The Ex-Wife's Triumph novel Chapter 80

As soon as Lucy stepped out of the castle, she spotted a figure leaning against a pillar, smoking. Her footsteps paused instinctively—a wave of lingering irritation washed over her.

Ethan noticed her first, his tone carrying a deliberate familiarity. "Miss Lynwood, heading back already?"

Kingsley looked up at the sound, his gaze landing on her.

Lucy pretended she hadn't heard a thing. She lifted her dress and walked straight ahead, showing no intention of responding.

Just as she stepped off the stairs, Jules hurried over.

Seeing the person under the pillar, a smile bloomed on his cheeks. "Mr. Sherwood!"

Kingsley held a cigarette between his fingers, smoke curling faintly around him. He gave a barely audible "Mm" in response.

Watching Lucy's retreating figure, Ethan couldn't help but chuckle, his tone teasing. "Your ex-wife really detests you. She won't even give the people around you the time of day."

Kingsley looked at him sideways, his tone cool. "Does she know you well? Is it necessary for her to respond to you? What would happen if she did? Or do you have a car to drive her home?"

"I don't have a car, but you do," Ethan laughed more mischievously, leaning in closer.

Kingsley didn't reply. He simply crushed the cigarette out on the pillar with a sharp, decisive motion. His tone dripped with mockery. "Ethan, where is your dignity?"

"My dignity is right here." Ethan patted his own cheek, his gaze fixing on Kingsley's hard profile, his smile deepening. "My dignity is always present. Unlike some people, who might need luck to hold on to theirs."

Kingsley looked up at him. There was no warmth in his eyes as he delivered a precise threat. "If I call your mother right now and tell her you're messing around at a banquet, what do you think will happen?"

"Are you crazy?!" Ethan's smile vanished instantly, his voice rising in panic. "What messing around? I'm here to discuss investments! Don't throw dirt on my name!"

"What?" Jules's voice shot up in pitch, his face full of disbelief. "You're keeping a gigolo?"

Lucy looked at him calmly. "Is that strange? I'm just raising a little lover."

"Little lover?"

Jules froze for two seconds before realization hit. He laughed, exasperated. "It's Seven! You scared me with that phrasing."

Lucy didn't respond. She turned her gaze to the streetscape flashing past the window, her expression settling into calm.

The car was quiet for a while longer before Jules put away his joking demeanor and spoke seriously. "By the way, don't talk about resigning so easily. I won't make you responsible for domestic projects going forward, but you might need to go back and keep an eye on the later stages of 'Lunar Tide'—just in case someone tries to cause trouble behind the scenes."