The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 180

Lavinia watched them closely, noticing what seemed to be a real spark forming between Saul and Jocelyn.

On the ride home, she asked Charley, "Saul has been single his whole life, and he's finally got a shot. Charley, could you help him out a bit?"

"That depends on if he's willing to help me out," Charley replied smoothly.

Lavinia was thoroughly confused. These two best friends seemed to be having some sort of petty falling out lately.

She sighed. "Never mind. I'll just figure something out myself."

***

The morning after the U30 Award ceremony, rumors swirled through the halls of Celestial Capital that Sigrid had been taken away by the police.

Gossip ran wild. Some claimed Sigrid wasn't actually Mrs. Harper at all. Word was that Garnett's real wife lived abroad, and Sigrid had stolen her jewelry to flaunt in a magazine. The legal wife found out and called the cops.

Others insisted Sigrid had taken an extended leave of absence and fled to some island resort with Garnett to wait for the scandal to blow over.

Surprisingly, Sigrid showed up perfectly on time for the morning meeting.

Not only that, but perched on her left ring finger was a massive five-carat diamond ring.

Given the clarity and carat size, a diamond like that was easily worth upwards of ten million.

More importantly, a diamond ring on that finger meant an engagement.

Sitting in the observer seats, Lavinia watched Sigrid act as if absolutely nothing had happened, fighting back a wave of nausea.

This woman's psychological endurance was terrifying. She had been socially annihilated the night before, yet could confidently parade herself the very next morning.

That engagement ring was a blatant declaration: she was proudly acknowledging her status as the mistress, just waiting for Garnett's divorce so she could be officially crowned.

Sitting across from Sigrid, Jocelyn wasn't having any of it. She stared at the ring and scoffed continuously.

"Jocelyn, what's so funny? You've been laughing all morning," Mr. Coleman asked, oblivious to the drama.

Jocelyn smiled sharply. "Mr. Coleman, Ms. Sloan's diamond ring has been blinding me all morning. I thought she and Mr. Harper were already married, but it turns out it's just an engagement."

Someone else chimed in, completely unaware of the tension. "But the Harper Group put out a statement recently confirming Garnett Harper is already married."

[What is it?]

[If Garnett keeps refusing to sign, can I file for a contested divorce?]

[As long as you have proof of his infidelity during the marriage, yes.]

Lavinia didn't hesitate: [Okay. I'm going to sue him.]

Charley replied: [But you'll get hurt in the process.]

Lavinia stared at the screen, freezing.

The morning-after pills, him at her father's funeral, the multi-million dollar mansion, the five-carat ring...

She let out a bitter laugh and typed: [I can handle it. It's fine.]

After a long pause, he replied: [If you've made your decision, I'll be by your side the whole way.]

Looking at the text, the corners of Lavinia's mouth twitched. It was a bittersweet feeling, but she finally smiled.