?Chapter 244:


    She dropped her gaze, her thickshes veiling theplex emotions swirling behind her eyes.


    K lied to her…


    Gregory’s voice pulled her back. “Miss Hudson, are you absolutely sure about not renewing the contract?” His tone was measured, but there was an unmistakable hope lingering beneath it. “Wall Group would be lucky to keep someone of your caliber.”


    Sadie inhaled slowly, steadying herself before meeting his gaze. “Mr. Zane, I truly appreciate the opportunity,” she said, her voice unwavering. “But this chapter is closed. It’s time for me to move forward.”


    There was no hesitation, no room for negotiation.


    She rose from her seat with quiet grace, offering a polite nod. “I’ll be taking my leave now.”


    Gregory watched her go, exhaling a sigh as his fingers drummed against the desk.


    Such a pity.


    Her storeroom office smelled of dust and aged metal, the dim, flickering light above casting eerie shadows along the walls. Sadie stumbled in, gripping the nearest shelf to steady herself.


    Her head swam, her thoughts spiraling into a tangled mess.


    Kairi… That name felt like a dagger, lodged deep in her chest.


    If it hadn’t been for Noah… perhaps, Averi…


    A sickening thought wed at the edges of her mind, but she refused to let it take form. She squeezed her eyes shut, willing it away. A long, slow breath escaped her lips. It was over. At least… for now.


    She made her way to her desk, moving with quiet determination. Rolling up her design drafts with careful precision, she secured them with a rubber band and slid them into a worn canvas bag.


    Then—


    The newest releases are at g?lnσν???s


    A soft creak echoed through the storeroom.


    The door edged open, light spilling into the dim space. A shadowed figure stepped inside. It was Samuel.


    “Mrs. Wall, Mr. Wall requests your presence in his office.” Samuel’s voice was calm and respectful.


    Sadie lifted her gaze, ice glinting in her eyes. “What does Mr. Wall want now? Our cooperation should be over by now, right?”


    Samuel hesitated, the briefest flicker of unease crossing his face before he regained hisposure. “I’m just following instructions, Mrs. Wall.”


    “Mrs. Wall?” Sadie let out a dry, humorless chuckle. She repeated the title, rolling it on her tongue as if it were something absurd. “Mr. Ford, do me a favor—don’t call me that again. A name that was never acknowledged three years ago means even less now.”


    Her voice was steady, but beneath ity a quiet storm of emotions she refused to let surface. She exhaled sharply, unwilling to waste another second in this ce. The air itself felt stifling.


    “Fine,” she muttered. “Let’s go.” She turned on her heel and strode toward the exit.


    Samuel followed closely behind, wisely keeping his silence.


    The top-floor office was drenched in warm sunlight, streaming through vast floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city skyline. Noah sat behind his massive desk, his back to the door, shoulders squared, posture rigid.


    A soft knock disturbed the heavy silence. Samuel stepped inside. “Mr. Wall, she’s here.”


    Slowly, Noah turned his chair, locking his eyes with Sadie.


    “Just tell me why I’m here,” she said, her voice calm but devoid of warmth. “Oh, and one more thing, if you have time, let’s finally finalize the divorce.”


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