After the divorce, he begged

Chapter 164

“Got it.” Barry replied instantly.

Jeffrey just drove off, not even bothering to call his driver.

Rebecca still heard those guys praising her, but it was just noise, like her hearing was off. Everything around her

sped up, and for a moment, she felt totally out of place.

“Mrs. Hanson.” Barry stepped up quietly beside her, his voice low just for her ears.

Rebecca snapped out of it. When she saw it was Harry, her eyes stayed as calm as ever. “Is something wrong?”

Barry shot a look at the group of guys who were all watching him, weighed his words, and then said, “Mr. Hanson

is on his way.”

Rebecca paused for a heartbeat, tamped down her feelings, and asked coolly, “So what?”

“He seems kind of pissed,” Barry said.

Rebecca shrugged. “What does that have to do with me?”

Backed up by Rebecca, that lineup of pretty boys with both a wild side and a puppyish charm suddenly found

their confidence. They broke out into talk without any filter.

“We're just here to lift Rebecca’s spirits. Is Mr. Hanson really that stingy?”

“If he won't even try to make Rebecca smile, now he’s got a problem with us stepping in?”

“If I had someone as amazing as Rebecca for a girlfriend, I'd spoil her rotten. No way I'd ever let her be sad!”

“Rebecca, if you ever need anything, just call on me. I'll be your confidant. Always here for you.”

Barry was speechless for a moment and thought, ‘Man, kids these days really have guts.

Rebecca glanced over at Barry, brushing off her discomfort. “You heard that, right?”

“Yeah, got it.” Barry nodded, and then quietly slipped away.

He figured Rebecca would probably be fine-maybe just spend salone twith Jeffrey behind closed doors.

But as for those bold young guys, they had no idea who they messed with.

“If you spot any guy coming in with the guy from earlier, givea heads-up, Rebecca said, already running all

sorts of scenarios in her mind. She knew it was kind of a dumb plan, but right now, it was the only shot she had.

Everyone chimed in at once, “You got it!”

About twenty minutes later, Jeffrey showed up.

10:32 Mon, Sep 29

Chapter 161

0g

Seeing Jeffrey manage to squeeze a forty-minute drive into just twenty, Barry hurried over and gave him the

rundown. “Mrs. Hanson's having a great time. Those young guys just can’t stop talking her up

Jeffrey tossed his car key to Barry, who grabbed it and quickly followed after him.

Jeffrey had that kind of presence that people just couldn't ignore; even in a packed room, all eyes were drawn

to him.

“Rebecca, looks like the guy from before brought someone along,” one of the guys piped up, keeping Rebecca in

the loop.

“Doesn't matter. We're here to have fun. Rebecca shrugged, grabbing her weak drink. She clinked glasses with

the others and tossed it back, with Jeffrey watching her every move.

sat

She downed three drinks fast. Right after the third, Jeffreye her, radiating that high-class vibe, like he owned the

place. He stayed silent, but his presence could hush a whole room.

The smooth-talking pretty boys who'd been lively just moments ago suddenly quieted, shrinking into their seats.

No one knew Jeffrey’s name, but one look at his sharp presence, polished looks, and designer suit told them he

was powerful. No one wanted to mess with Jeffrey.

“Another round, Rebecca said, setting her glass down on the table.

The drinks were weak and the glasses tiny, Rebecca could handle a few more.

Counting each sip, Rebecca knew Jeffrey’s controlling side would soon swoop in to take her glass away. That was

exactly what she wanted. It'd give her the perfect excuse to pick a fight.

“Maybe you shouldn't drink anymore, one of the guys whispered, intimidated by Jeffrey’s aura.

The rest quickly followed his lead. “Drinking too much this late isn’t good for you, Rebecca. Maybe you should

stop.”

Rebecca felt speechless.

Barry glanced at the group, exasperated, and pointed them out to Jeffrey. “Mr. Hanson, they are just acting now.

They said that they know Rebecca than you do.”

Jeffrey just raised an eyebrow, his voice cool and flat. “Is that so?”

