<b>Chapter </b><b>303 </b>


    ? . 83%E


    23)


    <b>I </b>had always pegged Nathan as the straightforward type, but apparently, even the most practical men had their moments of charm.


    After an hour of browsing, my head spun from the sheer opulence. Every piece was exquisite, making it impossible to choose. Finally, I settled on a Patek Philippedies‘ watch priced at over $20,000. Without hesitation, Nathan selected the matching men’s version.


    He was really doing this, matching watches. A quietugh bubbled up inside me. Nathan was utterly transparent. His every little gesture screamed


    devotion.


    By the time we left, the sun had dipped low, casting long shadows across the pavilion. Nathan’s phone buzzed incessantly. Clearly, his responsibilities weren’t going to wait.


    “Victoria, I need to head back to Hachester. When are you returning?” His reluctance was palpable.


    I shrugged lightly. “I think I’ll stay in Shaville a few more days. You go ahead.”


    “I wish I could stay too.” Frustration tinged his voice.


    “There’ll be timeter. Focus on work.” I believed ambition was attractive in both men and women. Love was a luxury; obsession with it only led to


    heartache.


    “But-” His gaze darkened, words hanging unspoken between us.


    “Save your energy for next time.” I knew exactly what he wanted to say and what he wanted to do, so I softened the blow with a teasing smile.


    Nathan flushed, stammering, “That’s not what I meant.”


    “Then what did you mean?” I challenged, amusement dancing in my eyes.


    Trapped, he exhaled in defeat. “Okay. Fine. That’s exactly what I meant.”


    I watched his car disappear down the tree–lined avenue before turning toward my apartment. Then my phone rang.


    One of thepany executives was on the line. “Ms. Murphy, there’s a meeting tonight. Mr. Hob insists you attend.”


    “I resigned. Hire someone else.” I had no <i>intention </i><i>of </i>subjecting myself to Jared’s temper. This was the advantage of financial independence. I didn’t need this job. Even if I never worked another day, my bank ount would keep mefortable and content.


    A muffled conversation followed before the executive returned, hesitant. “Ms. Murphy… Mr. Hob refuses to ept your resignation.”


    “Put him on the phone.” This needed to be settled directly..


    After a brief shuffle, Jared’s low, measured voice came through. “Work isn’t a game. Don’t act like a child bringing personal emotions into professional


    matters.”


    “You’re the one affecting my work, Mr. Hob. How convenient that you’re shifting me.” My tone was icy.


    “Fine. My behavior earlier was uneptable, and I apologize. But work is work. I hope you won’t let personal issues dictate professional decisions.” His tone had softened slightly, though the condescension remained.


    “And will you stay out of my personal life?” I countered.


    spoke..


    A long silence followed before he finally spoke. “Are you really serious about him?”


    My pulse jumped. “What, are you trying to pull rank now?”


    Jared let out a dryugh. “I’m not the viin you think I am. Nathan’s a decent guy. You have good taste. But… will he marry you?<b>” </b>


    08:49 Sat, 23 Aug Mti


    I nearlyughed out loud. Of course Jared would think that way. To him, a woman’s worth was still tied to whether a man would “im” her.


    83%


    I smirked. “It’s not that he wouldn’t marry me. It’s that I won’t marry him. Jared, why would any woman who’s already been trapped in one marriage be stupid enough to walk into another?”


    Another stretch of silence. Then, quietly, he asked, “Is he better than me?”