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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