The Ex-Wife's Triumph novel Chapter 106

Old Mrs. Sherwood's tone was full of playful banter.

Kingsley turned to her, a smile touching his eyes. "You certainly are idle, staying home enjoying your retirement. Not like Ms. Talmadge—always on the go, partying or shopping. She's way busier than you."

He shifted his gaze to Susan, who was elegantly sipping tea opposite him, and softened his tone. "Ms. Talmadge, even the busiest people need a break."

Susan set down her cup, the warmth still on her fingertips. She smiled. "Don't worry, I know my limits. You should too."

"It's rare for Ms. Talmadge to show concern. I'm flattered."

Before he finished speaking, Kingsley pulled a black card from his pocket and placed it gently on the coffee table in front of her. "Compared to flashy gifts, I figured you'd prefer this."

Susan glanced at the card, picked it up, and smiled with her eyes. "Thanks. You know me well."

Winston, silent until now, spoke in a deep voice. "Everyone's here. Let's eat."

Old Mrs. Sherwood stood up, smoothing her dress. "Let's go, let's go! Dinner time!"

At the table, Kingsley restrained himself somewhat. He didn't provoke Susan further, mostly sipping his wine quietly and giving brief answers when spoken to, radiating a sense of detachment.

Halfway through dinner, Bacchus suddenly stood, raised his wine glass, and smiled at Susan. "Mom, happy birthday."

Susan's eyes curved elegantly. "Thank you. Sit down."

Kingsley didn't rise. A lazy glance was all he offered, his voice devoid of warmth. "Happy birthday. A reminder: the credit card has a limit this month."

Susan shot him a look, her voice sharp. "If I don't spend it, should I leave it for you to spend on random nobodies outside?"

"Mr. Winston Sherwood, did you hear that? Your wife is hinting at something," Kingsley smirked, tossing the conversation grenade to Winston.

Kingsley raised an eyebrow but didn't argue.

Suddenly, Winston raised his glass toward Susan across the table. "Susan, happy birthday."

Susan smiled and clinked glasses with him.

Watching this, the smile on Kingsley's face instantly froze, replaced by unmasked sarcasm. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you two were actually in love."

"Shut up!" Winston's eyes were sharp as knives, glaring at him with warning.

Kingsley acted as if he hadn't seen it. He stood up abruptly, the chair legs scraping harshly against the floor. "I'm full. I'm leaving."

He grabbed his phone, turned, and walked out of the dining room without breaking stride, ignoring Old Mrs. Sherwood calling after him.