Sign the Papers Mr. Langford novel Chapter 81

"Wren might be biased against Willow."

Willow immediately spoke up. "Jude, don't talk about Wren like that."

Jude.

The familiar address made Lawrence look up.

Realizing she had used his first name so casually, Willow's cheeks flushed.

Jude, however, did not shy away from it.

"I'm just being objective," he said. "From a project perspective, the Langford rehab initiative holds value for Lancia. Wren's decision to cut ties so publicly was definitely too aggressive."

Lawrence remained silent.

He agreed with that assessment.

Wren was becoming increasingly unyielding.

So unyielding that it felt like she was deliberately proving she was no longer influenced by anyone.

But the more she acted this way, the more Lawrence wanted to force her back into her place.

"Set up a meeting with Lancia's executives after the Friday seminar," he ordered coldly.

Xavier nodded.

A glimmer of satisfaction flashed in Willow's eyes.

She knew Lawrence was still on her side.

At 11:40 a.m., Mr. Clarke sent a message.

[Ms. Whitaker, the petition has been filed. The court will notify us once it's processed.]

Wren was reviewing the risk assessment with Julian.

When her phone lit up, she glanced at the screen.

Her breath caught for a fraction of a second.

It was finally filed.

Julian noticed the shift in her demeanor.

"What is it?"

Wren set her phone down.

"The divorce papers have been filed."

Julian was quiet for a moment.

"Congratulations."

Wren looked up at him, slightly caught off guard.

"Congratulations?"

"Yeah," he said. "You're finally walking away."

Tears pricked at the corners of Wren's eyes.

She looked down and offered a soft smile.

"I am."

She was truly starting her new life.

Maya scoffed. "Then you'll just have to build your tolerance back up."

Those words sent a sharp ache through Wren's chest.

Build it back up.

Everything she had lost could slowly be reclaimed.

Over lunch, Maya brought up their old college classmates.

"The University Centennial is next month, and our professor is going to be there. Are you coming?"

Wren's fork froze mid-air.

The University Centennial.

The event felt like a lifetime ago.

She hesitated for a moment. "I..."

Maya gave her a pointed look.

"Don't give me the 'I'm too busy' excuse. You've been too busy for six years."

Phoebe chuckled. "Just go. If the old crowd is still worth it, reconnect. If not, find a new one. You're a free woman now."

Free.

Wren looked down, a smile touching her lips.

"Okay, I'll go."

When the three of them stepped out of the diner, the afternoon sun was brilliantly warm.