Keeley felt the weight of countless stares as they entered the restaurant to meet Gray the following day. She hadn't endured such intense scrutiny since her "rebirth"—how was she supposed to cope?

Alice, accustomed to being watched, remained unfazed. She took Violet's car seat and entered the restaurant with the grace of a seasoned model.

Aaron, though less affected, sensed Keeley's discomfort and protectively pulled her closer. The blocked stares offered some relief.

Fortunately, Gray had reserved a private booth. They only faced the scrutiny on their way there.

"Well, if it isn't New York's most popular couple! And the lovely Miss Wheatley—what a pleasant surprise," Gray smoothly greeted them as they sat.

"Hi, Gray," Keeley said wearily. "How's it going?"

"Better for me than for you, I imagine. Still adjusting to the spotlight?"

"I'll never get used to this; it's awful."

Gray smiled. "There, there. Another, juicier scandal will come along soon, and this will all be forgotten."

That's what everyone said, yet it offered no comfort. How soon? How much longer would this ordeal last? This was worse than her last house arrest!

She'd stressed about being seen by Lacy Knighton, but at least she'd enjoyed anonymity afterward. Should she invest in a wig and heavy makeup?

No, that wouldn't work. People knew Violet and Kaleb. Ugh.

"That's what I've heard," she said dryly.

Aaron squeezed her hand, but it offered no solace. She wouldn't be in this predicament if it weren't for him. His comfort felt hollow given his role in her stress.

Gray turned to Aaron. "How's the transition been? Less busy, I hope?"

He nodded. "One of my people recovered crucial deleted files. Everything should be back to normal within a month."

"Excellent! Deleted files…what poor sportsmanship. He lost fair and square."

Keeley wasn't sure "fair" described the Hale Investments power struggle, given the trickery involved. Regardless, she was on Aaron's side. It was good he won.

Alistair Hale was a terrible person who deserved to be humbled. She couldn't believe he'd retreated after his son's betrayal. He didn't seem the type to give up easily.

"Poor sportsmanship describes Alistair perfectly," Alice chimed in, "My father has complained about him repeatedly."

Gray's interest piqued. "Your father knows him well?"

"They were rivals in finance, though the Hales have more influence," Alice replied.

"Ah, of course. Your father must be Evan Wheatley. I should have recognized the surname."

Alice smiled prettily, making Keeley want to gag. Don't fall for his charms, Alice! Keeley regretted letting Alice join them.

Since they were already there, she kept quiet, entertaining Kaleb. He was fussy, while Violet adoringly gazed at her father. Violet would definitely be a daddy's girl.

Gray and Alice continued flirting until the appetizers arrived, offering Keeley some relief. She didn't want to watch an intelligent woman fall for a creep.

She had to admit, he was charming, subtly so—at least to the average person; someone like Keeley wouldn't be fooled. He made his conversational partner feel incredibly special.

For someone repeatedly ignored by her husband like Alice, falling for him would be easy. Keeley wanted to confront Gray about his interest in Alice—or at least mention her marriage—but not in front of Alice.

Fortunately, she didn't have to. Alice's lawyer called with a divorce update, prompting her to step outside.

"I wonder what her lawyer said," Keeley murmured to Aaron.

He understood. "Probably Brock trying to renegotiate." He looked at the confused Gray. "She's divorcing."

Keeley silently thanked Aaron for understanding and observed Gray's reaction. He displayed an unnerving nonchalance, reminiscent of Aaron's past self.

"Brock who?" Gray asked.

"Brock Kelly. His family owns numerous top law firms. I helped Alice find an unconnected lawyer as a favor for her being a dummy shareholder," Aaron shrugged.

Gray raised an eyebrow, then lowered it before Alice returned, profusely apologizing for her rudeness. She claimed urgency but didn't elaborate, unaware her friends had already informed Gray.

Keeley felt no guilt. It was for Alice's own good. Gray wasn't the right man for her.

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