“Yeah, definitely, Barry said in a hurry.

The guys all flashed awkward grins, scrambling to save face. “We just thought Rebecca seemed down, so we

tossed out a few lines to cheer her up. No harm meant, sir.”

Barry blinked, thinking, “Talk about switching sides fast.

“I don’t mind. Keep going.” Jeffrey said as he pulled Rebecca closer, lacing his fingers with hers. His voice was

easy on the ears. “She’s been in a bit of a funk lately.”

Everyone instinctively glanced at Rebecca, a little uncertain how to react.

10:32 Mon, Sep 29

Chapter 161

2200

Barry could barely process than “Mr. Hanson, isn’t it kinda messed up to let other guys sweet talk your ow

wife?”

Jeffrey remained perfectly calm. “No problem at all. Rebecca’s been down lately. If dropping scash can cheer

her up, I'm actually happy to pay.”

Jeffrey's words left everyone at a loss for words.

“Guess I'd better pick up a few tricks from you young guys about how to win someone over, Jeffrey drawled, his

gaze lingering on Rebecca, those dark eyes deep with meaning as his big, warm hand traced slow circles in her

palm.

The whole crew just stood there, sweating like crazy.

Jeffrey swept a look over the group, none of them daring to meet his eyes. “Why'd you all clam up? Go on- keep

it up.

“How are they supposed to sweet-talk you with you sitting right there? Rebecca shot back, not sure what Jeffrey

was playing at. “You think everyone's as thick-skinned as certain people.”

“I'll give you sspace, Jeffrey said, standing up without hesitation. His hand lingered gently on the back of

her head. “Chat about whatever you want, drink as much as you like-I’'m not going anywhere; I'll always be close

by

Those words were like a drop of water falling into Rebecca’s calm heart, rippling through her emotions. She

couldn't help but admit-Jeffrey’s moves were on another level.

He kept her on edge: sdays, threatening her, refusing to cclean about Andrea and that promise; other

times, acting so tender and caring she couldn't stay angry.

Every tshe was sure she could let go for good, he’d somehow nurture those withered feelings, making them

spring up strong in her heart all over again.

“Rebecca, what's got you down?” one of the guys asked, trying to break the tension.

“Doesn't matter what it is-we gotta make Rebecca smile today. Didn't you hear what Mr. Hanson said?” another

chimed in

“Rebecca...” someone else called out softly.

Rebecca tuned out the rest of the conversation and glanced over at Jeffrey. He was planted firmly in his seat,

totally calm, just watching her with that warm, gentle gaze-like she was the only thing in the room that

mattered.

She really couldn't tell what was going on with him. This was the sguy who used to get all worked up if she

so much as chatted with someone at a party.

Now she was hanging out with a bunch of guys right in front of him, yet he was acting like he couldn't care less.

‘Is he just super relaxed now, or is he impossible to read?’ she wondered.

Realizing this wasn’t getting her anywhere, Rebecca gave it up. She picked up her bag and got to her feet.

10:32 Mon, Sep 29

Chapter 164

“That's it for today. I've got things to take care of, so I'm heading out.”

She hadn’t even made it out the door when Jeffrey fell in right behind her. Once they were in the car, he turned

to her, gentle and patient. “Why'd you stop talking?”

Rebecca shot him a look. Seriously? You really don’t know why?”

Jeffrey just played dumb. “Hmm?”

“You killed the vibe, Rebecca said, her tone icy and distant. “I just couldn't anymore.”

Jeffrey narrowed his eyes. “So, you actually like those guys?”

Rebecca shot back, “Yeah, I do.”

Jeffrey kept pushing, “Looks like you have a blast hanging out with them.”

Rebecca spat out, “Who wouldn't be happy kicking it with a bunch of hot, smooth-talking twenty- somethings?”

Jeffrey just shrugged, deadpan. “Me.”

Rebecca turned her head, staring out the window, not saying another word.

Seeing her so quiet, Jeffrey discreetly sent Gregory a message: [Hire sgood-looking, smooth-talking guys in

their twenties to be Rebecca's bodyguards.]

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