Next, I was swamped with work.]
Kade’s team was impressively professional.[]
The asset separation was airtight.[]
The Hawthornes were overwhelmed dealing with the quality control scandal and stock price copse, with no time to scrutinize the fine print of every partnership contract.]]
We moved fast and precisely, surgically removing the “flesh and blood” that belonged to the Carter family from the Hawthorne
corpse.
During this period, Ryder never appeared once.[]
The few phone calls were just furious questioning.]
He wanted to meet face–to–face.]]
I replied: “Too busy, please contact mywyer.“]]
Kade was sitting on my desk at the time, his tone mocking: “Ryder’s really something.“[]
“Hispany is practically on fire and he’s got the leisure time to keep that female bestiepany along with her little dog!“]
I listened while quickly signing contracts, not bothering to look up.]
When your heart goespletely cold, even mockery feels like wasted energy.
Only asionally, when staring at documents, I’d think about that young man who once made my heart flutter.[]
How did he be this way?
Later, I finally saw Ryder again in my office.]
He’d lost weight, with dark circles under his eyes and stubble he hadn’t bothered to shave.
“We need to talk.”
I stepped back, “Make an appointment or contact mywyer.“]
“Jessa!” He raised his voice.
“Do you have to be this ruthless?“]
“Divorce? You just decide and have the court serve me papers<b>? </b><b>I </b>already cut things off with Wren! You…“]
“Enough.“]
<b>rnds </b>him? <b>Then </b>bur’s <b>the </b>Baby <b>His</b><b>? </b><b>Enjoy </b>Your <b>Cells</b>, Soulmates!
<b>97.9</b><b>% </b>
I cut him off, “Your private life is none of my business. Our only rtionship now is intiff and defendant in divorce proceedings.“]
He looked like he’d been burned, his face instantly turning ashen: “You… you’ve really decided?“]
“What else?”
Real panic finally crept into his eyes, “You said you didn’t mind me hanging out with my buddies…“[]
“But that didn’t include female buddies.“[]
I walked around him and pressed the elevator button, “Instead of pestering me, why don’t you go check the Hawthorne financial reports. Oh, and by the way.“]
The elevator opened. I turned to face him with a standard smile.[]
“In the divorce agreement, I only took what I deserved.“]]
“For old times‘ sake as ‘husband and wife,‘ I didn’t mention that dog named ‘Rider.““[]
The elevator doors slowly closed, cutting off his suddenly twisted expression.[]
Next, the Carter family’s downfall was even faster than the Hawthorne stock copse.
Kade dropped files on my desk.]
“Here, second half of the ‘sequel.“]
“Carter Corporation–ounting fraud, illegal fundraising, tax evasion. Complete evidence chain.“[]
“That little family fortune was already hollowed out by Wren’s daddy to fill holes.“]
I flipped through the shocking evidence.]]
So this “ordinary girl” Wren was just trying to grab onto Ryder as a life raft before the Carter family sank.[]
All that “brotherly affection” and deliberate seduction was driven by naked self–interest.
The day the news broke, Wren came looking for me like a madwoman.]]
When she stormed into my office, security held her back.]
“Jessa, leave my family alone!“]
She was hysterical, trying to lunge at me, “Men liking whoever is fair game–why drag my whole family down?“[]
“Ryder was with me first! Don’t you know you’re the homewrecker?!“[]
She alternated between cursing and crying, “Let the Carter family go, take back those files, and I’ll make Ryder<b>… </b>Rydere back to you, okay…“]
I sat behind myrge desk, calmly watching her performance.]
<b>Que </b>Colle Soulmates!
<b>98.1</b>%
“Miss Sterling, where Ryder goes is none of my business.“]
“As for your family… justice will prevail.“]]
“You’re begging the wrong person.“[]
Her eyes wentpletely dull.]
With the Carter family bankrupt and assets frozen, she couldn’t even support herself, let alone an expensive dog.
Later I heard “Rider” ended up at an animal shelter.
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