Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 211

"Sorry, didn't mean to crash your party. Just need a few words with Mr. Whitmore," I shot Scarlett an apologetic look before speaking.

Scarlett snorted. She was lounging on the sofa, not bothering to hide her eye-catching figure.

Neil adjusted his tie nonchalantly. "I'm kind of tied up right now. Give me a ring if you need something."

"Your phone's been switched off all afternoon!" I frowned. "It won't take much of your time. Just some business stuff to discuss."

Neil flopped back onto the sofa, lighting a cigarette. "If memory serves, our companies stopped doing business soon after our divorce. What's there to talk about?"

Scarlett suddenly sat up, giving me a wide-eyed stare. "So, you're his ex-wife? I knew you looked familiar."

Two years had passed, and many had forgotten about me.

"Ms. Mitchell, I need a word with him. Can we have a moment?" I asked politely.

Scarlett glanced at Neil, then back at me, and resumed her lounging position. "Go ahead, chat here. I'm beat; I’m going to get some sleep. Don't worry, I won't eavesdrop."

Clearly, she didn't think much of me.

It seemed an ex-wife didn't warrant any courtesy.

Neil stayed silent, puffing away and giving me ambiguous glances.

Scarlett suddenly stretched her legs onto Neil's lap. "I'm so tired. Mr. Whitmore, can you give me a massage?"

Neil glanced at her slim legs. He tossed his cigarette into the ashtray and began massaging her legs.

"Mr. Whitmore is such a gentleman. It'd be a shame if you weren't my boyfriend," Scarlett giggled, her laughter as light as a bell.

I felt invisible, completely ignored.

I should've walked out, but thinking about my mom's hardship, I couldn't.

If I could convince Neil, maybe Dominic wouldn't cut ties with us. Maybe we could resolve our company's crisis.

I had to admit that Whitmore Co. was a force to be reckoned with. If Neil decided to hit us, things would be grim.

"Neil, all I need is ten minutes of your time," I tried to keep my cool, speaking as gently as possible.

"He said he's busy! What's your deal? You're his ex-wife; why are you still clinging on?" Scarlett snapped at me. "I've heard you chased Neil for five years before you guys tied the knot. Looks like it's true. You just can't let go, can you?"

Neil's hand suddenly stopped, his face turning icy.

"I've already said this. It's about business," I replied calmly.

"He made it clear he didn't want to talk. Can't you tell?" Scarlett was peeved, and her date with Neil was interrupted.

Scarlett was too self-assured.

I knew Neil didn't have the slightest bit of affection for her. I've met too many like her before; I was used to it.

I just kept looking at Neil, hoping he'd change his mind. No need to repeat the past's dog-eat-dog tragedy.

"Get out," Neil finally spoke again, his gaze fixed on me.

Neil was toying with a lighter and answered lightly, "I know him, but we're not close."

"He's the CEO of SaintlyBio Corporation. They're our company's main supplier, but they suddenly wanted to terminate our contract," I explained the situation, watching Neil's reaction closely.

Neil's face remained impassive, like he was listening to a story that had nothing to do with him.

So, I cut to the chase. "After they terminate our contract, they'll cooperate with StarGlow Enterprises. Are you involved in this?"

After I finished speaking, Neil gave me a long, hard look with deep, complex eyes.

The atmosphere became so thick that I could cut it with a knife. Just as I was about to break the silence, he spoke, "Irene, are you accusing me of deliberately targeting your family?"

"Isn't that the case?" I shot back immediately.

Both Dominic and Mr. Anthony told me it was all Neil's doing.

Neil smirked, "Is that what you think of me, Irene? That I'm so lowly I could do anything despicable?"

Isn't he? I wanted to rebut instantly, but I held my tongue.

Evidently, my words had pissed Neil off because I was questioning his integrity.

"With the resources your family has, you shouldn't lose to StarGlow Enterprises. Won't your dad step in?" Neil suddenly brought up my father.

"I can't let him meddle in business matters; it's too easy for him to slip up. He's about to retire; there is no need for him to take such risks," I confessed.

Neil's lips curled into a small smile, "You guys really stick to your guns, huh?"