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Hearing that first thing in the morning, for some reason, I just felt annoyed.

Almost without thinking, I replied directly, “Sorry, I just don’t want to see her.”

Edward looked a bit taken aback, but then let out a softugh. “Maybe she’s just curious about you, or if we end up together for a long time…”

“Then let’s just keep it short–term,” I said, looking up at him, my eyes clear and unwavering.

It was as if my words had cut Edward–his deep eyes just froze on me, stunned.

I looked down and handed him a fork. “Want some?”

Edward pulled out a chair and sat down, his voice a little lower. “Fine, then we just won’t meet.”

I sat down and started eating, but I suddenly realized there was something I needed to get off my chest. If I didn’t, it’d just sit there like a splinter under my skin, never letting me rest.

“Edward, we’re both people who’ve been through a divorce. When ites to marriage, we have to be more cautious than those who haven’t experienced it. There’s just more for us to think about,” I said, my voice gentle–I wasn’t trying to start a fight.

Edward nodded. “I know.”

“Since we both know marriage takes real effort from both sides, the odds of happiness are pretty low,” I said, my toneced with a bit of self–mockery as I looked down. “You and your ex–wife came from the same background and still couldn’t make it work. We’re so different–I have even less confidence it’ll work out for

us.”

Edward looked up at me, a trace of guilt in his eyes. “Sorry, am I putting too much pressure on you?”

“I hope you can handle things with your ex–wife yourself. I really don’t want to be put on disy for everyone to judge me like I’m some kind of animal,” I said softly.

Edward looked surprised at my reaction. He frowned, genuinely concerned. “Victoria, why do you think that?”

“Isn’t it?” I shot back, raising an eyebrow, my wordsing out a bit harsh. “You’re divorced, but just because your ex–wife says something, does that mean you have to do it?”

Edward shook his head. “Of course not. Honestly, I kind of wish you two could meet.”

“Aren’t you worried we might start a fight?” I scoffed.

Edward grinned, “You? So gentle–would you really get into a fight?”

I shrugged, “Hey, you never know. Push someone to their limit, even a rabbit will bite back.”

“Don’t worry. Jane Leigh and I haven’t had any romantic feelings for each other in ages. These days, we’re

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basically just business partners—sometimes family, sometimes friends… And when I say ‘family,‘ it’s only because of our kid, not for any other reason,” Edward said, his voice dropping as he exined.

I blinked, finally catching his drift.

“So, let me just ask–between you and your ex, whose family’s got more clout? Who’s richer?” I was honestly curious. Ever since I met Edward, he’s had this quiet confidence about him, the kind you only see in people who are trulyfortable with their wealth.

Edward looked a little awkward at my question, but he answered seriously, “That’s tough to say. The Jennings family’s got way more pull than the Leighs. As for money… I probably edge them out, but the Leighs have some serious backing too. Honestly, the Jennings and Leigh families are like two old trees whose roots are all tangled up underground–if something goes wrong down there, both families get dragged in.”

Edward broke it down for me in in English.

I get it–money alwayses with a whole lot of messy strings attached.

“So, if I decide not to meet your ex–wife, would you think I’m being petty?” I just asked straight out.

“Of course not,” Edward shook his head. “You simply don’t want to see her, that’s a totally normal reaction.”

“Would

you be upset that I turned her down?” I asked again.

“I respect your choice. I’ll also ask Jane what’s really behind her wanting to meet you,” Edward replied.

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