The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 209

**Chasing Light, Finding Peace by Rohan Verma**
**Chapter 209**

Autumn had tossed and turned through the night, her mind a whirlpool of thoughts that refused to settle. When the morning light finally broke through her window, it found her weary and aching, a dull throb pulsing in her temples.

As she descended the staircase, the familiar scent of breakfast wafted through the air, but her stomach churned uncomfortably. Just as she reached the bottom, she encountered Owen Bennett, who had just returned home after what must have been a long night. He looked remarkably vibrant, his complexion glowing with a vitality that made her feel even more drained.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his brow furrowing as he took in the sight of her haggard face. “Did you have trouble sleeping?”

Owen approached her with long strides, concern etched across his features as he reached her. Autumn waved a hand in a dismissive gesture, her voice barely above a whisper as she replied, “Just a rough night, nothing to worry about.”

Noticing that he hadn’t even bothered to change out of his clothes, she raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Did you work all night?”

“Yeah,” he grunted, taking a half-step back as if to create some space between them. Yet, his gaze remained locked on her, filled with an undeniable concern. “I had a few international meetings.”

He continued, “The Bennett Group has been looking to expand its overseas projects for the last few years. Things are finally progressing, but it means I have to attend a lot of meetings personally. It’s not an overwhelming amount of work, but it’s enough to keep me busy.”

Autumn’s expression shifted as she processed his words. She hadn’t expected someone of Owen’s caliber to be pulling all-nighters, which was precisely why she had inquired. His detailed explanation caught her off guard.

If anyone overheard this conversation, they might think I’m some sort of corporate spy trying to extract information from him.

“Oh, I see,” she replied, coughing slightly to mask her surprise and choosing not to delve deeper into his work.

However, Owen wasn’t ready to drop the subject. “I’m currently working on a project with Country Y. Your company, Stream Cloud Technologies, could provide the technical support we need. Would you be interested in collaborating?”

Autumn’s mind raced. “Wait, what? We aren’t even married yet, and I’m already looking to benefit from my husband’s work?”

The word “husband” had slipped into her thoughts so effortlessly that she felt her ears flush crimson. She glanced around, her movements becoming slightly awkward as she tried to regain her composure.

Noticing her discomfort, Owen frowned slightly. He was extending her a business opportunity, yet she didn’t seem excited. Did she think the project was beneath her? That I’m being stingy?

Clearing his throat, he tried to mask his irritation. “If this project doesn’t interest you—”

Autumn’s eyes widened in alarm. “Are you joking? A multinational project with Country Y? How could I possibly not be interested?”

She knew that if anyone else heard her enthusiasm, they would surely criticize her for being overly eager.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll have the legal department reach out to your company to finalize the contracts,” he stated matter-of-factly.

Autumn was momentarily speechless. So this is the true power of a commanding CEO, she thought, reflecting on the days when Cloudbreak Corporation was just a fledgling company. Mars Wright had tried so hard to project that same aura of authority, yet the difference was staggering. A hundred Mars Wrights couldn’t hold a candle to Owen Bennett.

“In that case… I’ll give you a thirty-percent cut of the profits,” she offered, knowing that any project that caught Owen’s eye would yield significant returns. Even with that cut, she would still reap substantial rewards.

In the world of business, gratitude was essential. When someone brought you a project, you had to acknowledge their contribution; otherwise, such opportunities could become scarce.

But as she spoke, she noticed a flicker of disappointment cross Owen’s face.

“Do we really have to keep such a clear tally?” he asked, his tone hinting at frustration.

Feeling a sudden wave of anxiety, Autumn replied, “Do you think that’s too little?”

His expression darkened further. “Sometimes, I really think you’re…”

He trailed off, straightening his clothes as if to regain his composure. “Forget it. I need to take a shower first.”

Without waiting for her response, he turned sharply and ascended the stairs, leaving Autumn standing there, bewildered and slightly hurt.

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