Chapter 47
Emilia finished ordering and put down the menu, sipping her tea casually. “She went to Averpark University too, didn’t she? Studied computer science.” This was what Christine had told her. Still, Autumn had been pretty unremarkable in college—definitely not a distinguished alum like she was.
Jayden looked genuinely stunned. “She won overpack?” After all, one needed to score at least 1400 on the SAT to get into Averpark University. Was Autumn really that smart? Moreover, computer science admission scores would be even higher, which he’d learned while hiring for tech roles. He turned to Domien with a frown. “Did you know about this?”
Domien had never thought to ask Autumn, but he vaguely remembered Hank bringing it up once or twice. “I think so. Probably.”
Jayden’s eyes narrowed. “So, she lets that degree sit for years, and now suddenly dusts it off? Her intentions are pretty obvious.”
Emilia’s expression darkened. Christine had already sounded her out. Autumn was serious about divorcing Damien. However, she seemed to be saying one thing and doing another. That kind of two-faced behavior was hard to stomach.
Dan noticed Emilia’s shift in mood. “What’s wrong?”
“Just something work-related,” Emilia said, shaking her head. Torten knew Emilia’s project was no walk in the park, which only made Autumn’s sudden ambition seem laughable. Compared to Emilia, she was clearly out of her depth. Pretending to measure up just made her look even worse, like a cheap imitation trying too hard.
He mocked, “So what if she flips through a few books? The moment she ran into a real challenge, she’d crack. No experience, no skills—she’ll fall apart instantly.”
“Let’s not talk about her anymore,” Damien cut in sharply, his brows furrowed.
Jayden glanced between Damien and Emilia, and just like that, he understood what was going on. “No point ruining our appetite.”
Midway through dinner, Damien’s phone buzzed with a WhatsApp message from Britney. “Damien, I suddenly remembered something I forgot to ask you—did Autumn block you? He’d messaged Autumn that weekend through WhatsApp while staying at the Cabilledence. No. Why are you suddenly asking me this?”
Britney’s feedback: “Because she blocked me!” And it was twice now. Britney had just gotten a new phone and felt extra irritable today. She’d wanted to vent and give Autumn a piece of her mind. It wasn’t like she constantly needed to lash out, but the grudge Autumn left her with had been festering. Every so often, it bubbled back up, making her itch to pick a fight; and now she was blocked again.
Britney was absolutely furious. “So, it’s just me! Damien, Autumn really means you differently.” This time, she was definitely tart. “When are you going to teach Autumn a lesson? I really can’t stand her anymore. I’ve been holding back this rage forever! I swear I’m going to snap!” Since Emilia returned from abroad, Autumn hadn’t been home for almost two weeks. Except for breakfast not tasting quite right, Damien wasn’t affected at all. Beyond that, the bad mood from starting a road trip with… (The message cuts off abruptly).
Helen: (Damien didn't express interest in hearing her less it was necessary. He replied,) ‘I’m busy.’
Britney wrote back, “Of course you’re busy. Busy spending all your free time stuck to Emilia like some hopeless teenager.”
Than was getting a little annoyed with Emilia too, and not-so-subtly said, “Damien, you’re 28 years old, nearly 30, and middle-aged. You should be more mature. Do you honestly need to be glued to Emilia, lovesick, every single day? Can’t say I didn’t warn you—my experience with hotties, no matter how good-looking they are, they get boring after a while. If you want to keep things exciting, seeing each…”
(The message cuts off abruptly.)
Esligiday rold. “Am I bothering you too much? Since when do you think you get to manage my life?”
(His response meant he was unhappy.) Bealizing the barb had opened the bond. Otherwise, that would’ve merely lit a… (The message cuts off abruptly). Analía wasn’t as pretty as Autumn, she supposed internally.