The Ex-Wife's Triumph novel Chapter 46

Ten minutes later, Lucy returned from the restroom to find Thurston gone.

She sat back down, resting her chin in her hand, a faint smile on her lips. "Does Thurston only dare to come out when you're not home?"

"No, he just doesn't like going out much," Jane said, raising her juice glass to clink lightly against Lucy's.

The two chatted casually, the atmosphere relaxed.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Ethan walked in. He scanned the room, locked onto Jane and Lucy, and walked over with a smile. "Hi, Jane, Miss Lynwood!"

Lucy looked up. He seemed familiar, but she couldn't place him. Jane introduced him, "This is Ethan Sterling, the Fletcher family doctor, and your ex-husband's good friend."

"Why don't you join us on the third floor?" Ethan suggested.

Lucy smiled, her eyes curving. "The first floor is better for people-watching. All the attractive people coming and going—it's so relaxing."

Ethan nodded understandingly. "True, it's livelier here. You guys chat, I'll head up."

"Go ahead," Jane nodded.

Once Ethan left, Lucy whispered, "I think I've seen him before, but I really can't remember where."

"He came back to the country two years ago, so it's normal if you've seen him," Jane replied.

Ethan reached the third floor and pushed open the private room door. Seeing the two men smoking on the sofa, he teased, "Do you know your wives are downstairs?"

"You have money, so you're arrogant. I'm different, I'm poor—beggars can't be choosers, get it?" Ethan complained, then leaned in closer to Thurston. "But Mr. Fletcher, I'd be more than happy if you threw ten million at me. I promise I won't hold a grudge."

"Get lost... spineless!" Thurston scoffed, snubbing out his cigarette.

He clinked his wine glass against Kingsley's. "You're actually okay with offering a measly ten million?"

Kingsley swirled his glass, the red liquid arcing against the sides. He took a sip, his voice cold. "That's all he's worth."

Thurston looked at Ethan. "How exactly did you offend him?"

"What else could it be? I compared his ex-wife to his childhood sweetheart and spoke some hard truths. He didn't like hearing it."