His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex Wife novel Chapter 198

Chapter 198 Old Wounds

“I haven’t had time, Iris said with a faint smile, absently pressing a hand against her stomach as a dull a started to build.

Zoe didn’t ease into it. “Julian’s engaged

Iris froze.

The smile on her face stiffened, then slowly faded. A few seconds passed before she forced it back into place, something thinner this time. “That has nothing to do with me.”

Zoe sighed. “I k

A server se

“Tha

ey

You’re divorced. I just didn’t think he’d actually go through with marrying Lily.”

lown.

ping her hands around the cup, taking a small sip just to have something to do, her offee.

ugh,” she added quietly. “Their families match. That’s exactly what Frederick wanted.”

owering her voice. “But here’s the held her phone out. “This is fre no Julian anywhere.”

even look at it.

e said softly, her voice losing

esitated, then nodded. “You’r

stomach twisted sharply er brows knitting togeth

noticed immedia

ve just been bus omach.”

he lifted

.He’s not in any of the coverage.” She pulled ment party. Tons of guests, reporters, both

“can we not talk about him?”

e else’s fiancé now.”

ing her out of nowhere. She pressed her hand against

it off. “Not eating regularly. I probably messed up my

led out and stopped her.

nking coffee

ospital. Zoe was already halfway out of her seat

alled her back down I’m serious, Ljust need a minute

into her chair. “You’ve always had a solid rounge. How did it get this

Chapter 198 Old Wounds

Zoe leaned forward, curiosity taking over. “So what’s going on with work?”

That was enough to shift something in Iris.

A real smile finally appeared, small but genuine. “I found a compound in a rare medicinal plant that’s extremely effective at killing cancer cells. We’re cultivating it now for further testing. If things go well, primary central nervous system lymphoma might actually be treatable in the near future.”

Zoe’s eyes lit up instantly. “That’s huge. Your professors must be losing their minds.”

Iris let out a quiet laugh. “Yeah… they’re excited.”

Then her expression softened slightly. “I just wish I still had my company. I put a lot into it.”

Zoe rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed. “You never should’ve sold it. You burned through everything for your dad’s treatment and your brother’s debt, and what did you get back? Nothing. They just took it like they were entitled to it.”

Iris didn’t respond, just gave a faint, tired smile.

Zoe leaned in again, lowering her voice. “You were right before. Selena stirred things up between you and your parents, Celeste did the same with your brother… that was all Lily pulling strings.” She hit the table

side.” lightly with her fist. “You were right to walk away from your family. I’m on your

Before Iris could respond, Zoe suddenly lit up, looking toward the entrance and waving.

“Over here!”

Iris followed her gaze.

Arthur walked in, dressed casually, glasses catching the light, every bit the polished, easygoing professional.

The smile on his face made her skin crawl.

She had never told Zoe what he had done, what he had tried to set her up for. She didn’t want to ruin their

f friendship.

“Hey,” Arthur said as he reached the table, taking the seat next to Zoe, his eyes settling on Iris with a look that lingered a little too long. “It’s been a while.”

Iris didn’t answer. She turned to Zoe instead. “I actually have something to take care of. I should-

Zoe grabbed her wrist before she could stand. “You’re not busy. And you’re too smart not to figure this out already

Tris frowned. Figure what out?”

Zoe grimed, completely unapologetic. “My brother likes you. He asked me to set this up

Iris slowly clenched her hand, forcing herself t

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