Mr. CEO Your Wife Has Wanted a Divorce for a Long Time novel Chapter 454

Chapter 454

The instant Maggie slid into the car, Isabella nestled closely into her embrace, seeking comfort and warmth. From the driver’s seat, Franklin cast a quick glance over his shoulder. “Any plans for later?” he asked casually.

Before Maggie could respond, Isabella lifted her face, looking up at Maggie with hopeful eyes. “Mommy, if you’re free, can we go out and play somewhere?” she asked eagerly.

Maggie had just started to answer when Isabella interrupted, her voice soft but insistent, “Please, Mommy, say yes?”

A small smile tugged at Maggie’s lips. “Alright,” she agreed gently.

About thirty minutes later, they pulled up in front of a cozy restaurant, its warm lights glowing softly against the evening sky.

As they stepped inside, their path unexpectedly crossed with Janice and Old Mrs. Brown, who were walking out the other way. Both women froze momentarily when they noticed the trio together.

“Franklin,” Janice greeted first, followed by Old Mrs. Brown’s polite nod.

Franklin returned their greeting with a brief nod but didn’t stop.

Maggie spared them a single glance, then quickly looked away, maintaining her steady pace.

Isabella, unaware of the tension, paid no attention to the exchange. She was used to seeing people greet Franklin in public and simply followed closely behind Maggie, her small hand tucked into her mother’s.

Janice and Old Mrs. Brown barely acknowledged Isabella—or Maggie, for that matter. They seemed hesitant, about to say something when Isabella’s voice rang out, “Daddy, hurry up!”

Franklin’s smile was warm as he replied, “I’m coming.”

He gave the two women one last brief nod before turning and moving toward the car.

The two women exchanged a look of surprise, but their dinner companion arrived just then. “Sorry for the wait,” he said, stepping up.

“No worries, we just got here,” Janice replied with a polite smile. “The private room is ready. Let’s head upstairs.”

They moved inside, chatting casually as they settled in and placed their orders.

Even if they tried to dismiss those subtle signs, the fact that all three were getting into the same car together—and that Franklin’s attentiveness toward Maggie was so different from before—was impossible to ignore.

Suddenly, everything clicked into place: the window for the divorce decision had already opened, yet Franklin hadn’t rushed to finalize the papers with Maggie.

Before, none of this had seemed significant.

But now…

They also remembered that recently, Franklin had rarely been seen with his family—and even Julia had seldom met with him.

They had assumed it was due to work commitments.

But now…

Their friend, noticing their fixed gaze on the unfamiliar group, asked quietly, “Who are they? Friends of yours?”