Chapter 198

Frederick stopped reporting Jonathan’s company. All we ever wanted was for him to let me go, and now that he had, there was no point in pushing any further. We both knew very well that filing complaints against Jonathan wouldn’t make a difference.

Even Frederick’s father, despite being chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, had to show Jonathan some respect. Just a couple of days ago, he called and tore into Frederick over the phone.

“You’ve got some nerve! How dare you report Jonathan? Do you even know what you’re doing? You’re digging your own grave!”

Frederick was in such a good mood that he didn’t take Jeffrey’s scolding seriously at all. Even I could feel how happy he was. There’s no way Jeffrey didn’t pick up on it too.

His tone instantly dropped. “I’m warning you, even if they’re divorced now, don’t you dare have any thoughts about Elise!”

“They’re already divorced. Why shouldn’t I?”

Frederick sounded completely unconcerned, clearly unfazed by Jeffrey. “I’m single, and she’s single too. I can pursue whoever I want.”

“You idiot! You really think it’s over between them?”

“Jonathan already wanted a divorce. What’s left to hold on to? Even if he doesn’t want it to end now, there’s no way they can get back together.”

“It’s not up to you to decide if there’s still a chance. That’s up to Jonathan and Elise!”

Frederick glanced at me. “Elise isn’t the type to go back,” he said.

I could hear every word between them, and it felt a bit awkward.

Just as I was thinking of walking away, he grabbed my hand. “I don’t know what Jonathan is thinking, but I’m certain Elise will never take him back. I said nothing and silently agreed.

Jeffrey was so furious that it gave him a headache. “You’re hopeless! I’m done with you!”

He hung up right after saying that.

Frederick slipped his phone away and looked at me like he had already won. “No one will be in our way anymore.”

I figured he must’ve misunderstood me. After thinking it over for a long time, I told him, “I’m sorry. We could never be together.”

Frederick looked surprised, then he forced a smile. “I know. Didn’t you already tell me this before? Why say it again?”

I lowered my head. “I know I turned you down before because I was still married to Jonathan. But even now that I’m not, there’s still no future for us.”

His fist clenched instantly. He hadn’t meant to lay it all bare, but he heard everything loud and clear.

His expression darkened. “Elise, I thought you knew that I’ve been waiting for you to divorce Jonathan so we could start over. I’m not asking you to say yes right now, but at least let me have a chance.”

I shook my head. “I’m truly sorry. I just don’t feel that way about you.”

I let out a sigh. “Sometimes I wish I could say yes to you, but that would only end up hurting you. I know myself well. If I couldn’t fall for someone at first sight, I never will.”

He froze for a second, then let out a laugh. “Alright. Very well.”

He shot me a cold glance before turning and walking away, but I wasn’t worried. I knew he would come back.

There’s still New Voyage between us. If he’s willing to take it, I’ll give up some of my share as a way of making it up to him.

Chapter 199