From Neglected Wife to CEO’s Obsession novel Chapter 129

Remy loved these kinds of events, especially when charity was involved. For him, a high-profile gala wasn’t just about giving back—it was the perfect chance to play up his good guy image. Throw in a big donation, get the media talking, maybe even buy a little online buzz, and suddenly both Thompson Corporation and Remy himself would be back in everyone’s good graces.

So yeah, there was no way Remy would skip the auction.

After work, Kailynn and I had plans to get hot pot—our go-to comfort food. If we had time, we’d hit a few stores to find a dress for the event. The auction was formal, and since I’d be going with Elliot, I needed to look polished.

But as soon as I stepped out of the office, I spotted Jeffery on the front steps, holding a massive bouquet of white roses. Kailynn was off to the side, looking miserable, her face pale and her smile shaky.

“Avery, I picked these white roses myself from the garden. I thought you’d love them, so I brought them just for you. Do you like them?” Jeffery walked up, tall and lean, every part of his suit perfectly pressed, not a single hair out of place. His eyes were bright, lips pulled into a slight, confident smile—he looked every bit the handsome guy he thought he was.

But that shiny silver suit? Not doing him any favors. Sure, it fit him well, but it made him look more flashy than sophisticated. Kind of ruined the effect.

Honestly, I was annoyed he’d shown up uninvited. I’d already told him there was nothing between us—even if Remy wasn’t in the picture. On top of that, I was married now. Him showing up with flowers right when everyone was leaving work was anything but subtle. No one would buy that it was innocent.

Lately, it felt like everyone around me was hiding something. Remy and Julia, Jeffery—secrets everywhere.

I forced a polite smile and shook my head. “Thanks, but I’ve been dealing with allergies lately, so I can’t really be around flowers. Sorry. Kailynn and I have dinner plans, so we should get going. Kailynn, you driving? We should head out before traffic gets even worse.”

“Yeah, let’s just take our own cars,” Kailynn said quickly.

Jeffery didn’t look bothered at all by my rejection. He just swung the bouquet behind his back and grinned like nothing happened. “Perfect! I haven’t had dinner yet. You two gorgeous ladies wouldn’t mind if I joined, would you?”

What should have been a fun dinner felt awkward with Jeffery there. The whole meal just kind of fell flat.

I waited for Jeffery to get to the real reason he’d shown up. Kailynn barely touched her food, lost in her own worries, while Jeffery seemed to be having the time of his life.

He hadn’t been in my world for ten years. Now, all of a sudden, he was back and acting like nothing had changed. Claiming he just wanted to fulfill some old dream from a decade ago—yeah, right. Anyone with half a brain would know there was more to it.

Just like tonight, showing up at the busiest time with flowers—he clearly wanted something.

He had me curious, though. I couldn’t help but wonder what he’d actually been doing all those years overseas, and if he was really back just to be with his parents.