The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 143

"Lavinia, I think you're misunderstanding my relationship with Garnett. We really are just friends," Sigrid said earnestly.

Lavinia tipped her chin toward the giant stuffed bear. "Did he not tell you, or did he just forget? That scarf around its neck was my birthday present to him last year."

A flash of embarrassment crossed Sigrid's face, but she quickly recovered her composure and took a sip of her tea. "It's just a coincidence. At the time..."

Lavinia had no interest in listening to their love story and slid the folder across the desk. "Inside is what you've been wanting."

Taken aback, Sigrid accepted it and pulled out the two documents. The moment her eyes landed on the title, she froze.

Lavinia said, "This is the divorce agreement between Mr. Harper and me. I've already signed it."

Sigrid's hands trembled slightly as she flipped to the last page. Sure enough, Lavinia's signature was there.

Lavinia spoke flatly, "I actually asked for a divorce a while ago, but Garnett refused. He even threatened that if I insisted, he'd bankrupt Saul's company."

Sigrid furrowed her brows. Unable to read Lavinia's angle, she stayed quiet.

Lavinia continued, "I know you and Mr. Harper are deeply in love and inseparable, and I genuinely wish you the best. Consider this divorce agreement an early wedding gift to help you finally be together. I don't care how you do it, but if you can get him to sign on that dotted line, I'll consider you my benefactor."

"Lavinia, do you even hear what you're saying?" Sigrid's brow was tightly knit, staring at her in bewilderment.

"Of course I know what I'm saying. I want to leave him. I want my freedom, and I've already taken the steps to get it."

Meeting Sigrid's gaze, Lavinia added, "Sigrid, for every day Garnett and I remain married, that's another day you have to play the homewrecker. Surely that's not something you're happy with either, right?"

Sigrid was visibly stung. She pressed her lips together tightly, her chest rising and falling.

Deciding she had pushed just the right buttons, Lavinia stood up, planted her hands on the desk, and leaned over to look down at her. "I like my new job, and I don't want Garnett interfering with my life. If he finds out I'm working here, he'll do everything in his power to get me to quit. And if that happens..."

After a moment's thought, she typed another message: [I should be home by 8:30. Can I come straight over to see Nemo? I want to take him for a walk by the river.]

[Nemo and I are waiting downstairs at your office.] came his reply.

Lavinia blinked in surprise. They were already downstairs?

"Lavinia, you did so well at the morning meeting today. Both of our mentors told us we need to learn from you."

Jacqueline and Howard walked over to strike up a conversation, pulling Lavinia from her thoughts.

Lavinia looked up at them with a faint smile. "I'm a newcomer just like you guys. There's nothing to learn from me."

Jacqueline pulled out an industry report she was drafting. "Lavinia, there's a section here I'm struggling with. Could you take a look for me?"