The Ex-Wife He Can’t Have novel Chapter 82

Just as Jillian was about to patiently comfort her, Stella's small hand wriggled in her palm and pulled away first.

Then, the little girl turned and walked toward the volunteer.

Feeling the emptiness in her hand, a hollow ache settled in Jillian's chest.

Stella was already holding the volunteer's hand, looking back at her with a flat, emotionless expression.

Jillian waved. "Goodbye, Stella."

Stella still didn't say a word. She just gave her one last look before turning her back completely.

The volunteer looked a bit embarrassed and offered an awkward smile. "She's just like this. A bit slow in the head, you know."

Jillian opened her mouth. She wanted to argue that there was nothing wrong with Stella's intelligence—she simply didn't like to speak.

But what was the point of explaining?

She might never cross paths with Stella again.

Mallory tried to console her. "It's fine. Most of the kids here are like that. With volunteers constantly changing, they've gotten used to it. They don't attach themselves to anyone."

Jillian nodded.

"I'll get going now."

She turned around and walked down the corridor toward the exit.

Mallory headed back to her office.

At the far end of the hallway, Stella suddenly stopped and looked back. She watched Jillian's retreating figure, her lips trembling slightly, but in the end, no sound came out.

Jillian drove back to her apartment, packed up the rest of her belongings, and called Daniel Langley to explain the situation.

"So you're moving back in after all?" Daniel asked.

"Yes. Once Killian brings up the divorce with Eleanor, I'll move out again."

"That makes sense. Spend some extra time with Con while you can."

"I've cleaned up the apartment. You can come check on it whenever you have time."

"There's no need. That place was sitting empty anyway."

Back at the Quincy estate.

Eleanor Quincy set down her teacup. "So, Jillian has moved back in?"

Sienna Sterling replied respectfully, "Yes, she has."

"Good. The way Killian has been parading around with Sylvia Xavier is an absolute disgrace! Not to mention Killian is a married man, I despise Sylvia's background anyway. The Xavier family hasn't even officially acknowledged her to this day."

"Exactly." Sienna offered an appeasing smile, well aware that the older woman's words were meant as a warning for her as well.

"Though, I must say, Jillian's attitude toward Killian seems quite indifferent this time around. She hasn't been groveling or desperate for his attention like before. It seems she's finally developing some self-awareness."

Sienna hadn't noticed it initially, but hearing Eleanor point it out made her realize it was true.

Jillian's demeanor toward Killian had indeed grown remarkably cold.

"It's a good thing she knows her place. If she stops clinging to him so desperately, he might actually stop resenting her so much."

Eleanor continued, "Keep a close eye on them from now on. Make sure Jillian secures Killian's heart quickly. Don't give that Sylvia girl any chance to swoop in."

"Understood," Sienna replied.