?Chapter 1086:


    Jeffry gave a small nod. “Understood.”


    The director—a gentle, approachable woman with years of patience behind her—offered a warm smile. “If you don’t need anything else, I’ll go lead my ss now.” She served as both principal and teacher at the center.


    Jeffry motioned for her to go ahead. “Thank you. Don’t let me keep you.” The director took her leave with a pleasant nod, not surprised Jeffry lingered behind. Since that National Security Bureau agent had started making regr visits, Jeffry’s appearances at the center had matched that agent’s schedule almost exactly.


    Jeffry stood by the window, a cigarette dangling from his fingers, though he made no move to light it. With azy flick, he browsed through the books on the shelf, his eyes always flickering back to the courtyard outside. From this vantage, he could spot any visitor the moment they arrived.


    Minutester, the growl of an engine echoed through the courtyard.


    Expecting Lydia, Jeffry stilled his hand on the page, the faintest hint of a smile curving his lips, though he didn’t bother turning around to confirm whether it was Lydia.


    Meanwhile, Evelyn emerged from her car, asked a staff member where to find Jeffry, and strode inside without hesitation.


    Evelyn’s approaching footsteps echoed down the corridor, prompting Jeffry’s posture to go rigid. He’d been staring at the same page of the book for ages. The moment Evelyn stopped beside him, her voice rang out clear as a bell.


    “Jeffry.”


    Instantly, whatever trace of a smile he’d worn disappeared.


    Completely oblivious, Evelyn boldly closed the distance. “Jeffry, the Morgan Group’s in crisis. I have nowhere else to turn. You’re the only one who can help me now. Please, just this once. Call it payback for all the times I helped you before. I only need five billion—five billion, that’s all. That’s barely anything for someone like you.”


    Jeffry didn’t bother to face her, his reply frosty. “I said everything I needed tost time.”


    Evelyn shook her head in desperate denial. “Jeffry, don’t shut me out. I made mistakes, I know, and I regret them.” Tears welled up as she bit down on her lip. “Help me, just this once. Afterward, we’ll call it even. I swear, I won’t ask for anything again or bother you.”


    With Liam behind bars and the Morgan Group copsing under debt, Evelyn had no choice but to let go of her pride. Never in her wildest dreams did she think she’d beg Jeffry for help—or that she’d have to promise to walk away for good. But Jeffry was unmoved. “You got everything you were owed in the divorce. We’re even. There’s nothing left between us.” He turned on his heel, walking away.


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    Evelyn’s tears flowed freely now. He wouldn’t even turn to look at her—so cold, so final. Unable to bear it, she suddenly rushed forward, wrapping her arms around him from behind. “Jeffry, please. Just this once. I need you.” A sharp thud from the courtyard signaled a car door mming shut.


    Jeffry nced toward the sound, only to meet Lydia’s frosty, impassive stare through the distance. Tension shot through him. Without hesitation, he shoved Evelyn aside and hurried toward Lydia.


    Evelyn stumbled, losing her bnce, and copsed onto the floor. “Jeffry!” she cried after him, desperation thick in her voice. But all she could do was watch as he vanished from view.


    For once, Jeffry’s cool facade slipped, a rare flicker of anxiety crossing his face. He hurried across the courtyard, catching up to Lydia in moments and reaching for her hand. “It’s not what you think—”


    “Let go,” Lydia interjected, her voice as t and cold as her gaze.


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