<b>Chapter </b><b>70 </b>


    Intimidated by Jeffrey’s presence, everyone else quickly dispersed from the conference room, leaving behind only Reba<b>, </b>Jeffrey, and Andrea.


    Reba remained poised to leave, her gaze stripped of past affection or recent anger–simply indifferent, as if Jeffrey were aplete stranger.


    Jeffrey instantly recognized that look, feeling a pang of pain in his chest.


    “Would you like me to step out?” Andrea offered considerately.


    Jeffrey said, “Unnecessary.”


    Andrea retreated a few steps to give them space, murmuring, “Take your time.”


    “You’ll stay at the vi on Monday and Tuesday. Samuel will be picked up by Victor,” Jeffrey dered, locking eyes with Reba. “Collect him yourself after work on Thursday.”


    Reba didn’t even think twice before refusing. “I’ll make time to get back instead.”


    “I’m not negotiating,” Jeffrey said, his gaze holdingmanding intensity.


    Reba was about to speak, but Jeffrey continued in a chilly tone, “Defy me, and I’ll revoke the divorce agreement. You’ll lose custody of Samuel.”


    Reba’s head snapped up, surprise shing across her face at his sudden reversal.


    “Listen to Jeffrey,” Andrea chimed in. “You can rx knowing Samuel is safe with Victor handling his care at


    the manor.”


    The justification only fueled Reba’s anger. She met Jeffrey’s eyes squarely. “The team–building event and team dinner were intentional, weren’t they?”


    “What gives you the right to ask?” Jeffrey’s eyes revealed nothing as he drawled, “As an employee? A stranger? Or my ex?”


    Reba’s knuckles whitened around her notebook. “You’re dismissed,” Jeffrey said coldly. “Victor will collect Samuel first thing Monday.”


    Knowing arguments were futile, Reba left without another word, notebook clutched to her chest.


    She reasoned it was only a few days. Victor had always treated Samuel well. Her real concerny elsewhere- Jeffrey’s parents,


    “Only the staff at the manor will interact with him,” Jeffrey said abruptly as she reached the doorway, as if worried about her. He added, “They won’t see him.”


    Reba paused for a moment and then quickened her pace to leave. By the time she returned to her seat, she hadposed herself. Lisa immediately leaned over to gossip. “What did Mr. Hanson want with you?”


    “To <b>discuss </b>work progress.” Reba had already prepared an excuse for when she was asked why she was <b>kept </b>behind alone. “<b>He </b>said the initial probation period evaluation is over, and I’ll just follow Jane’s arrangements from now on.”


    <b>“</b><b>I </b>see.” Lisa sounded slightly disappointed at theck of juicy gossip.


    Reba opened her design software and continued drawing, caught in the endless cycle of creating, revising, and starting over.


    up


    That afternoon after work, as she was about to pick up Samuel, Jessica arrived with Samuel to pick her instead. Jessica had parked across from thepany building and waved enthusiastically when she spotted Reba exiting. “Reba, over here!” Samuel watched Reba through the car window.


    Reba waited for the pedestrian light to turn green, checked both ways, and then crossed to meet them.


    She climbed into the passenger seat and greeted her son in the back before asking Jessica<b>, </b>“What brings you here?”


    “To treat you two to a nice meal, of course,” Jessica replied while pulling away from the curb. “Don’t worry. I checked. This restaurant isn’t affiliated with either the Garcia Group or the Hanson Group.”


    She’d heard all about what had happened after Ian returned and knew how scheming Jeffrey was.


    Reba originally wanted to decline, but seeing her friend’s excitement, she decided not to spoil the mood.


    The car soon arrived at the restaurant, where Ian had secured a window seat. Before he could greet them, his expression darkened because he noticed two additional figures entering behind.


    “What’s with that face?” Jessica snapped as she took her seat, immediately berating him.


    Ian jerked his chin toward the area behind them, prompting both Reba and Jessica to nce back simultaneously.


    “Hi, dear sister and Reba.” Andrea approached arm–in–arm with Jeffrey, her cheerful greeting utterly devoid of awkwardness. “What a coincidence seeing you two here for dinner.”


    “Shit, Jessica cursed under her breath.


    Ian seized the odd address. “Sister?”


    Reba shot him a look, knowing he remained unaware that Andrea was Jessica’s father’s illegitimate daughter.


    “Let’s find another ce,” Jessica dered. Her appetite vanished as she took Samuel’s hand. “This dump clearly doesn’t screen its patrons. Might as well be andfill cafeteria.”


    Ian subtly shed an approving thumbs–up.


    Jeffrey’s <b>gaze </b>lifted, his chill intensifying until Samuel intervened in a sweet voice, “Dad?<b>” </b>


    Jeffrey retracted his <b>gaze </b>and crouched before Samuel, reaching out to ruflle the boy’s hair. He’d thought


    <b>8:48 </b>


    Samuel would ignore him after theirst encounter. “Yes?<b>” </b>


    55 vouchers


    “Could you go elsewhere with thisdy?” Samuel nced at Andrea with his round eyes, adding earnestly, “I don’t want to see her. I don’t want to watch you two together.”


    Jeffrey paused. A sh of venom crossed Andrea’s eyes.


    “I want to have a happy meal with Mom<b>, </b>Jessica, and Ian.” Samuel tilted his head inquiringly. “<b>Is </b>that okay?”


    “Of course.” Jeffrey didn’t press the issue.


    Jessica and Ian were both startled.


    Ignoring their expressions, Jeffrey patted Samuel’s head before standing. “Let’s find another restaurant,” he told Andrea.


    Andrea’s smile hardened. “Fine.”


    Only then did she realize that besides Reba, even Samuel held a higher priority than her in Jeffrey’s heart. ‘If he’d cave to a child’s whim today, would he abandon me tomorrow based on the same?‘


    The thought plunged Andrea into unprecedented bitterness.


    “Samuel will always feel slighted by our rtionship.” Jeffrey, being sharp–minded, naturally noticed Andrea’s irritation. “Indulging him in these trivial matters is a way to make up for it.”


    “I know,” Andrea replied with a gentle smile. “There’s no need to exin.”


    Ian was still processing how the pair had simply walked away. It wasn’t until Jessica sat beside him that he finally gave Samuel a thumbs–up. “You’re amazing, baby.”


    If anyone could drive Jeffrey away, it would definitely be Samuel. “Come here, give me a kiss,” Ian added. He had never felt more triumphant.


    Samuel dered with childish solemnity, “No way.”


    Ian asked, “Why not?”


    “The only people allowed to kiss me are my mom and dad. Unless you’re willing to be my future dad.” Samuel’s innocent words stunned everyone present.


    Ian, Jessica: “…” Reba: “…”