Chapter 671
Edward froze for a moment, then his eyes suddenly met mine, filled with determination. “I always think things through before I act.”
Jared, swirling his wine glass, let out a mocking laugh. “I believe in your abilities, Mr. Jennings, and your resolve. But… are you sure you’ve really thought this through? Your real opponent isn’t out there.”
My breath caught at his words. ‘Can’t Jared just let us finish this meal in peace?’
‘Does he really have to bring up Ryan right now?’
Edward furrowed his brows, his voice quiet and serious. “Ryan is already married.”
Jared smirked. “Getting married doesn’t mean it’s over. We’re all guys here, right?”
Edward’s expression stiffened slightly.
My hand froze as I was picking up food. What did Jared mean by that?
‘Is he saying married folks are even more likely to mess around?’ I wondered.
“Mr. Holcomb, why don’t you guys talk about work instead? Can we please change the subject?” I said, forcing a smile through clenched teeth as I tried to steer the conversation away.
Jared gave me a sullen look, his lips pressed into a thin line.
Edward looked like he didn’t want to get into it either, just gave a small smile.
Yvonne was just focused on eating, her dark eyes darting back and forth, as if trying to figure out what was going on.
Edward and Jared didn’t talk business. They were both quiet, barely eating, just drinking.
The whole dinner felt stifling.
Finally, dinner was over. Taking Yvonne by the hand, I said, “I’m taking Yvonne back to the hotel first.”
I said to Edward, and he nodded. “Okay.”
Jared was wasted, slumped over the table. When Edward tried to help him up, Jared just shoved him away.
In the end, it took two male waiters to haul him out to the car.
Edward had his car brought around and said to me, “Why don’t you and Yvonne take this one?”
I paused for a second. ‘Is Edward worried Jared might get out of hand?’
“Okay,” I replied, and with Yvonne in tow, got into the car.
We left Jared at the hotel alone.
… Edward had to help him up to his hotel room, where he was sprawled out on the couch.
Yvonne was lying on the couch with a lollipop in her mouth, watching Jared. Then, looking all pouty and a little aggrieved, she turned to me and said, “Mom, can’t you love Dad again? He looks so pitiful.”
I was startled and looked at Yvonne. “Did you notice something?”
Yvonne pursed her lips, her words muffled by the candy. “I know you’re getting a new boyfriend.”
“Yvonne, this is my choice. Do you blame me?” I asked her.
Yvonne just looked at me silently, then the next second, she turned and ran into the room.
I figured Yvonne probably thought I wasn’t much of a mom, maybe even a little unfaithful.
I didn’t bother explaining it to her. Honestly, when I came back after being reborn, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to have her.
But she was my own child, and Yvonne had changed, making me feel like a real mom again. If she ended up drifting away from me because of my choices, maybe that’s just how fate works, and I’d accept it.
Yvonne came out hugging a doll, then finally sat down next to me, fiddling with the doll’s arms.
I looked at her and asked, “Yvonne, what’s wrong?”
Yvonne took a breath. “Mom, I don’t think you’re bad at all, but you just like every handsome uncle you meet. Dad says he’s still waiting for you. When are you coming back to us?”
I was a little surprised by what Yvonne said. “Why aren’t you mad at me?”
Yvonne blinked. “Because Dad likes you, and so does Grandma.”
I was at a loss for words. ‘Is it because her family loves me that Yvonne chooses not to hate me?’
“Yvonne, I’m sorry,” I said softly.
“Mom, Dad says you’re like the wind now–sometimes blowing here, sometimes there, always chasing your own happiness,” Yvonne said, mimicking an adult’s tone.
“Did your dad really say that?” I asked in surprise, looking over at Jared, who was fast asleep on the couch.
“Yep! Dad said you went through so much in your previous life, so now you should be as free as the wind.” Yvonne looked at me seriously. “Mom, when I grow up, I want to be just like you–a woman as free as the wind, no one can tie me down.”
I gently brushed her hair and said, “When you’re older, it’ll be up to you. You get to decide your own path.”
It was late at night when I heard some noise out in the hallway.
I went out to check and found Jared slumped in the bathroom–he’d just puked and looked totally out of it.
He’d ditched his suit jacket and was just wearing a white shirt, his hair a mess, looking completely lost.
He was sitting by the toilet, one hand on his bent knee, looking like he’d hit rock bottom.
“You’re awake?” I asked, standing by the door. “Are you okay?”
It seemed to take Jared ages before he finally heard me. He slowly lifted his head and looked at me.
‘Don’t regret it.’ Jared’s voice was rough, almost a warning.
“If you mess up and regret it later, don’t come running to me for help.”
I stared at him blankly, not understanding what he meant.