Chapter 10
Jason stopped tapping
His sharp eyes softened with a faint, almost teasing sale.
Bed thought he was one delicate, sheltered thing, but she was more like a tree pushing through a storm.
She turned out to be a driven, istoppable wothan Kid she’d caught prxon’s attention
Sally noticed the change in his expression.
Every word she’d spoken came from deep inside.
Things were different now. If there was a shot to pull herself op from the dirt, anyone could be a stepping stone
“Didn’t take you for such a fighter Jesh said, sunding slowly. He leaned his hands on the desk’s edges, his gaze lacking onto hers. Sounds like Brad’s letting go of something rare
Bally gave a small, bitter smile.
Brad only cared about Lena, his flawless actress. Their divorce? He’d probably celebrate.
Only an outsider would call it a loss.
People move on, and ties break, she said evenly. “It’s the process that counts, because the end’s always the same.”
Her eyes held a quiet, endless tiredness.
Jaxon didn’t know their marriage or their history, but her words carried the weight of sacrifice, of cutting ties.
When he didn’t reply, Sally started to leave. “It’s late, Mr. Zale Get some rest. I won’t take up more of your time.”
She turned to go.
Sally Jaxon called.
She turned around. “Yeah?”
He pulled a business card from his pocket and held it out. “High–society divorces aren’t simple. Getting in is hard, getting our’s tougher. If you need help, I’m around”
Sally stared at the card surprised
After a divorce, she’d get half of Brad’s assets. She knew what Jaxon was hinting at.
But him offering help? That threw her off
When she didn’t say anything he added. Tve got the best lawyers out there. If you need them, come find me.”
After a moment, she took the card. “Thanks. Mr. Zale.”
Jaxon sparke again. “You’re still not feeling great. Want my driver to like you home?”
“No, thanks” She glanced back her suft eyes catching a bit of warmth. “h’s easier to get a ride here than up at the estate. I’ll be
Without waiting for an answer. Sally headed for the door.
Jazon watched her leave, a faint, unstoppable squle tugging at
She wouldn’t come to him easily. He knew that but he’d given her the card anyway.
People who could hold his interest? They were few and far between
As her footsteps faded, his phone buzzed on the desk.
1/3
Jaxon picked it up, and Caleb’s voice came through. “Mr. Zale, just got an update. The crystal carving you want restored? Experts say only Master Hazel can fix it.
“But she’s been off the radar for three years, like she dropped off the planet. No one can track her down.”
“Keep searching,” Jaxon said, his tone firm. “Dig as deep as it takes.”
He stepped to the floor–to–ceiling window, staring into the dark. His reflection in the glass showed a cold spark in his eyes.
That carving, an orchid etched in crystal, was his mother’s only memento. It was broken in an accident.
That was why he’d tasked Caleb with finding someone to restore it since he got back.
“Yes, Mr. Zale,” Caleb answered.
*****
Brad had planned to drop Lena off before taking Nick home, but a call from his mom, Lauren Zale, changed that.
Howard was livid after they left, and she pressed Brad to come back and smooth things over with his grandfather.
Brad always looked up to Howard. No way he’d refuse.
“But is Nick up for it?” Lena asked gently from the car.
“I’m okay. Feeling a lot better,” Nick said, leaning against her with a small smile.
By the time the three got back to the family estate, it was after nine.
Howard, still angry, wouldn’t come downstairs. Lauren went to talk him down, leaving the others waiting on the couch.
Nick, restless, looked around before turning to Lena. “Lena, it’s your first time at our place, and it turned into a mess. Hope you’re not too bummed out.”
Lena’s face clouded at his words. “I didn’t see this coming. It totally wrecked a nice family dinner.”
“Don’t let it get to you,” Brad said, his voice soft but steady. “We know who caused this, and it’s not on you. Don’t feel bad.”
Lena nodded, her eyes glistening, and leaned a bit closer to him.
Brad reached out, gently resting a hand on her back.
“Dad,” Nick spoke up.
“Yeah?” Brad turned to his son.
Nick tilted his head, pouting a little. “Is Mom really gonna divorce you?”
The question lingered, and Brad went still.
Sally’s face popped into his head.
Her attitude tonight, her fire, her determination, had thrown him off.
Brad went silent, and Nick went on, “Dad, if you and Mom do get divorced, does that mean you can be with Lena?”
Nick kept going, his wide eyes locked on Brad, waiting.
There was hope in his gaze, hope for an “yes” as the answer, yet there was a hint of sadness too.
Lena was awesome–she acted, sang, played with him, got him toys.
But Sally’s cooking was amazing, and the clothes she made for him were one–of–a–kind.
Most of his clothes from ages three to six were handmade by her, carefully stitched from fabrics she chose herself.
When he wore them, people always noticed–stuff you couldn’t find in stores.
2/3
It was a hard choice, and he wasn’t sure what he wanted.
*****
Lena, sitting close by, glanced at Brad’s sharp profile, her eyes quietly hopeful.
Brad, who’d been silent, let a flash of anger cross his face.
“She’s been to prison and has the guts to talk divorce?” he said sharply. “Where’s she going if she leaves us? She’s just throwing a fit. You really think she’s walking away?”
