Chapter 82
Chapter 82
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Colder and more distant, I found myself pulling away from Grayson, even though he hardly wanted to leave my side. He clung to his role as my legal husband, using it as an excuse to stay close.
He tried bringing up all sorts of topics, desperate for my reaction.
“Would you like something special to eat?” he’d ask, studying my face for any reaction.
“The temperature’s dropped since yesterday. Should I adjust the heater for you?”
“The hospital has a lovely garden. Maybe some fresh air would do you good?”
No response came from me to any of his questions, as if he wasn’t even there. Instead, I buried myself in online romance stories, even though I knew their intense emotions weren’t helping my recovery.
Most of the stories I read revolved around scumbag husbands–cheaters or men indifferent to their wives. They hit uncomfortably close to home, but rather than let the stress overwhelm me, I focused on staying calm until I could leave the hospital.
Evan came to visit during one of Grayson’s rare absences to handle business matters.
“I almost thought I wouldn’t get a chance to see you. Mr. Blake seems determined not to leave your side,” he remarked with a wry smile.
“Don’t mind him,” I replied curtly.
Evan handed me a bouquet, bringing a small smile to my face.
Taking advantage of this moment of privacy, I confided in Evan.
. “I need to go back to America. Could you help me?” I asked. “Given my condition, I can’t manage the arrangements alone. I
have to reach North Carolina before Christmas.”
Evan looked at me thoughtfully before giving a reassuring smile.
“Of course, I’ll help. We can start preparing right away, and I’ll personally escort you to North Carolina. But are you certain you’re strong enough? I heard about the pregnancy.”
I instinctively placed a hand on my belly. “I’ve just been exhausted and received some bad news that night, which caused me to faint. But I have to visit my grandmother for Christmas and her 80th birthday. My family is expecting us to be there. Don’t worry–I can handle the long flight.”
Evan grew quiet, his expression thoughtful as he seemed to process something internally.
“Evan,” I drew him back to our conversation. “Your legal team drafted the divorce agreement sent to Grayson Blake, didn’t they?”
The details needed to be confirmed. At that time, I had been preoccupied with Cassie at the hospital. I couldn’t handle the divorce paperwork myself, and Evan’s offer to have his lawyers take care of it had been a considerable relief.
He responded, “Yes, is there a problem?”
“Grayson revised the divorce agreement, which I signed. But he told me he wasn’t happy with the initial draft we sent. Could
send me a copy of what we originally sent him?”
you
I was genuinely curious. Grayson had mentioned that the property division terms had provoked him, but I clearly remembered keeping my requests to a minimum. In my instructions to Evan, I had asked for just one thing: complete
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Chapter 82
control of Summit Glow Talent. I hadn’t sought any financial compensation or other assets.
“I remember sending it to your email, Isabella,” he said, furrowing his brow.
“Really?”
“Yes, I thought you had read it. When you told me to send it directly to Mr. Blake, my secretary forwarded it to his office.”
I pulled out my phone and searched for the email Evan mentioned.
After a few moments, I found the draft of the divorce agreement buried in my spam folder.
“Sorry, I probably had too much going on at the time and didn’t get around to reading it,” I admitted apologetically.
Evan gave me an understanding smile, but I was already focused on the document. As I read through the terms, I saw that they matched my original request perfectly–the only major item was the transfer of the talent agency.
My request felt completely justified as I thought about my work with SummitGlow. I had dedicated myself to building PulseFive’s career, secured important sponsorships, and formed partnerships to help our artists. Asking for ownership of the agency seemed reasonable and a fair reward for all my effort and hard work.
Beyond the legal matters, Pulse Five’s struggles are also part of the reason. They had been disappointed with the previous management, and I couldn’t bear the thought of them going through another unsettling change. Their trust had already been tested too much.
“Anyway, what happened at the auction hall? Why did Joanne remove you from the list of designers?” Evan’s question pulled me from my thoughts. “Could this mean you’re considering Cassie’s proposal?”
I almost choked on his words.
“I’m still legally bound to Grayson,” I replied, careful not to say too much. “And Evan, I don’t think it’s right to marry you just for inheritance.”
Seeing his jaw tighten at my words, I needed to explain more gently.
“I see you as a friend or family… My past relationships didn’t go well. A new relationship, especially marriage, isn’t something I’m considering right now. My focus is entirely on my child.”
His smile was bitter. “But please don’t turn me down so quickly, Isabella. Cassie must have had her reasons for arranging this. She knew you would be safe with me.”
When he took my hand, I remained silent, my thoughts turning to my best friend.
Cassie’s terms were confusing. I knew her well, and she knew me just as deeply.
She wanted me to be free, to find happiness.
But why would she ask me to marry Evan when she knew I didn’t want to complicate my life further? She was the only one who knew about my pregnancy and understood how delicate my situation was–Evan would only make things more complicated.
The question kept bothering me, making me wonder if there was something in her reasoning I hadn’t figured out
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