” she said curtly. “I have no idea what you’re talking about with this food, but if you think I haven’t compensated you enough for our divorce, name your price.”

Her words were a slap in the face. Leroy froze, her coldness cutting deeper than he expected.

“You think I did this for money?” he asked, his voice quiet but biting. “Is that how little you think of me? That money solves everything for you?”

Scarlett’s brows knit together in irritation. “Is that not it?” she snapped. “We’re divorced, and I gave you more than enough to live comfortably. I don’t understand why you’re being so ungrateful now.”

With that, she ended the call, leaving Leroy staring at his phone, the screen dark. He let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. The words she’d spoken at the hospital echoed in his mind. Just a few words from Cedric and three years of his efforts had been reduced to nothing.

Meanwhile, Scarlett set the phone down inside her office and stared at the door. “It’s just Leroy,” she reminded herself. He was a man she no longer needed, someone replaceable. She already had someone better in her life.

Moments later, Cedric walked back in, his face full of excitement. “Lettie, I checked your schedule. Guess what? You’re free tonight,” he said with a grin. “You’ve been working so much, and you haven’t spent any time with me lately. You’re coming out with me tonight—no excuses.”

Scarlett hesitated, but Cedric’s eager expression softened her. She nodded, giving in.

That evening, Cedric took her to a bar. The dim lighting and pulsing music made her frown.

“What’s wrong, Lettie? I planned this just for you,” Cedric said, draping an arm around her shoulders. “You’ve been so focused on work, I figured it’s been ages since you let loose in a place like this. Tonight, just relax and enjoy yourself.”

He squeezed her shoulders gently, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. Scarlett forced a small smile, trying to go along with it.

“Well, if it isn’t Cedric!” a voice called out from a nearby booth.

Cedric turned, spotting a group of people waving him over.

“When did you get back! You didn’t even let us know!” one of them teased.

A grim expression spread across Cedric’s face.

“Just got back recently. I’ve been busy spending time with my… my fiancée,” he said.