Chapter 84 Your Ex- husband
At the Trendy Bar.
When Renee walked in, dressed in her ultra–short leather jacket and skin–tight pants, she instantly captured the attention of everyone in the room. Both men and women couldn’t help but steal glances in her direction. Having been the center of attention since childhood, Renee was perfectly at ease with it, even enjoying the attention. If she spotted someone intriguing, she’d often make eye contact or offer a casual greeting.
Sitting in a booth, Ryland stood up the moment he spotted her, raising his arms with
excitement.
“That’s my girl! Renee! I’ve missed you so much!! You’re finally back!”
Renee deftly dodged Ryland’s attempt to hug her and instead took a seat on the sofa.
Ryland pouted dramatically, pretending to be upset. “It’s been ages, and you won’t even hug me? I thought we were besties! You really didn’t miss me at all?”
Renee grabbed an orange from the fruit platter in front of her and tossed it lightly at him, laughing as she scolded, “Stop being so dramatic. Your cologne is suffocating me. I
don’t want to smell like you.”
Ryland feigned annoyance, but deep down, he was overjoyed that she was back. After
all, he’d followed her around since they were kids, and to him, Renee wa
sister.
like a big
Sitting next to her, he eagerly poured her a glass of wine and pushed a plate of snacks her way. “Now, tell me everything! Where have you been all these years? I tried reaching you, but you never picked up. I…‘
“1
As he spoke, Ryland’s eyes began to well up with emotion. Renee, deeply touched by his affection, pretended to roll her eyes in disgust and tossed a tissue onto his lap.
“Ryland, quit being such a softie. Get a hold of yourself.”
“I… I missed you so much, and I’m so happy you’re back! Try this drink. This bar just
opened, and the bartender is incredible.”
Renee gently pushed the wine aside. “A soft drink will do.”
Ryland’s eyes widened in surprise. He stared at her, mouth slightly open. “My, my! You’ve really changed. You don’t even drink now?”
Renee flashed a wry smile. “It’s not that I don’t drink; it’s just that I shouldn’t. My little boy is at home, and I don’t want to walk in reeking of alcohol and your cologne.”
Ryland’s jaw practically dropped.
Renee had expected some reaction, but his expression was so priceless that she couldn’t help but laugh.
“You… What? You have a what? Where did this little boy of yours come from?”
She shrugged casually. “I gave birth to him, of course. What, you think I stole him from someone or something?”
“What? He’s really yours?” Ryland stared at her, utterly stunned. After a moment, his curiosity got the best of him, and he asked the most pressing question, “Who’s the father?”
Renee simply shook her head.
Unable to contain himself, Ryland fell off the sofa, landing on the floor with a thud, giving her a thumbs–up as he looked up at her in awe.
“Girl, that’s impressive.”
Renee rolled her eyes–this time for real, already knowing what he was thinking, and kicked him lightly. “I mean, it’s a secret–not that I don’t know who the father is. What are you even thinking? Now get up. I’ve got something to discuss with you.”
Ryland, clearly struggling to regain his composure, sat back on the sofa, steadied himself, and looked at her with eager eyes. “Go ahead, then. What more surprises do you
have for me? I’m all ears.”
Renee, amused but a bit helpless, got straight to the point.
“I need you to find out if there’s any major event coming up in Tofral–something that all the high society folks will attend. Get me an invitation, and we’ll go together.”
Ryland, though unsure of Renee’s plans, didn’t press her for details. Without hesitation, he responded, “The Infinity Group’s big annual party will do.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, a thought struck him. He turned to her, his gaze thoughtful and a little pointed. “Infinity Group… that’s your ex–husband’s company. It’s been growing fast these past two years, and now it’s the top enterprise in Tofral. Renee, are you two truly divorced?”
