Mr Melendez Your Wife Wants Divorce Long Ago novel Chapter 352

**Her Spark Ignites Tonight**
By J.S. Caldwell
**Chapter 352**

As Jayceon and Arabella emerged from the room, a palpable hush fell over the gathering. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife, and all eyes instinctively shifted away, as if the mere act of looking could invite trouble.

Olivia’s gaze fell on Edmundo, Franklin’s son, who was clinging to Emmett’s leg, his small voice ringing out with innocent enthusiasm as he called, “Uncle!” The sight was endearing, yet it ignited a spark of jealousy within Olivia. She knew better than to stir the pot herself, so she discreetly pulled her two friends aside, her voice barely above a whisper as she shared her thoughts.

One of her friends, emboldened by Olivia’s quiet confidence, stepped forward and posed a question that hung in the air like a dark cloud. “Why does Liam’s son keep calling Dr. Palmer’s brother ‘uncle’? Could it be that Dr. Palmer and Liam are about to get serious?” The words were laced with mischief, a hint of scandal that sent a ripple through the group.

Another friend, with a teasing glint in her eye, turned to Arabella and asked pointedly, “Dr. Palmer, you just divorced Mr. Melendez. You haven’t found your next one so quickly, have you?” The question was a sharp jab, meant to provoke a reaction.

Kimberly, sensing the brewing storm, moved to step forward but was quickly restrained by Samuel, who shook his head with a knowing look. Franklin, observing the scene unfold, furrowed his brow in concern. He approached Arabella, but just as he opened his mouth to speak, Arabella’s icy demeanor halted him in his tracks.

Olivia, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, blurted out, “Dr. Palmer, you’re not seriously considering becoming a stepmother, are you?” Her voice dripped with incredulity, as if the very thought was preposterous.

Arabella stood her ground, her expression stoic as she regarded Olivia with a frosty glare. “Olivia,” she replied, her tone cool and measured, “whether or not I become a stepmother is none of your concern.” The weight of her words hung in the air, silencing any further dissent.

Olivia glanced around at the onlookers, the crowd now a sea of curious faces, and chose to bite her tongue. But her heart raced as she watched Jayceon stride confidently toward Arabella, a surge of jealousy coursing through her veins. He was undeniably handsome, hailing from a prestigious family, and possessed an intellect that made him all the more alluring. What woman could resist such a man?

Olivia had harbored feelings for Jayceon for what felt like an eternity, yet she had never dared to express them. The shadow of her status as an illegitimate daughter loomed large, making her feel unworthy of his attention. After Jayceon’s divorce and Georgina’s sentencing, Olivia had dared to hope that perhaps her moment had finally arrived. Despite his high social standing, he was now divorced, and she had envisioned a future where her father could facilitate a union between them. Yet, she was blindsided by the revelation that the Melendez family had already set their sights on a marriage alliance with the Collins Clan.

It stung deeply to realize that, despite her father being the head of The Morgan Family, none of the heirs from The Eight Great Clans had ever looked her way. The injustice of it all was a bitter pill to swallow.

Jayceon’s expression darkened as he blocked Arabella’s path, his voice low and urgent. “I need to talk to you.” Franklin, sensing the tension, took Edmundo’s hand and discreetly exited the scene, leaving only Jayceon and Arabella in the dimly lit hallway on the second floor.

Jayceon’s voice was earnest as he spoke, “Even if you hadn’t come up, I wouldn’t have hurt Emmett.”

Arabella found his words tinged with irony. “Jayceon, it’s not like you haven’t hurt him before,” she retorted, recalling the painful past that lingered between them.

Jayceon, clearly at a loss, took a hesitant step closer, his eyes searching hers. “I didn’t mean to do it that time. Besides, Emmett hurt me too, so it let him blow off some steam.” His explanation felt weak, a flimsy excuse for past transgressions.

He looked deeply into Arabella’s eyes, desperation etched on his face. “Arabella, can we just forget about this, okay?”

Arabella stepped back, her resolve unwavering. “Jayceon, I will never forget the pain you caused me and my family.” Her words were firm, each syllable infused with the weight of her experience. “The only way I’ll forget is the day I die.”

Samuel added humorously, “This thirty-something old man will sit this one out. Let the troll and Emmett draw.”

Emmett threw his hands up in mock horror, “Dancing? I can’t~”

Blaire, hands on her hips, shot back sassily, “I’m not dancing with that little punk.”

Her words ignited laughter among the group, the tension dissipating momentarily.

Just then, a tall woman elegantly approached, a wine glass in hand, her presence commanding attention. “What’s everyone talking about? So lively,” she remarked, her voice smooth and inviting.

Dressed in a light-colored pantsuit, her makeup flawless and her short hair styled neatly, she exuded sophistication. A designer watch adorned her wrist, and aside from a delicate necklace, she wore no other jewelry, allowing her poised demeanor to speak volumes.

Brandon, the second son of the Hamilton family, caught Jayceon’s eye before stepping forward to introduce the newcomer. “Let me introduce you all. This is Miss Amanda Collins,” he said, his tone respectful and warm.

As Amanda’s gaze swept over the group, it landed on Arabella, curiosity flickering in her eyes. The air was charged with unspoken questions and possibilities, setting the stage for what was to come.