I was scratching my head, trying to simplify a whole mess of rtionships for Christine, but I falled.


    Toozy to keep trying. I just started tidying up while unraveling the whole narrative for Christine.


    Atst, she got it. “So, that guy is Bryant’s future brother–inw?” the summarized.


    Caught betweenughter and tears, I paused, “Who else could jump to that conclusion faster than you?”


    Mark seemed to have had the housekeepere by earlier. The ce was spotless.


    After we put away our stuff, we just copsed on the couch.


    Christine nced at me. “Didn’t you say you had something serious to discuss with me? What’s up?”


    I handed her the documents Mark gave me. I’m thinking about starting my own business. You fancy getting in on it?”


    “Absolutely!” Her eyes lit up with excitement.


    I couldn’t help but chuckle. “So, that whole spiel about quitting your job at the hospital, saying you had ns. Was that a fib?”


    “It’s just that your n sounds more appealing,” Christine said with a mischievous grin as she looked through the documents. After I exined the origins of Janedream, she seemed even more intrigued. “So, when do we start?”


    I smiled. “Right now.”


    Once we’d decided to do something, we couldn’t put it off even for a <b>day</b>.


    Ever the firecracker, Christine pped her hands in agreement.


    After lunch, we started nning various aspects of the business. Christine took charge of selecting the office and deciding on the location while I handled the initial preparations.


    A quick calction showed that selling the Riverview Estate property would be more than to cover <b>our </b>initial investment. The next day. I contacted <b>a </b>real estate agent to list the Riverview Estate property.


    Late at night, Bryant called, his tone unfriendly, “<b>You’re </b>selling the house?”


    I admitted, “Yes”


    “Don’t sell it” His voice was imperiously upromising.


    I looked up from my work, stretching my neck. “Why? If I remember correctly, that house is in my name. The divorce agreement made it clear it belongs to me.”


    He scoffed coldly, “Where have you moved to?”


    I remained silent before responding softly, “That’s none of your


    business.”


    “Is Mark’s ce morefortable than the one I gave you?” His voice was indifferent but somehow intimidating.


    I frowned deeply, asking. “You’re still having me followed?”


    One could be a coincidence. Twice, that was beyond excuse.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    On the other end, it seemed he sighed, his tone softening as he half–coaxed, “Come out. Let me in.”


    It was what I used to long for. Like any regr couple, Bryant would asionally indulge me, speaking kindly. That would have been enough to make me happy for a long time, soothing all my moods.


    But right then, my heart settled as still water. Peering through the peephole, I indeed saw Bryant’s wless features. He lowered his head slightly, looking <b>a </b><b>bit </b>weary. Probably, he had bogged down with work and issues with Teresa, ying the business tycoon while being the dutiful son.


    I pursed my lips. “Go back, Bryant. Since you <b>gave </b>me the house, I should have the right to decide.”


    From outside, the crisp click of a lighter sounded. “Do you need money?” he asked.


    I replied without hesitation, “Yes.”


    He asked, “How much?”


    “Hard to <b>say, </b>but selling the house should cover it for now”


    Bryant’s voice was husky, “Don’t sell the house. I’ll transfer the money to you now.”


    I <b>suddenly </b>flung the door open, all my pent–up words stuck in my throat at the sight of his bloodshot eyes. He seemed even more drained than usual.


    Knowing I disliked the smell of smoke, he extinguished his cigarette, his deep eyes fixed on me, “May Ie in?”