The Ex-Wife's Triumph novel Chapter 144

"Contact the other party later to finalize the details. By the way," Jules shifted the conversation, his tone taking on a joking quality, "I take such good care of you; how about bringing this lonely man along for the New Year holidays?"

"We'll see when the time comes," Lucy replied indifferently.

Jules suddenly rested his arms on the desk, propping his cheek on one hand, his gaze fixed directly on her. "Have you considered starting a relationship?"

Lucy looked up at him, her eyes serious. "I really enjoy my current state. I don't want to break it for now."

She knew perfectly well what he was asking, but she refused to pierce that veil—fearful that in the end, they wouldn't even be able to remain friends. She knew Jules's family background too well; they would expect a partner of equal status who could aid his career. They simply weren't a match.

How could Jules miss the polite refusal? Yet his smile held, and a stubborn edge warmed his voice. "It wouldn't ruin anything," he said. "I've always been part of your life."

Lucy opened her mouth but eventually only said, "Mhm. You are a very good friend and boss."

"Then I'll take that as praise and validation." Jules stood up. "You get back to work; I still have documents to approve."

The office door clicked shut softly. Lucy's gaze returned to her computer screen. The sound of typing resumed. That brief interlude seemed to have left no ripple in her heart.

Back at his company, Kingsley was slumped lazily in his office chair. The sharp urgency he usually carried was gone without a trace, replaced by a lingering low pressure surrounding him.

When Peter pushed the door open, he immediately noticed the mood and laughed teasingly. "Well, well, is Mr. Sherwood actually slacking off? Did the sun rise in the west?"

"I'm not leaving. I'll eat with you." Peter didn't budge from the desk. He pulled out a cigarette of his own and reached for the metal lighter near Kingsley's hand.

Kingsley swiftly dodged, pocketing the lighter before Peter could touch it.

"Hey, what's wrong with letting me use it?" Peter feigned dissatisfaction. "Kingsley, being this stingy makes it easy to lose friends."

Kingsley didn't reply. He silently lit the cigarette in his mouth. Smoke slowly curled from his lips, blurring the surging emotions in his eyes.

In the office, only the soft click of the lighter and the faint sound of burning tobacco remained.