Ex Wife's Collapse After Divorce novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Vivian exhaled. Some of the tension left her shoulders.

“I believe in you. With your network, you can definitely find a partner to replace Stellaris.”

As for Arthur Voss-she’d handle that herself. She’d go talk to him. Face to face.

Resignations always came down to the same things. Money. Respect. Working conditions. Whatever his price was, she’d pay it.

She waved both managers out and headed straight for the elevator.

The café on the ground floor. Window seat.

Arthur Voss sat across from her – early thirties, close-cropped hair, wire-rimmed glasses, calm as still water.

Vivian smiled. Warm. Approachable. The smile she reserved for people she needed.

“Arthur, I heard you submitted your resignation this afternoon. Can I ask – is it the compensation? The work environment? Whatever it is, I want to make it right.”

Arthur had been with Lockwood Industries for three years. He was the company’s backbone. Its foundation.

Vivian was betting on loyalty. Three years built attachment. A heartfelt conversation, a raise, maybe a title bump – he’d stay.

“Ms. Lockwood.” Arthur picked up his coffee. Took a slow sip. “I appreciate you coming down here. But my decision is final.”

Vivian’s smile froze.

“Can you at least tell me why?”

Arthur set the cup down. His gaze was steady. Unreadable.

“Are you asking as my former employer? Or as a friend?”

“Is there a difference?”

“A big one.” He leaned back. “If you’re asking as my employer – no comment. If you’re asking as a friend, I’ll tell you this: I was never really Lockwood’s. If you want to know why I came here in the first place, ask the most important person in your life.”

| Vivian blinked.

Never really Lockwood’s?

The most important person in her life?

Damian? 1

Arthur came to Lockwood because of Damian? Then why leave now –

She filed it away. She’d confront Damian about this later.

Arthur stood, slinging his bag over one shoulder.

did they have a falling out?

“Ms. Lockwood, I have to report to my new company shortly, so I can’t stay.” He paused at the edge of the table.

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As a thank-you for the coffee – one piece of advice. Cherish the person right in front of you. Don’t wait until you’ve lost them to feel regret.”

“That’s all I have to say. Goodbye, Ms. Lockwood.”

He walked out.

The whole meeting had lasted less than five minutes.

Vivian sat motionless in her chair.

She wasn’t stupid. She knew Arthur had made time specifically to see her. That this conversation was a courtesy, not a negotiation.

But none of it made sense.

What was Arthur’s connection to Damian?

And why would he tell her to “cherish” Damian?

Was Damian planning to leave her?

Impossible. He literally just promised to help me today.

She pulled out her phone and dialed.

“Damian, I’m in the café downstairs. I need to talk to you about Arthur’s resignation.”

“Viv, I’m sorry – something came up at home. Family emergency. I need to fly back tonight. Can we talk when I’m back?”

“That urgent? When are you leaving? I’ll drive you—”

“No, no. I’m already on my way to the airport. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’ll call you when – my mom calling. Gotta go.”

Click.

The dial tone hummed in her ear.

Vivian lowered the phone slowly.

oh, that’s

The café noise pressed in around her – clinking cups, murmured conversations, the hiss of the machine. None of it reached her.

espresso

She sat there for a long time. Then she stood, grabbed her keys, and drove home.

The apartment was dark.

She stepped inside and heard it immediately – rustling from the bedroom. Drawers opening. Fabric being folded.

Vivian pushed the bedroom door open.

Ethan was crouched on the floor, placing neatly folded shirts into a suitcase. One by one. Methodical. Unhurried.

He didn’t look up.

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