From His Ex-Wife to the World's Most Sought-After Restorer (Jade and Hudson) novel Chapter 236

But the second she stepped out that door, regret hit her. Where could she go? Michael and Cindy weren't the type to go looking for her in the middle of the night.

She was starving, freezing, and had nobody to talk to about the ache in her chest.

In her moment of total despair, it was Jewell Ford who took her in, made her a grilled cheese sandwich, and gave her a place to stay.

From that night on, every time Jade's world fell apart, Jewell was right there to pick up the pieces.

They say a true friend is the best medicine for a wounded soul, and Jewell was the living proof of that.

Jewell had saved her more times than she could count.

She absolutely, positively could not let anything happen to her!

If she did, she'd never be able to look at herself in the mirror again.

Jade wiped her eyes and started scrolling through her contacts, calling everyone she knew, praying for a lead on Jewell.

Tap, tap, tap—

As she hung up, footsteps echoed through the quiet studio, sounding unnervingly loud.

Jade's skin crawled as she whipped her head around.

"Who's there?!"

Down the hallway, the janitor gave her a warm, apologetic smile.

"It's just me, Ms. Merchant. I got all the way home before I realized I'd forgotten something. Sorry to spook you. It's late—haven't you had dinner yet?"

Jade felt her heart drop back into place, thudding hard against her ribs.

She took a few seconds to catch her breath, glancing toward the workshop behind the woman.

"I'm not hungry yet. Did you find what you were looking for?"

"I did." The woman held up a small floral pouch.

"Forgot my wallet. It's got all my cash for the week in it. I thought I'd lost it—scared me half to death."

Jade nodded, looking away. "Glad you found it. It's getting late; you should head home."

The janitor smiled. "You too, Ms. Merchant. Get some rest."

"I will."

Jade waited until the door clicked shut before heading into the workshop to double-check the client manuscripts.

Everything was logged by number and name; it was a simple check.

After two passes, she was sure nothing was missing and locked the workshop door behind her.

As she walked back into the lobby, she saw a tall, broad-shouldered man standing outside the glass doors.

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