?Chapter 652:


    From his high vantage point, Jeffry gazed out the window with a steely look, his annoyance simmering as he watched the relentless stream of traffic below.


    In the private room perched atop Empire’s highest floor, Jeffry was knocking back sses of strong liquor as if they were mere sips of water.


    Malcolm, eyes blown wide with wonder, couldn’t hold back his curiosity. “What’s the deal? Isn’t the soon-to-be groom supposed to be all smiles today?”


    With a forceful m of his ss on the table, Jeffry shot Malcolm a frosty re. “Just drop it,” he snapped.


    A smirk yed on Malcolm’s lips.


    It was no secret that Jeffry had just secured his marriage certificate with Evelyn. Yet, here Jeffry was, not cozying up at home with his wife but dragging Malcolm out for drinks, drowning in his own brooding storm.


    Malcolm arched an eyebrow and probed further, “So, did your lover catch wind of your marriage and throw a tantrum?”


    Jeffry remained silent, simply refilling his ss with a heavy pour.


    Malcolm’s expression brightened with mischief. “Ah, I see I’ve struck a chord. I told you this would happen, but you ignored me, and now look at the mess you’re in.”


    “Get lost!” Jeffry snapped, immediately regretting inviting Malcolm for drinks.


    Malcolm, unfazed by the harsh dismissal, simply shed a sly grin as he observed Jeffry attempting to drown his troubles. “No matter how much you drink, your lover won’t have a clue. Women just need a gentle push now and then. From what I’ve seen, she’s quite fond of you. Maybe she’s even naive enough to stay.”


    His tone suggested sce, yet it carried the sting of veiled mockery.


    Jeffry’s patience frayed. “Would you mind just shutting up?”


    “Not a chance,” Malcolm retorted, his grin steadfast. “You’re the one who invited me here. You can’t expect me to keep my mouth shut.”


    Exhausted, Jeffry massaged the bridge of his nose. It felt like ages since he’dst had a decent night’s sleep.


    Noticing Jeffry’s crestfallen demeanor, Malcolm couldn’t bear to tease him further. He pped a hand on Jeffry’s shoulder. “Listen, you’re a married man now. It’s normal for her to be upset. Just hang in there. Once this storm passes, you’ll charm her back into good spirits. It’s nothing serious. Still, I’m shocked that you actually went ahead and married Evelyn.”


    Malcolm had initially believed that Jeffry just handled those dates with Evelyn absentmindedly. Who could have predicted they would register their marriage this quickly?


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    Jeffry, his expression unreadable, continued to nurse his drink in silence. He made a mental note to exin to Lydia once all was settled.


    Overwhelmed by his emotions, Jeffry drank to excess, prompting Malcolm to secure a hotel room for his inebriated friend.


    Dawn broke with Jolie trying in vain to reach Jeffry. Her attempts met only with the cold, indifferent beeps of an unanswered call. Her brow furrowed in frustration as she muttered, “What’s gotten into Jeffry? With his wedding around the corner, he’s simply disappeared. How can he show such disregard?”


    nning a wedding was no small feat.


    Jolie had been poring over every minute detail to preempt any mishaps on the big day, suffering from several sleepless nights. Yet, Jeffry had been missing from home for days on end.


    Pausing in thought, Jolie decisively instructed the butler, “Get the car ready. I must track Jeffry down at the office.”


    Just as the butler was poised to instruct the driver to prepare the car, an unexpected visitor appeared at the front door.


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