Chapter 105


    It was the first time she had seenn since their breakup. She thought she’d be cool as a


    cucumber, but when she caught sight of him, her heart still ached like a dull throb of heartburn.


    Christy was by her side, her voice tinged with irritation, “Roger, that darn fool tricked me. He said


    lan never shows up to these things. That’s why I told you toe.”


    ra offered a faint smile. “It’s no big deal. We all run in the same circles in Northbridge. It was


    bound to happen sooner orter.”


    “Don’t worry, I’ll try to keep you two from mingling.”


    No sooner had she spoken than she was tugging ra to leave. Butn’s chilly voice came from


    behind them, “Mrs. Hicks, were you nning to leave just as I arrived? Am I that unwee?”


    Christy clenched her teeth in secret annoyance. She turned around, forcing a smile that was polite


    but strained. “Mr. Hayes, what an honor. Forgive us for not greeting you properly.”


    Christy knewn was being deliberate.


    She picked up a ss of juice, saying with a forced smile. “Can’t drink alcohol. I have a baby to


    nurse. This will have to do for you.”


    She was about to take a sip whenn’s voice, cool and low, stopped her. “Not everyone here is


    nursing. You could ask someone else to drink on your behalf, to show me you’re truly sorry.”


    His gaze fell upon ra, standing next to Christy. Even the most oblivious could telln’s arrow was


    aimed at someone in particr.


    Roger quickly tried to smooth things over. “If my wife has been rude, I’ll drink in her ce. Leave


    Attorney ra out of this, will you?”


    At that,n’s gaze darkened,/”‘What did you say?”


    “I said ra is now a contracted attorney at Anders Law Firm. She’s here on my invitation and has


    business to discusster. Show some decency; don’t hassle the youngdy.”


    The unppable look inn’s eyes suddenly frosted over. Ian’s cold stare was fixed on ra,


    whose face remainedposed. He had thought that by blocking her job prospects, she’d be left


    bruised from rejection, remember his kindness, and crawl back to him. But he hadn’t expected


    ra to abandon her secretarial career entirely to return to


    04.28


    How splendid.


    Before Roger could interject, ra’s voice came, serene and detached.


    “Christy was preupied with me, and that’s why you feel slighted, Mr. Hayes. It’s only right that I


    apologize for her. Mr. Hayes, I’ll drink this on her behalf. Please forgive any offense.” She lifted her


    ss ton, tilted her head back, and downed it without


    hesitation.


    He nodded toward a few executives nearby. “When Ms. ra was my secretary, she could hold her


    liquor like no other. Serving her juice means you’re not showing much willingness to cooperate, are


    you?”


    With that said, those who had been wary of ra stepped forward to drink with her. Several rounds


    later, ra had lost count of her drinks. So much so that on her way to the restroom, she stumbled


    into someone.