I had put on some heavy makeup today, so I did lookpletely different from before. I frowned and said, “Ryan,


    maybe you should let Ss head back and get some rest. He looks exhausted.”


    “I’m fine. I can still help out,” Ss insisted, trying to wave off my concern.


    “Ss, it’s okay. Go on home,” Ryan said softly.


    Ss blinked in surprise, then nodded and said, “Alright, Ryan. Just make sure you don’t tire yourself out.”


    At the dinner that night, Sally and Tracy showed up.


    The moment Tracy walked in, she was met with an enthusiastic wee. Thepany <i>execs </i>acted like they still answered to her, and even Amy ended up getting sidelined.


    Jared had taken a nap all afternoon, so he was in good spirits during dinner. When he saw Tracy, he immediately got up and led her outside.


    Sally and Quinn rushed out after them.


    Just then, Ryan set down what he was holding and said to me, “Ms. Murphy, I’m heading out for a bit.”


    I wanted to call him back, but he was already heading out the door.


    I bet he was out taking photographs of more evidence. He was always thinking ahead–he had brains and street


    smarts.


    When they came back, Tracy and Sally looked like they’d just swallowed something bitter. They were kept out of sight in a private room, nowhere to be seen in the main hall.


    When Quinn returned, she shot me a few resentful nces and slipped into that private room too.


    1 knew that room was packed with the Hob family’s rtives. Sally probably brought Tracy in to get her acquainted with everyone ahead of time.


    “Ms. Murphy, I shot you a few messages. Check them out when you get a chance,” Ryan said quietly as he returned.


    “Thanks,” I replied, giving him a grateful look.


    Ryan looked conflicted as he nodded.


    Once dinner wrapped up, I headed to the elevator and made my way to the top floor of the hotel. There was a room reserved for me there. I pushed the door open and just threw myself onto the sofa.


    I checked my phone and saw a video. Even though I couldn’t see Jared and Tracy, I could still hear their voices.


    Tracy sounded sad as she asked Jared, “You used to say Victoria was just a vase, something pretty to keep at


    12 05 Thu, 21 AU0


    home. So why do you care so much about her now?”


    Jared replied, clearly annoyed, “I just said that without thinking. Your cousin must’ve told you, right?”


    56%


    Tracy scoffed, “Every little thing you do matters to me. I remember everything you say. When my cousin told me


    you called Victoria just a vase, I knew you didn’t love her anymore.


    “But you’ve been acting strangetely. Is it because I’m pregnant with my ex’s baby?”


    Jared said, “Tracy, we’re not at that point. I’m not going toment on your pregnancy.”


    “Jared, I’m sorry. This was a mistake, it won’t happen again,” Tracy said softly. As she spoke, I could hear the sound of clothes rustling–it sounded like they were hugging.


    But then Jared’s tone turned icy as he said, “Don’t. It’s over between us. And stop trying to suck up to my mom–it won’t change anything.”


    Tracy said, “You two are getting divorced. After the divorce, you’ll end up with someone else. Why not me?”


    Jared was quiet for a long moment before finally saying, “I know her–she’lle back. This divorce is just a


    phase. Tracy, I’m not going to mess up again. Maybe Victoria’s right. We’re adults–we have to own up to what we


    do.”


    “Jared,e back. Please don’t leave. I’ve always loved you, you know that,” Tracy pleaded.


    “Tracy, I don’t need your love anymore. Just let me go,” Jared replied coldly.


    Then Sally’s <i>voice </i>broke in, full of disapproval. She said, “Jared, don’t break her heart like this. Tracy’s done so much for you.”


    Jared just let out a shortugh and said, “Tracy, did you not tell my mom how much money I gave you when we broke up this time?”


    Sally sounded shocked. She eximed, “Wait, Tracy, you asked Jared for money?”


    Tracy replied, “He gave it to me. I’m sorry, Sally. Maybe I really don’t belong here, I should go.”


    “Don’t go. Since you’re already here, at least stay for dinner before you leave,” Sally said, suddenly popping into the frame.


    Tracy looked determined to leave, but Sally grabbed her arm and held her back.


    And that was where the video ended


    From the way they talked, it was obvious Jared and Tracy had already decided to get together. If I hadn’t pulled myself out of the mess in time, Jared would’ve just kept drifting along, forgetting he was even married.


    They would’ve crossed thatst line, sneaking around without a shred of shame–just like in our previous life,


    hooking up wherever and whenever they could.


    <b>3/3 </b>