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Disappointed by Reba’s underwhelming reaction, Andrea went to Jeffrey’s office and shared her observations. “Jeffrey, have you noticed how much Reba has changed recently?”
“What about her?” Jeffrey asked casually.
Andrea ryed the day’s events, carefully omitting details unfavorable to herself while emphasizing Reba’s behavior. “She’s be much moreposed now, no longer going her own way like she used to.”
Andrea had first been drawn to Reba in their university dormitory through her bold refusal skills.
When everyone discussed weekend bonding activities, two roommates reluctantly agreed, while Reba directly declined with the excuse of priormitments.
Countless subsequent group activities saw Reba’s continued absence.
Andrea thought Reba’s behavior would make her isted, but each time after rejecting others, Reba maintained connections by gifting luxury skincare sets,plete makeup collections, or other coveted items.
Therefore, everyone treated Reba exceptionally well, not minding that she didn’t join dorm activities.
About a yearter, the dorm held an internal meeting. By then, the bonds between everyone had grown quite strong. The room rep had them take turns sharing opinions on each other’s strengths and weaknesses, aiming to foster more harmonious coexistence during the remaining three years.
The room rep was the first to speak, mentioning some minor ws in each person. The others, not wanting to offend anyone, focused on trivial matters that wouldn’t cause harm.
Only Reba thoroughly and sincerely highlighted both the shorings and strengths of each person.
At that time, Andrea thought Reba was truly foolish, and that speaking so bluntly was bound to offend people. But Andrea was wrong. Instead of getting angry about Reba’s candid remarks, everyone else actuallyunched into a discussion.
Andrea couldn’t understand why, thinking it was either because Reba had given them many benefits, or because they didn’t dare to offend her.
In fact, no one got angry during that conversation because Reba first confessed her own ws while only lightly addressing others‘. She followed a critique with an even greaterpliment.
Furthermore, she covered up people’s ws by finding excuses, and then concluded by dering her own problems were far more severe than theirs.
That was a way of speaking tactfully, and Reba genuinely wished all her roommates the best.
However<b>, </b>except with sincere friends, she acted exactly as Andrea described–following her own rules in everything. That was also what Jane observed before their conversation.
“It means she’s growing up,” Jeffrey said casually.
<b>8:46 </b><b>Sat</b>, <b>Sep </b><b>20 </b>·
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“That’s true. Over time, she’ll be emotionally guarded, perfect for climbing the corporatedder.” Andrea yed along with him. “But…”
Jeffrey’s voice was t. “But what?”
“But if this continues, she’ll be impossible to read,” Andrea ventured, gambling on his reaction. “Even you might struggle to understand her thoughts.”
Contemtion flickered in Jeffrey’s eyes. No matter how Reba hid her feelings, he was certain he could see through her. Yet he couldn’t ignore the risk of her stubbornness hardening with each suppressed emotion.
“I’ve spent these past days reflecting on ourst conversation,” Andrea said with practiced sincerity. “I realize my mistake in clinging to you after you’d made your position clear.”
Jeffrey lifted his gaze lightly. He said nothing, but Andrea felt her heart clench.
“May I ask you something?” Andrea finally circled to her true purpose.
Jeffrey’s lips parted. “Go ahead.”
Andrea twisted her fingers nervously and, as if gathering every ounce of courage, asked, “Are you trying to make Rebae back to you? To abandon the divorce?”
“Yes,” Jeffrey answered without hesitation.
When Andrea had first approached him, he had clearly told her that he had a wife and wouldn’t divorce Reba for her, but she had still insisted that he be her boyfriend.
His first instinct had been refusal, until she had uttered those words he couldn’t reject.
“I know some of the things you’ve done were meant for Reba to see.” Andreaid her cards on the table, having decided <i>to </i>change tactics after his previous eptance.
She added, “You want her to realize how much she stands to lose without you and that only by your side can she receive your special treatment.”
Jeffrey remained silent. It was indeed his strategy, and he knew Andrea understood. It was a conspiracy agreed upon by both of them.
“I’m willing to help you,” Andrea blurted out. “Just keep caring for me.”
Jeffrey studied her with impassive eyes. He recognized her calction and knew she wanted to go against Reba, but he desperately needed leverage to make Reba truly understand how tough her life without his protection would be.
He’d promised not to deliberately target Reba, but what Andrea would do was beyond his control.
“Handle it however you want,” Jeffrey said, allowing Andrea to take action. With half the cooling–off period gone, dys were no longer possible. “For now, I’m fully in your corner.”
The weight in Andrea’s chest finally lifted. She knew she had won the bet.
8:46 <b>Sat</b>, Sep 20 ·
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“There’s one thing,” Jeffrey added as if remembering something.
Andrea suppressed her excitement. “Go on.”
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“Whatever you do, you can’t cause actual physical harm to her or put her life at risk,” Jeffrey replied. He still remembered how Reba had cut her own hand at the hospital in a fit of pique, though she had been so afraid of pain.
Andrea replied, “Don’t worry. I know my limits.”
Stanley soon learned about their n and invited Jeffrey for drinks. During their meeting, he inquired about the situation with Reba. Jeffrey casually brushed it off.
Learning that their rtionship had worsened, Stanley expressed concern. “By that logic, are you twopletely finished then?”
“I was too lenient before. Changing an approach will fix this,” Jeffrey said nonchntly.
Stanley thought, ‘If that’s the case, how could things improve?‘ He couldn’t help asking, “What approach do you n to take?”
Jeffrey answered, “When the dust settles, someone else walks away with the prize.”
Stanley’s mind momentarily short–circuited. “Could you exin that more clearly?”
“Let Andrea talk to her slowly,” Jeffrey said without hiding his n, his gaze intensifying. “When she eventually realizes I’ll always side with Andrea regardless of who’s right, she’ll understand.”
Jeffrey figured he had previously held back from fully implementing the n out of lingeringpassion. After all, he’d nurtured Reba for five years. But with time running short, drastic measures were necessary.
“Are you sure you’ll get what you want eventually?” Stanley thought Jeffreypletely misunderstood rtionships and women. “Can’t you see Andrea is doing all this for personal gain?”
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