The Ex-Wife He Can’t Have novel Chapter 7

Jillian bit her tongue, a bitter, metallic taste flooding her mouth.

It was true—a woman who was loved truly was the most beautiful.

How could she possibly compete with someone as radiant as Sylvia?

But didn't Sylvia know Killian was married?

How could a proud, high-society heiress like her ever settle for being a mistress?

Feeling a heavy weight in her chest, Jillian stood up to leave. "I have to get going..."

"Jillian!" Sylvia suddenly called out, pulling a business card from her bag. With a look of absolute sincerity, she said, "I don't know what you've been through these past few years, but here's my card. If you ever need help, please call me."

Her face deathly pale, Jillian gritted her teeth. "I don't need..."

"Jillian, we're friends. I swear I don't mean anything bad by this. I just want to help you..."

With trembling hands, Jillian pushed her aside and practically sprinted for the door.

The other customers in the cafe had heard their exchange and looked up. Their dense, pitying stares felt like lasers piercing right through Jillian, before shifting to Sylvia with eyes full of admiration for the beautiful, kind-hearted heiress.

The moment the door clicked shut behind Jillian, the sweet smile vanished from Sylvia's face.

She sat back down, scooped up a bite of cake, and popped it into her mouth. "Fat loser," she muttered under her breath.

Stepping out of the cafe, Jillian paused in front of a floor-to-ceiling window to examine her reflection.

With her heavy figure and exhausted face, she looked every bit the picture of a miserable life.

No wonder Sylvia had wanted to "help" her.

Jillian offered a bitter smile to her reflection, flagged down a cab, and headed to Langley Tech.

Daniel had given instructions ahead of time, so the moment she gave her name, a staff member escorted her directly to his office.

Daniel was sitting behind his desk and stood up immediately when she walked in.

"Have a seat."

He led her to a small reception area, sat across from her, and poured her a cup of tea.

Dressed in a sharp navy-blue suit, his tall frame exuded a warm, refined elegance.

Accepted into St. Jude's gifted youth program at 16, specializing in planning and control algorithms, and earning her master's by 22—only to wind up trapped in the quagmire of a toxic marriage.

It had pained Daniel to watch for years. He had invited her to work at his company several times before, only to be turned down every time.

This was the first time she had ever said yes.

He was terrified she might change her mind.

Jillian lowered her head, pressing her lips together awkwardly. "Even so, I still need some time to prepare. It's been a long time since I was actively involved in this field."

Daniel nodded.

He had absolute faith in her talent. Even after years as a housewife, a genius like her just needed a little refresher to bounce back to elite levels.

"You can intern domestically for a while to get a feel for the workflow. That way, you'll adapt much faster when you go abroad," Daniel suggested.

"That works," Jillian agreed.

Daniel couldn't hide his excitement. "In that case, come in tomorrow. You can shadow me and handle some assistant duties. I'll personally show you the ropes until you get comfortable with the corporate environment."