His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex Wife novel Chapter 363

Chapter 363 A Friend in Need

She called Iris.

When Iris answered, Zoe drew a slow breath, put on a smile, and kept her tone light and upbeat. “Hey Iris, did you get dinner yet?”

“Yeah, just finished. What’s going on, Zoe?”

“Can’t I just call to say hi?” Zoe replied, forcing a small laugh.

“Of course you can,” Iris said softly. “What’s on your mind?”

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“Just wanted to hear your voice, catch up a little.” Zoe tried to sound cheerful. “I saw the news- Ms. Whitmore, the family’s rising star. You’re really in a different world now.”

“What are you talking about?”

Zoe let out a quiet laugh.

Iris sounded genuinely puzzled. “I sent you an invitation. Why didn’t you come today? Was it because of my brother?”

“No, not because of him.” Zoe smiled faintly, a touch of helplessness in her voice. “It just… didn’t feel like the right time for me.”

Iris could sense the loneliness behind her words. “Zoe, you’ll always be my closest friend. Since when does ‘the right time‘ matter between us?”

There was a brief silence on the other end before Zoe replied, her laughter a little thin. “I know… It’s just… things are different now. You’re a Whitmore, and I’m just…” Her voice faded.

Iris felt a pang in her chest, thinking of everything falling apart in Zoe’s life lately.

She was about to speak when Zoe shifted gears, pretending to sound casual. “Anyway, I’m thinking of quitting my job and moving to another city.”

“Why so sudd-”

“I just need a change of scenery,” Zoe cut in, straining to sound bright. “Who knows–next time we meet, maybe I’ll have my life figured out too.”

Iris‘ grip tightened around her phone. She knew Zoe too well. Beneath that forced cheer was a well of unspoken anxiety and hurt.

“Zoe, why don’t you come stay with me for a few days?” Iris said suddenly. “Harper keeps asking

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Chapter 363 A Friend in Need

when she’ll see you again.”

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A soft, almost stifled sob came through the line, followed by Zoe’s tearful chuckle. “Okay… once I get things sorted, I’ll come visit.”

“No,” Iris insisted. “Not later. Come tonight. I’ll come pick you up if I have to. If you don’t, I won’t speak to you forever.”

Zoe laughed, her eyes brimming.

“Where are you? I’ll come get you,” Iris pressed urgently.

Zoe knew there was no hiding from Iris.

Iris had always been perceptive, and she understood Zoe better than anyone.

The moment Zoe mentioned quitting her job and leaving town, Iris had already put the pieces together.

Zoe had rushed out earlier without a real plan. A hotel wasn’t a long–term solution, and quitting her job would take some time anyway.

She wasn’t a kid anymore–she couldn’t just run off on a whim.

After a pause, Zoe finally answered, “I’m in a rideshare.”

“Then tell the driver to head over. I’ll send you my address,” Iris said.

Zoe hesitated. “If I stay at your place… will it be awkward for your dad or your brother?”

“Not at all. They’re really easygoing. They’ll be happy to have you.”

Zoe managed a smile. “How easygoing?”

“More easygoing than I am.”

“Then I won’t stand on ceremony. I’ll crash with you guys for a bit, just until I wrap things up at work.”

Iris sighed affectionately, hung up, and sent her location.

She left her room and headed downstairs, finding Cayden playing hide–and–seek with Harper in the living room.

“Dad, you’ve been on your feet all day with the party. Aren’t you tired?”

Cayden turned to her with a warm smile. “Not a bit. Today was too happy to feel tired.”

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He glanced around, spotted Harper peeking from behind the curtains, and grinned. “All hidden? Here I come, Harper!”

“Dad, there’s something I wanted to ask.”

Cayden paused. “What is it?”

“Is it okay if a friend stays with us for a little while? I think she’s going through a rough patch,” Iris asked carefully.

Cayden’s expression softened. “Of course. This is your home–you’re always welcome to have friends over. You don’t need to ask.”

“Thanks, Dad.” Iris gave him a grateful smile.

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