The Transactional Marriage That Imploded novel Chapter 94

Bianca did the math in her head and winced. The PR push would likely cost her millions, but she didn't care. If it bought her freedom from Mathis, every penny was worth it.

Milo was genuinely stunned by her calculated strategy, but even more thrilled to realize just how dead her feelings for Mathis were.

"Divorcing this guy is like surviving a Greek tragedy. No wonder you're so cynical about marriage. Alright, I'm in. Keep your money—consider it a gift just to see you smile."

Bianca wasn't used to people being so generous without an ulterior motive. "Absolutely not. I wouldn't feel right about that."

*That's exactly what I'm banking on,* Milo thought smugly. *A little guilt, a little gratitude, and before you know it, I'll be firmly rooted in your heart.*

"We're friends," he insisted. "Friends help each other out. No questions asked."

Bianca felt a sudden rush of warmth. It had been so long since someone had offered her genuine kindness.

"Let me treat you to dinner tonight, then. You pick the place."

Milo smiled slyly. "Aren't you afraid the paparazzi will catch us?"

Bianca scoffed. "We aren't celebrities. Who has the time to stalk us? And honestly, if we do end up trending again, maybe it'll piss Mathis off. God knows he cares about his public image more than anything."

Milo practically beamed. "Perfect. I'll text you the address. I'll have my assistant book a private room, and I won't hold back on the menu since you're footing the bill."

"Deal."

Milo hung up, riding a wave of euphoria. Maybe he should listen to his old man more often—focusing on business actually seemed to be leading him straight to true love.

He chose a spot near Honey Park. His grand plan was to suggest a romantic stroll through the park after dinner to talk about poetry, life, and the future.

Although, given her purely logical, no-nonsense personality, poetry might be a stretch. If worse came to worst, they could just talk about cutting-edge tech.

"Sorry about that," he said, sliding his phone into his pocket. "The game dev team called with an emergency. Had to put out a fire."

Bianca smiled softly. "Don't worry, I just got here myself."

Seeing her smile felt like the sun breaking through the clouds. "Well, look at that. I'm honored. The Ice Queen actually smiled at me."

Bianca rolled her eyes. "Since when am I an Ice Queen? I'm just focused at work. Have you ever seen a programmer grinning like an idiot while staring at lines of code?"

Milo laughed out loud. He realized that when Bianca lowered her defenses, she was actually incredibly witty.

They walked shoulder to shoulder toward the entrance, but Bianca suddenly stopped dead in her tracks.

A man was walking straight toward them. It was Payton Mills. And if Payton was here, did that mean Mathis was, too?