Shattered Then Healed By His Love (by Haley Blanton) novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10 The Ambitious Woman

The man’s tapping fingers came to a halt.

In his phoenix eyes–gleaming with their usual luster–there was now a faint trace of amusement.

He’d expected a delicate flower raised in a greenhouse. Instead, what stood before him was a wild weed thriving in the wind.

What an ambitious woman.

And she had, unexpectedly, piqued his interest.

Natalie noticed the shift in his expression.

But everything she’d said had come straight from the heart.

Things were different now. If there was even the smallest chance to climb up and drag herself out of the muck, then anyone could become her stepping stone.

“I didn’t expect you to be such an ambitious woman, Ms. Foster.” Marcus rose slowly, planting his hands on either side of the desk, his eyes locking onto hers. “If that’s the case, then losing you is quite the pity for Jackson.”

She responded with a faint, cold smile.

Jackson’s eyes only saw his beloved movie star. The moment their divorce went through, he’d be the happiest man alive.

Only outsiders would use words like pity.

“When the tea’s gone, the guest leaves. When fate runs out, it’s over,” she said calmly. “What matters is the time spent together. In the end, the result’s always the same.”

Her eyes held a quiet, endless sorrow.

Though Jackson had never truly understood their marriage–or bothered to look back on their past–it was clear from her words that she’d chosen to let go.

When Marcus said nothing more, Natalie turned to leave.

“It’s getting late. Rest well, Mr. Collins. I won’t bother you any longer.”

Just as she turned, his voice came from behind. “Ms. Foster.”

“Yes?”

He pulled out a business card and held it out to her. “Marriages in wealthy farmilies aren’t as simple as you think. Getting in is hard. Getting out is even harder. If you need help. I’ll be there.”

Natalic froze for a second as she stared at the card.

She was well aware of what divorce from Jackson meant–half his assets would go to her. Of course she understood the weight of Marcus’s words.

What surprised her was that he would offer to help.

Seeing her hesitation, he added, “I have one of the best legal teams in the industry. If the time comes, you can come to me.”

“Thank you, Mr. Collins.”

After a moment of thought, she reached out and took the card.

Marcus spoke again. “You’re still recovering. Do you need a driver?”

“No.” She glanced back at him, a soft light flickering beneath her beautiful peach blossom eyes. “It’s easier to catch a ride here than at the old house. I’ll be fine on my own.”

Before he could respond, she turned and walked toward the door.

Marcus watched her retreating figure, the corners of his lips lifting despite himself.

She wouldn’t come to him easily.

But even so, he had still handed her

s card.

Because the kind of person who could spark his interest… was rare.

Once her footsteps faded, the phone on the desk began to ring-

Marcus brought it to his ear. James’s voice came through the receiver. “Mr. Collins, according to the latest reports, the only person capable of repairing that jade sculpture is someone named Huai Sang. But she hasn’t been seen in three years–completely vanished. No one’s been able to contact her.”

“Keep looking. Dig her out if you have to.”

He stepped back toward the floor–to–ceiling window. The reflection of his face hovered in the glass, his eyes filled with cold determination.

Aiden looked up with his small lips pouting. “Is Mommy really going to divorce you?”

Jackson froze.

That woman’s face flashed in his mind.

Her attitude tonight had caught him completely off guard.

So decisive. So resolute…

“Daddy, if you and Mommy really get divorced, does that mean you can be with Ms. Victoria?”

When Jackson didn’t answer, Aiden asked again, eyes wide and fixed on his father–waiting for a response.

In those expectant eyes, there was also a hint of subtle regret.

Ms. Victoria was great–she could sing and act, and she often took him out and bought him toys.

But Mommy’s cooking was delicious, and she made the best clothes.

From age three to six, most of his outfits were ones she had sewn by hand, picking out fabrics and stitching them herself.

Every time he wore them outside, people would compliment him.

They were the kind of clothes money couldn’t buy.

Torn between the two, he didn’t know what to choose.

Victoria, sitting beside him, lifted her eyes as well. She stared at Jackson’s handsome profile, her eyes full of anticipation.

Jackson, silent until now, let a shadow of anger flicker through his gaze.

He spoke

without restrain “She’s been to prison–and she still has the nerve to ask for a divorce? Besides staying in the Collins family, where else could she possibly go? She’s just acting out. Do you really think your mother will leave?”