Next, I was swamped with work.]

Kade’s team was impressively professional.[]

The asset separation was airtight.[]

The Hawthornes were overwhelmed dealing with the quality control scandal and stock price copse, with no time to scrutinize the fine print of every partnership contract.]]

We moved fast and precisely, surgically removing the “flesh and blood” that belonged to the Carter family from the Hawthorne

corpse.

During this period, Ryder never appeared once.[]

The few phone calls were just furious questioning.]

He wanted to meet face–to–face.]]

I replied: “Too busy, please contact mywyer.“]]

Kade was sitting on my desk at the time, his tone mocking: “Ryder’s really something.“[]

“Hispany is practically on fire and he’s got the leisure time to keep that female bestiepany along with her little dog!“]

I listened while quickly signing contracts, not bothering to look up.]

When your heart goespletely cold, even mockery feels like wasted energy.

Only asionally, when staring at documents, I’d think about that young man who once made my heart flutter.[]

How did he be this way?

Later, I finally saw Ryder again in my office.]

He’d lost weight, with dark circles under his eyes and stubble he hadn’t bothered to shave.

“We need to talk.”

I stepped back, “Make an appointment or contact mywyer.“]

“Jessa!” He raised his voice.

“Do you have to be this ruthless?“]

“Divorce? You just decide and have the court serve me papersb? /bbI /balready cut things off with Wren! You…“]

“Enough.“]

brnds /bhim? bThen /bbur’s bthe /bBaby bHis/bb? /bbEnjoy /bYour bCells/b, Soulmates!

b97.9/bb% /b

I cut him off, “Your private life is none of my business. Our only rtionship now is intiff and defendant in divorce proceedings.“]

He looked like he’d been burned, his face instantly turning ashen: “You… you’ve really decided?“]

“What else?”

Real panic finally crept into his eyes, “You said you didn’t mind me hanging out with my buddies…“[]

“But that didn’t include female buddies.“[]

I walked around him and pressed the elevator button, “Instead of pestering me, why don’t you go check the Hawthorne financial reports. Oh, and by the way.“]

The elevator opened. I turned to face him with a standard smile.[]

“In the divorce agreement, I only took what I deserved.“]]

“For old times‘ sake as ‘husband and wife,‘ I didn’t mention that dog named ‘Rider.““[]

The elevator doors slowly closed, cutting off his suddenly twisted expression.[]

Next, the Carter family’s downfall was even faster than the Hawthorne stock copse.

Kade dropped files on my desk.]

“Here, second half of the ‘sequel.“]

“Carter Corporation–ounting fraud, illegal fundraising, tax evasion. Complete evidence chain.“[]

“That little family fortune was already hollowed out by Wren’s daddy to fill holes.“]

I flipped through the shocking evidence.]]

So this “ordinary girl” Wren was just trying to grab onto Ryder as a life raft before the Carter family sank.[]

All that “brotherly affection” and deliberate seduction was driven by naked self–interest.

The day the news broke, Wren came looking for me like a madwoman.]]

When she stormed into my office, security held her back.]

“Jessa, leave my family alone!“]

She was hysterical, trying to lunge at me, “Men liking whoever is fair game–why drag my whole family down?“[]

“Ryder was with me first! Don’t you know you’re the homewrecker?!“[]

She alternated between cursing and crying, “Let the Carter family go, take back those files, and I’ll make Ryderb… /bRydere back to you, okay…“]

I sat behind myrge desk, calmly watching her performance.]

bQue /bColle Soulmates!

b98.1/b%

“Miss Sterling, where Ryder goes is none of my business.“]

“As for your family… justice will prevail.“]]

“You’re begging the wrong person.“[]

Her eyes wentpletely dull.]

With the Carter family bankrupt and assets frozen, she couldn’t even support herself, let alone an expensive dog.

Later I heard “Rider” ended up at an animal shelter.

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