Chapter 87
Chapter 87
Doris listened to Ryan’s words, completely unfazed.
She wouldn’t doubt Lewis so easily just because of what Ryan said. That was her husband–the had basic tram in him just as he had once given her the same trust
“I have nothing to my name. What could he possibly deceive me about Doris curved her lips into a calm tile
Ryan pulled out his phone, opened a WhatsApp voice message, and played it in front of Dork. Mr. Watson I checked all the personnel records at Hartman Group. There’s no one named Lewis Are you sure you got the name right Became there’s no such person.”
“You investigated him?” Doris had expected Ryan to target Lewis.
“I did it for you. Did you hear that? Hartman Group has no such person Ryan was furious. “He’s lying to you. Don’t you hate being deceived the most?”
“So what?” Doris refused to show any reaction in front of Ryan.
If she did, that meant Ryan’s attempt to sow discord had worked. Even if Lewis had lied to her, she thought that had nothing to do with Ryan. She could settle it in private.
“Are you really going to forgive him? Ryan frowned deeply.
Doris‘ expression relaxed as she said, “This is between him and me. Why should I tell you?”
Ryan parted his lips slightly, thinking, ‘If you can forgive him, why can’t you let go of the unpleasant past between you two?
But in the end, he didn’t say it out. He thought he had his pride too.
“It doesn’t matter if you won’t tell me. This marriage needs to end.” Ryan steered the conversation back on track. “Sign the papers, and I’ll leave the Reed family alone. If the root of the problem isn’t resolved, your mother won’t stop trying suicide. Or do you think her life isn’t that important?”
“I need time to think about it.” Doris didn’t answer directly. She got up and said, “Goodbye.”
Without lingering, Doris left the restaurant and returned to the hospital, where Jimmy was keeping Peyton company.
Seeing her back, Jimmy asked eagerly, “How did it go with Ryan?”
“You knew why he came and what he wanted to talk about?” Doris countered.
“It’s obvious to all of us–he cares about you, he loves you. Don’t be so ungrateful, alright? Just agree to it, and all the problems will be solved.” Jimmy couldn’t stand Doris‘ stubbornness.
“So love is just a transaction?” Doris scoffed. “Selling off your daughter for personal gain–is that your solution to everything?”
“Doris-“Jimmy’s eyes burned with anger. That man is a fraud. If Ryan hadn’t investigated him, how much longer were you planning to let yourself be deceived?
“Shouldn’t you divorce someone like that? Are you planning to stay married to him forever? Are you really going to ignore the Reed family and your mother’s life just for him?
“Being crushed under a million dollars of debt–who could stay sane under that pressure? It’s only making your mother’s illness worse. That’s why she wanted to end her life.
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“All we’re asking is for you to divorce that scammer. It’s for your own good. After the divorce, whether you reconcile with Ryan or not, I won’t interfere. But you must divorce that Hartman guy
Jimmy wasn’t compromising–he was taking it one step at a time. The divorce was just the first step.
As long as Doris took that step, it would be a good start for him.
“Doris, I promise you, if you divorce Mr. Hartman, I’ll agree to the surgery: Peyton, who had remained silent, finally spoke
- up.
Doris‘ mind was a mess. Her fingers clenched tightly.
“Doris, didn’t you always want your mom to have the surgery? You said you’d do anything as long as she agreed. Now she’s saying yes–what’s there to hesitate about? Is that fraud more important than your mother’s life? Jimmy pressed on when she remained silent.
Doris took a deep breath, her dark lashes fluttering as she looked at Jimmy. “Dad, I want to talk to you
Jimmy followed Doris out of the ward to the stairwell by the emergency exit.
Doris‘ gaze was sharp. “Why won’t Mom agree to the surgery? What exactly did you say to her?”
“You really don’t know the state the Reed family is in? Do I even need to say it?” Jimmy shot back.
alone
Doris felt pain in her heart. “It doesn’t matter what you told her. She’s your wife, the mother of your children. She’s been by your side for over twenty years.
“And you just stood by and wait for her death instead of convincing her to get treatment? Is this how a husband should treat his wife?”
“Did I make her sick? Did I push her in front of that car?” Jimmy snapped impatiently. “Instead of wasting time arguing with me, why don’t you just sign the divorce papers and solve everything? Wouldn’t that be better?
“If you refuse to divorce him, then aren’t you the one just standing by and watching your mother wait for death?
“No–worse than that. You have the power to fix this, yet you choose to do nothing. That makes you even more heartless than me.”
Doris felt like her heart had been ripped apart.
After work, Lewis got a call from Ivan, inviting him out for dinner at Alpha Private Kitchen. Chris was going too.
By the time Lewis arrived, Ivan and Chris were already drinking coffee.
“Lewis, you’re finally here. Guess who I just saw?” Ivan raised an eyebrow at him, his eyes full of mischief.
Lewis didn’t take the bait–he simply cast a lazy glance at him, as if thinking, ‘Say it if you want, or don’t.
Ivan put down his coffee cup. “Ryan.”
Lewis turned to look at Ivan.
“He’s eating here too. Talk about bad luck running into an enemy.” Ivan glanced toward the half–open traditional wooden window. “And he’s sitting right across from us.”
Lewis‘ expression didn’t change much, but the vibe around him turned cold.
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Chapter 87
“He’s not worthy of being my enemy,” he said dismissively,
Ivan’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Wait a second–what’s the deal between Ryan and Lewis?” Chris, who wasn’t in the loop, leaned in eagerly like he was watching a drama unfold.
Ivan turned to Chris, about to spill, when Lewis cut in coldly, “You’d better keep your mouth shut.”
“Oh? There’s something even I can’t know?” Chris raised an eyebrow, catching the dangerous look in Lewis‘ eyes.
“So… do I say it or not?” Ivan asked, half exasperated,
Chris put down his cup and stood up. “Then I’ll just go ask Ryan myself”
Ivan thought, ‘Damn, that’s a brutal move. He quickly pulled Chris back down. “Fine, I’ll tell you.”
Lewis didn’t say another word, which was as good as permission.
“This Ryan is Doris‘ ex–boyfriend. He still hasn’t given up on her and keeps hoping that Lewis and Doris will divorce. Isn’t this a classic case of rivals seeing red?” Ivan glanced at Lewis beside him.
“Doris is beautiful, so it’s normal for an ex to still be thinking about her. You shouldn’t let this get to you.”
“Why would I be angry?” Lewis found it amusing.
“She’s your wife, after all.” Ivan thought anyone would mind if their wife was still on someone else’s mind.
AD
