The question hung in the air for a long time before Seth replied, "I don''t know."


    When Noreen returned to the table, ire asked, "What took you so long?"


    "Just handling some work stuff. It took a little while. Let''s eat."


    By the time Felix found ire again, it was already nine at night.


    She had just gotten back to her hotel and showered. Her hair wasn''t even dry yet, but her attention was on the gift Wilbur had given her.


    Judging by the packaging, it was likely jewelry.


    It was elegant, with excellent taste—a style any woman would love.


    But for some reason, ire couldn''t bring herself to like it.


    She figured he must buy gifts for women all the time to know their tastes so well.


    ire turned away to dry her hair.


    Halfway through, she looked back and unwrapped the gift.


    Just as she''d expected, Wilbur had sent her jewelry.


    But not just any jewelry.


    It was a priceless set of purple diamonds.


    ire''s eyes suddenly welled up, turning red, and a lump formed in her throat.


    Her fingers trembled as she caressed the jewelry in its velvet box, a powerful emotion striking her heart.


    This set... her father had personally helped design it as a thirtieth birthday gift for her mother.


    It was incredibly meaningful.


    But after her parents passed away, her uncle had taken all of her mother''s jewelry and valuables, selling everyst piece.


    He hadn''t left a single memento for ire.


    In the past two years, once she had some money, she''d started trying to track down items connected to her parents.


    But it had been so long that many things were lost forever.


    During her time recovering on Palm Breeze Ind, she and Wilbur had crossed paths often.


    She had mentioned this purple diamond set during a casual conversation.


    At the time, she''d thought Wilbur was well-connected and might be able to help her find it, so she brought it up.


    She never expected him to remember, let alone find it for her.


    ire sniffled and hurriedly looked for her phone, wanting to call Wilbur and express her gratitude.


    This meant so much to her.


    But before she could dial, the doorbell rang.


    The knocking was urgent, as if something was terribly wrong.


    ire had no choice but to answer it.


    When she saw Felix, her first instinct was to m the door shut.


    Felix, anticipating her move, stuck his foot in the doorway to block it.


    His expression was still dark and cold.


    Pine


    Unable to close the door, ire grew furious. She finally kicked him in frustration and demanded, Felix, are you insane. We''re getting a divorce. Why are you still bothering me?"


    Breaking from his usual demeanor, Felix said abruptly, "I came to apologize."


    "Apologize for what?" ire still thought he was crazy.


    "I didn''t know you don''t celebrate your birthday..." Felix''s voice was


    uncharacteristically subdued. "Grandma yelled at me. It was my fault, so I should apologize to you."


    So, his grandmother had yelled at him, and only then did he think he''d done something wrong and should apologize?


    He could save it.


    Really.


    ire''s attitude remained cold, tinged with disgust. "Don''t waste your time on pointless gestures. If you have this much free time you should be talking to mywyer about the divorce."


    The mention of divorce made Felix''s face darken instantly. "How long are you going


    to keep this up?"


    ire was bing more and


    l.ne


    more exasperated. "Felix, why do you think I''m just throwing a tantrum by asking for a divorce? Do you actually believe I can''t live without you and this is all just some game to get your attention?"


    "Isn''t it?" Felix shot back.