Restoring a Life After Seven Years of Wrong Love novel Chapter 88

Sybil also noticed Yvette's unusually icy attitude toward Jabez.

Every year for Yvette's birthday, she would remind Jabez to prepare a gift.

And every time Yvette received one, the joy in her expression was impossible to hide.

This was the first time she had ever been so apathetic toward him.

Thinking about it, Sybil shot a vicious glare at Jabez, who sat there acting as if nothing were wrong.

Throughout the entire meal, Yvette didn't say a single word to him.

Whenever he spoke, she let his words hang in the air.

She only chatted with Sybil.

Noticing her blatant hostility, Jabez simply threw a sideways glance her way.

Ten o'clock.

Yvette stood up. "Grandma, I'm going to head home now."

Before Sybil could even reply, Jabez stood up as well.

A flash of shock crossed Yvette's eyes, quickly followed by indifference.

He was probably leaving to go see Willow.

The man followed her out at a leisurely pace. Just as Yvette was about to get into her car, he finally spoke.

"I have something for you."

Yvette turned around in surprise, pointing an index finger at herself.

"Wait here."

With that, Jabez walked over to his own car.

Yvette stood rooted to the spot, watching his retreating back.

Dressed in all black, he seemed to blend seamlessly into the night, the moonlight throwing his sharp, aristocratic features into deep shadow.

"Open it." Jabez handed her a long, rectangular box, keeping his other hand tucked casually in his pocket.

The black box felt premium, its matte texture smooth against her skin.

Opening it, she saw a scrolled painting inside.

Already guessing what it was, Yvette's knuckles turned white as she gripped the edges of the box, her breathing hitching.

Yvette remembered Willow's forty-million-dollar gown. Her five million really was pocket change to him.

She stopped trying to be polite.

She carefully rolled the painting back up, tied the ribbon, and placed it safely inside the box.

-

The Azure Atelier, Noon.

Charlotte had heard about what happened the night before from Matthew and was now staring a hole through Yvette.

Yvette recounted everything that went down at the Shelby Estate.

Charlotte rubbed her chin, utterly baffled. "So that bastard Jabez wants to keep his mistress happy on the side while playing the devoted husband at home?"

"Why else would he just hand over your grandfather's painting for free? I swear he's up to no good. You don't think it's a trap, do you?"

Yvette was just as confused.

"As long as I can get my grandfather's belongings back, I'd jump into a trap willingly."

"Did you bring the gifts that bastard gave you? Let me see them."