Divorce Me I'm Done Serving You (Ayla and Troy) novel Chapter 404

What made it rare was that he'd fallen for Ayla at first sight—and after meeting her, his feelings only grew stronger. Much stronger.

This wasn't luck. This was fate taking his side.

"Man, my future happiness is riding on you," Noah said. He wasn't worried. Shawn was a natural matchmaker. This kind of thing was his favorite.

Today had been a complete mess, and Shawn blamed it all on Will. It didn't help Noah or Draven, but they were friends. Someone had to swallow the loss.

Shawn chose his words carefully. "Ayla actually wanted to come see you. But she got hurt herself, so she couldn't..."

Noah's expression changed right away. "Where is she? I need to see her."

Shawn froze. "Your head's injured, and you still want to move around?"

"Honestly, after meeting Ayla today, I felt like I was in my first love again. I'm set on her. She's my future. You think I can just sit still?"

He swung his legs off the bed. "Let's go."

Shawn wanted the floor to open up and swallow him. He turned around—and ran straight into Zhinian.

Noah froze. He knew who Draven was. Everyone in finance did. The IPO in the Aqualith Stock Exchange alone had made him a legend. They'd crossed paths before, though Draven probably didn't remember him.

He also knew Draven had helped Shawn wipe out the Jackmans's internal rivals. The man had power, money, and zero mercy.

Seeing him in a ward was the last thing Noah expected.

Since Shawn brought him, Noah looked to Shawn.

Shawn jumped in fast. "This is Draven—my close friend. He heard you got hurt and came to check on you."

With a guest there, Noah couldn't just rush off. He straightened up and spoke politely. "Mr. Storm, we met once at a dinner, but didn't get to talk. I didn't expect you to visit. I'm honored. I'm not in great shape right now, but once I recover, I'll have Shawn set something up and treat you to a meal."

The visit didn't matter. What mattered was leaving the door open.

Draven gave a short nod. Then he said, flat and calm, "I came for Ayla. Since you're okay, I'll let her know."

Noah went silent. That line hit harder than it should've.

Draven was Ayla's former boss. She didn't even work for him anymore—so why was he acting like he still had a say?

And the closeness in his tone made Noah uncomfortable.

This wasn't paranoia. Something was off.

What right did an ex-boss have to speak for her?

He frowned slightly. "Mr. Storm, you and Ayla are—?"

If the rival had been anyone else, he would've fought for it.

But it was Draven. So he had no choice but to let go.

...

Once he got what he came for, Draven turned and left.

Shawn gave Noah a reassuring look, then hurried after him. "Where are you going now?"

"To find Ayla."

"Uh... Maybe get that cut on your hand wrapped up first?"

"No."

He wanted Ayla to do it herself.

Noah could think of playing the pity card. So could he.

Even though he'd kissed Ayla tonight, it had been for show—for Troy to see. Ayla probably wouldn't read too much into it. Draven had patience. But his heart didn't. He knew he was getting more restless by the second. And once an opening appeared, he wouldn't let it slip.