Chapter 11

After Olivia casually ended the call with an "oh," she hung up. Autumn found her reaction peculiar. "Who was that?"

"He didn't say. Just that he wants to introduce the senior to me in person."

Olivia frowned, clearly puzzled and perhaps slightly annoyed. "What, is she trying to be mysterious? She won't even say her name?"

Autumn considered this for a moment. "Maybe she wants to surprise you."

Olivia shrugged. "I'll allow it. If she turns out to be Autumn 2.0, I'll be thrilled. Otherwise? She's just pretentious."

Autumn was momentarily speechless.

Olivia restarted the car. "Don't forget about our plans this Saturday."

Autumn glanced at the steering wheel. A slight itch prickled her hands. It had been a long time since she'd watched a race.

Afterward, Autumn contacted Chase daily to check on Allen's condition. According to Chase, Allen was a "terminally ill workaholic." The company unexpectedly secured a massive ten-million-dollar investment. Energized, Allen dove straight back into work the next day. Autumn worried about his health and wanted to call him, only to realize she'd already been blocked.

Autumn possessed hacking skills; reaching Allen would take mere seconds. But doing so would only exacerbate their already strained relationship. So, she gave up, deciding to visit him in person when she had time.

On Saturday, Autumn and Olivia planned to attend a car race. After packing, Autumn prepared to leave. Olivia, who'd promised to pick her up, encountered a last-minute issue, leaving Autumn to travel alone. Before the divorce, Autumn had driven a car registered to Damien. Yesterday, she'd purchased a white Land Rover as her new daily driver.

The map estimated a ninety-minute drive. Adhering to speed limits, Autumn arrived in an hour, a testament to her driving skills. She proceeded to the VIP suite Olivia had reserved.

Spectators streamed in. The VIP area wasn't crowded, but there were several people present. Autumn deftly avoided a staff member who nearly collided with her and continued walking. Following the suite numbers, she was a few doors from their booking.

An open VIP suite, filled with chatting people, stood just ahead. She was about to pass when she overheard a familiar name.

"Yeah, my gaming company is called Rune Code."

Rune Code? That was Allen's direct competitor. What were the odds?

Autumn stopped.

"I know you only invested in Rune Code because of my sister. As much as I hate to admit it, this is the first time I’ve actually been glad Emilia’s my sister. Even the beatings I took as a kid feel worth it now!"

Autumn froze. The voice—Elliot Mason, Emilia's younger brother and Christine's stepson—was instantly recognizable. Christine had mentioned Elliot was Allen's age.

"If it weren’t for you, Mr. Caldwell, my company wouldn’t have been able to recruit so many top tech talents. By the way, Mr. Caldwell, can I call you Damien?" Elliot's voice dripped with flattery and gratitude.

Autumn's face paled. Damien's voice followed, as expected. "You’re Emilia’s brother, which makes you my brother too. No need to be so formal with me."

Elliot sounded ecstatic. "Thanks, Damien!"

Damien's tone was unusually warm. "Young man, keep up the good work." Autumn had rarely seen Damien offer such encouragement, aside from his sister, Britney.

Elliot's reception stemmed solely from his familial connection to Emilia. Damien had always known Autumn had a younger brother, but during their three-year marriage, he never inquired about Allen, nor attempted to meet her family. Even if Allen were present, Damien wouldn't recognize him. This highlighted the stark contrast between caring and indifference.

In the past, this would have deeply wounded Autumn. But now, divorced and having given up on Damien, she held no expectations. Without expectations, there was no pain. The discomfort lingered, however, though Autumn had learned to process such negative emotions swiftly.

Elliot seized the opportunity to connect with Damien, a rare figure in Havenmoor's elite circles. He wouldn't let this slip away.

"Emilia’s about to start the race," Elliot said. "Damien, why don’t you stay and watch it here? I picked this VIP suite myself—it has the best view of the racetrack."

Damien had never shown interest in racing. His presence here was unexpected, but now, everything made sense. Emilia was competing.

Damien replied, "Alright, I’m going to make a call first."

Olivia's suite was ahead, and Autumn intended to wait until they were inside before approaching to avoid notice. Damien, however, was about to leave to make his call. With only one hallway, Autumn quickly retreated, turning a corner to wait. She anticipated he'd return after his call, but instead, she ran into him.

Autumn stopped abruptly. They were barely three feet apart—her closest proximity to him since the divorce. She caught the familiar scent of his cologne, stirring memories and tightening her heart.

Damien was casually dressed, but his commanding presence remained undiminished. His gaze, however, was utterly cold. The outfit, she remembered, was one she'd picked out at his request, not a gift. Autumn had once loved him deeply and often bought him clothes, but he never wore what she selected. Yet, he still wore the couple's ring he shared with Emilia. Had he never removed it?

When Damien saw Autumn, surprise flickered in his eyes, quickly vanishing. His expression remained impassive. "Since when did you become interested in racing?"

He had ridden in a car she once drove. He would have known her driving skill if he'd paid attention. Clearly, he hadn't.

Autumn replied, "I came with a friend."

"That excuse… sounds reasonable," Damien said flatly. He clearly didn't believe her, assuming she'd learned of Emilia's race and was trying to disrupt their time together.

Autumn wanted to explain but realized it was futile. Damien wouldn't believe her; he'd only see it as a cover-up. There was no point in wasting her breath.

"Tomorrow at 6:00 pm, be back at the Caldwell residence," Damien said.

He glanced at Autumn's left hand, noting the absence of her wedding ring. In their three years of marriage, she'd never removed it. She was putting on a show. Had this one-sided charade not yet ended?

Damien's patience snapped, his expression hardening as he turned and walked away.