The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 32

Suzie held up her arms to block him, her voice flat. “Fine. Let’s eat.”

Only then did Jamie release her, a look of satisfaction on his face. He tucked one hand into his pocket and made a sweeping “after you” gesture with the other. His manner was gentlemanly, yet distant.

Suzie walked unhurriedly into the hotel. As soon as she entered the lobby, she spotted Chloe waiting in the distance. She froze and turned to look back at Jamie.

Just then, Chloe began walking toward them with an elegant stride. She bypassed Suzie completely and reached out to link her arm with Jamie’s.

Jamie frowned, gently pulling his arm away. “Chloe, didn't I tell you to go home?”

“But Jamie, I still want to have lunch with you,” Chloe whined, undeterred by his rejection. “You know I only have a few free days now that I’m back. I have to report to the company tomorrow for a photo shoot.”

Suzie fought the urge to cringe as she watched the scene unfold with a cold expression.

Jamie’s eyes flickered over to her before returning to Chloe. “Be good. Go home for now. I have something to discuss with Suzie.”

“No, I don’t want to! I want to eat with you,” Chloe insisted, grabbing his wrist with both hands and swinging it back and forth like a child.

Suzie closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. She couldn't storm over and tear Chloe apart—that would only make Jamie think she cared about him.

Composing herself, Suzie put on a patronizing smile and spoke in a warm voice. “Chloe Lockwood, right? I need a quick favor.”

Suzie met Jamie's furious gaze without flinching. “Oh,” she said lightly. “Your precious Chloe is crying. Aren’t you going to comfort her?”

Jamie’s cold eyes remained fixed on Suzie’s beautiful, smiling face for a long moment. He felt a sense of disorientation, even more profound than before. He tried to pinpoint when she had become so covered in thorns. Was it after she signed the divorce agreement? But wasn't this what she wanted, too?

“Jamie, my stomach hurts…” Chloe’s voice, filled with misery and self-pity, broke the silence. She swayed, looking as if she might collapse at any second.

Jamie’s brow furrowed, and a flicker of genuine panic crossed his eyes.

Suzie saw it clearly—the alarm was because Chloe said she was in pain.