Chapter 610

I leaned back on the couch, thinking about how Isabelle Lynn had set that guy up to get close to Sophia. He was in on the whole thing, keeping an eye on how it all played out. The moment things got messy, he took off faster than a rabbit.

“So, what are you planning next? Still thinking of staying in Braylin?” Edward asked, his eyes so deep and unreadable it made my heart skip a beat.

I avoided his gaze, lowered my head, and fiddled with my coffee cup. “No, I might go back to Hachester.”

Edward’s expression stiffened for a moment, then he pulled a mocking smile. “Going back to your ex-husband, or to Nathan?”

My heart gave a little jolt. Why does every guy have to bring up my ex whenever this comes up?

“I’m just going back to Hachester for work, that’s all,” I corrected him.

Edward looked at me in surprise. “Is it really just about work, though?”

“It is,” I replied seriously. “Whether it’s Jared or Nathan, I’m not getting tangled up with either of them again. I’m not some relationship juggler or a love expert. If I dive in headfirst, I know I won’t come out unscathed.”

Edward fixed his gaze on me, and seeing me soften up, he laughed. “Is your love life really that dramatic? Rushing in, then trying to back out…”

I just stared at him, speechless.

‘Can’t we just have a normal conversation for once?’ I thought to myself.

Edward lounged back in his chair, that air of authority and wealth practically radiating off him. With someone like him, you just couldn’t bring yourself to speak freely.

“So you’re really not getting tangled up with your exes anymore?” he asked, his voice low after watching me for a long moment.

I told him honestly, “Jared’s spinning off the hotel division and handing me the reins for the whole thing. I’m going to be swamped. Where would I even find time for romance?”

Edward frowned. “Already swearing off love at your age?”

I suddenly burst out laughing. ‘Oh, to be in my twenties,’ I thought. ‘Honestly, it’s not so bad – at least I’m not pushing sixty!’

Edward just stared at me, clearly baffled by my reaction.

“How old are you, anyway?” I couldn’t help but ask.

Some men really know how to take care of themselves – at fifty, they could easily pass for thirty.

Edward paused for a second, then said, “Just a bit older than you – thirty-two.”

I was surprised. That wasn’t old at all – Jared was already thirty.

“I thought you were at least thirty-six,” I said honestly, still a bit confused.

Edward gave me a look. “Do I really seem that old to you?”

“It’s just… you seem older, somehow. I mean, Ryan calls you Uncle, and he’s twenty-four. You’ve got to be at least ten years older than him, right?” I chuckled.

Edward lowered his gaze, took a slow sip of tea, and said quietly, “My mom married my dad when he was already pushing forty.”

I let out a soft “oh,” suddenly losing the nerve to ask anything more about his family.

Edward’s eyes drifted over, settling on my face. “Have you been digging into my business?”

“No,” I replied quickly.

Edward let out a soft, mocking laugh. “No? Then why are you so nervous?”

“I’m not nervous,” I shot back, meeting his gaze.

All I really knew about Edward was just bits and pieces I’d heard from Isabelle and Ryan. As for the real details, I was totally in the dark.

Suddenly, a bird I couldn’t even name swooped in from the hall, making me jump in surprise.

Edward stood up and went to the window, opening it wide. The bird, startled, darted around in a panic and slammed straight into a pillar, dropping to the floor.

Edward clearly hadn’t expected it to be so clumsy. He bent down, gently picked up the little bird, and checked its wings to make sure it wasn’t hurt. Then he walked over to the window and released it outside.

The bird flapped its wings a couple of times in his hand, then quickly flew away.

Seeing that, something about the way he handled the little bird really got to me.

Edward didn’t return to the couch. He just stood by the window, staring out at the moon that had quietly risen, not sure when it had appeared in the night sky.

The Lantern Festival was almost here – the moon was full and glowing, round and flawless like a jade disc hanging above the world.

“Ryan told you my mom was my dad’s second wife, right?” Edward’s voice was low, sounding especially lonely in the quiet, chilly night.