Chapter 32
Callum frowned and pulled open the lounge door, fastening the last button on his shirt.
Standing just outside was Julian, out of breath, his hairline damp with sweat.
Julian’s eyes immediately shifted past Callum and landed on Brittany.
She stood a step behind him, her head slightly bowed and cheeks flushed pink, eyes darting away. The very picture of post–something bashfulness. Julian froze, and his brain short–circuited.
What the hell? Wait. Did Brittany just… score?
He’d only stepped out for five minutes or less to tell the secretary, Elise Buckley, to fetch some desserts and a cup of coffee.
Callum had walked into the lounge, and Brittany had followed him in. Now this?
Julian’s mind exploded. A scandal of epic proportions had just detonated in his head.
No way. Callum couldn’t have… not in just a few minutes?
Then it hit him–Callum and Nadia were getting divorced,
Could it be that Callum was underperforming? Was that why Nadia was so determined to leave?
Could Callum have done this with Brittany to prove he still “had it“? Or was it just one of those impulsive, heat–of–the–moment things?
Wait, wasn’t Nadia still in there?
Was it possible they had done it with her in the room?
Julian shuddered. He couldn’t keep going down that thought spiral.
It was too much, and his brain felt like it was overheating.
Callum didn’t even glance his way. He simply turned to Brittany and said, “Walt here. I’ll be right back.”
Then he strode off without another word, heading straight for Conference Room Three.
Reality snapped back into place, and Julian’s professionalism kicked in just in time.
There was no way he could let Brittany hang around and stir up more trouble–not with Nadia still inside.
Thinking fast, he forced a bright smile and leaned toward Brittany.
“Ms. Jaeger,” he said in a hushed, conspiratorial tone. “Did you know that Mr. Ford had a fully customized, luxury private screening room built–just so he could watch your films anytime he wants?”
Brittany’s eyes lit up instantly, sparkling with excitement. “Really?”
“Of course it’s true!” Julian palted his chest with exaggerated sincerity.
“Mr. Ford’s completely devoted to you. That screening room? Top–of–the–line. Want to check it out? See for yourself how thoughtful he is?”
“Absolutely! Take me there–quick!” Brittany beamed, nodding eagerly, already hooked.
Julian immediately waved over Elise, who was standing nearby. “Ms. Buckley, please escort Ms. Jaeger to the screening room on the 78th floor.”
“Yes, Mr. Lowe. This way, M. Jaeger.”
Elise respectfully led the thrilled Brittany away.
Julian let out a long breath, like a soldier just stumbling out of a battle.
Like hell it was a private screening room. It was just the executives‘ lounge with a projector.
Straightening his tie, he walked back to the lounge door and knocked, this time with far more courtesy.
“Mrs. Ford? Mrs. Ford, are you in there?”
The door opened from the inside, and Nadia stepped out,
There was no trace of anger on her face. She didn’t say a word, just slapped the signed divorce papers against his chest.
Julian caught them instinctively, eyes flicking over her face.
He expected heartbreak, rage, embarrassment, or even some emotional tremor, but there was nothing.
“Mrs. Ford, Mr. Ford is in Conference Room Three, I can take you-”
No need. I’ve signed. When the city hall appointment is set, just notify me.”
With that, she turned to leave.
Julian quickly stepped forward, voice cautious. “Mrs. Ford, just now, inside, did you…”
Nadia glanced at him, cool and unreadable. It seemed to say, “Honestly? It wasn’t even worth seeing.”
Then she walked out, calm and composed.
