bChapter /bb663 /b

    I hadn’t expected Jared to ask that, so I replied, “Nathan was here recently and took me there.”

    Jared turned his head away, sounding annoyed. “Figures. I knew it was him.”

    Yvonne’s big, dark eyes flickered between us. “Is Uncle Nathan here for work?”

    Jared, almost as if talking just to me, said, “Who knows if he’s here for work or for someone.”

    I didn’t like his sarcastic tone, so I calmly shot back, “Whatever the reason, meeting a kindred spirit in a foreign country is a wonderful thing.”

    “An opposite–sex confidant? You really call that a true friend?” Jared sneered.

    I shot back with a smirk, “Well, that’s nothingpared to you guys and your so–called special female friends.”

    Jared went silent in an instant.

    “Dad, don’t start fighting with Mom the moment you see her. Did you forget why we’re here?” Yvonne shot Jared a look, raising her brows at him.

    Jared gave me a long, meaningful look. “Come on, let’s get some dinner first.”

    Jared had arranged for a business van and took Yvonne and me to a Mexican restaurant.

    But it wasn’t the same restaurant Nathan took me tost time–Jared had already nned for us toe here.

    As soon as we sat down, someone brought over a bouquet of red roses and set them right in front of me. And right after, a violinist started ying nearby. The music was lovely, but the whole setup felt a little strange.

    Jared was watching me closely, clearly waiting to see how I’d react.

    Deep down, I knew he’d been waiting for a chance to pick up where we left off.

    After the violinist wrapped up, all I could smell was the fresh scent of roses in the air.

    “Mom, Dad set all this up just ifor /iiyou/i. Do you like it? Are you moved?” Yvonne asked, her eyes sparkling.

    I fiddled with the bouquet of roses in my arms and replied softly, “Thanks for arranging this. The music was lovely, and the

    flowers are beautiful.”

    “And what about me?” Jared asked.

    I met his gaze, my eyes serious. “Please, don’t set up these romantic gestures anymore. You’re my boss, and this really puts me in a tough spot as your employee.”

    Jared’s expression froze for a moment, and then his face fell.

    Yvonne overheard us and said quietly, “Mom, I was the one who asked Dad to do all this. You’ve been alone overseas bfor /bbso /blong, and I wanted to give you a little surprise.”

    b1/2 /b

    18 bSept /b

    My heart skipped a beat when I heard that.

    Is Yvonne hoping I’ll reconcile with Jared?‘ I thought.

    .????? 20%2

    n

    “Yvonne, like I said, your mom’s a practical woman. She doesn’t care for these superficial gestures,” Jared said, half- mocking himself.

    Yvonne pouted, looking crestfallen. “Okay, Mom. I won’t make suggestions like this again, I promise.”

    Watching the two of them putting on the pity act, I really didn’t know what to do with them.

    “Let’s just eat. The food’s getting cold,” I said, quickly changing the subject.

    The three of us sat down to eat, and surprisingly, things felt pretty rxed.

    Jared was in a good mood. He ordered a bottle of red wine and poured me a ss.

    I fished out my meds from my bag. “I’ve got a cold and I’m still on medication, so I can’t drink.”

    Jared looked concerned. “Did you get sick from the cold?”

    I nodded. “Probably. It’s been raining nonstop and the damp chill just gets to you. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to catch something.”

    “Mom, how about I stay here and look after you? I don’t have to go back just yet,” Yvonne said, clearly scheming.

    Jared shot her a serious look. “You only got two days off, and with the weekend, that’s four days. Don’t get any ideas about skipping ss.”

    Yvonne pressed her lips into a pout. “Alright, I was just worried about you, Mom.”

    “Really, I’m fine. Once the meds work, I’ll be good as new. I’ll be heading home in just over a month anyway,” I reassured her quickly.

    After dinner, Jared took Yvonne and me to their hotel. I couldn’t help but be surprised–it was the very same Manor Hotel where Edward had thrown that fancy dinnerst time.

    Jared had booked a massive suite with four bedrooms.

    “Victoria, Yvonne’s scared to sleep alone. Can you stay here with her tonight?” Jared said softly.

    I wanted to spend the night with Yvonne anyway, so I nodded. “Alright, but can you get me my own room?”

    bAD /b

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