From His Ex-Wife to the World's Most Sought-After Restorer (Jade and Hudson) novel Chapter 296

Chapter 296 The Unspoken Boundary

Chapter 296 The Unspoken Boundary

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Jade stood frozen. Surprisingly, Bastian was the one to pull back first. The predatory intensity in his gaze vanished, replaced by his usual calm, gentle demeanor.

“I apologize. I let my emotions get the better of me. Please, don’t feel cornered. I’m not here to pressure you; I simply hope that, in time, you’ll truly see me as your partner.”

Jade spoke plainly. “I’m not in a place to think about romance right now. I need to focus on my career. Once I’ve reached the level I’m aiming for, we can talk about other things.”

“I understand.” Bastian knew Jade’s character better than she realized.

She looked soft on the outside, but she was incredibly stubborn. That was why he hadn’t pushed his agenda too hard from the start. He wanted to stay by her side, slowly weaving himself into her life.

But seeing her in Hudson’s arms earlier at the studio had broken his restraint. He felt the need to remind her that he was more than just a benefactor.

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“I’m not trying to force your hand. You don’t have to do anything, and there’s no deadline. I don’t need an answer today. Just… don’t push me away. Let me stay.”

By the time Jade returned to the studio, her nerves had settled.

Bastian had kept his word. Since they’d returned, he had maintained a respectful distance.

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she decided to let it be. Regardless of his feelings, she was going to move at her own pace. She wasn’t letting anyone disrupt her ife again.

Just then, the phone on her desk began to vibrate.

She checked the screen. It was John Walter.

Jade, dear, how long has it been since you’ve visited an old man? Have you forgotten me entirely?”

lade smiled into the receiver. “I’ve been buried in work, John. I’ll make time to see you as soon as things settle down.”

John’s voice was hearty and warm. “Don’t wait for things to settle. The day after tomorrow is my 70th birthday. I’m not throwing a ig gala–just an intimate dinner with the family. I’ve been thinking about you constantly. You have to come.”

lade hesitated. The divorce was final, and the last thing she wanted was to run into Hudson or the rest of the Walter clan.

John… maybe we could meet another time.”

John’s tone turned pleading. “Jade, I know about the divorce. I know my grandson failed you. I have no right to ask this of you, but eventy is a milestone. I don’t want anything other than to see you and have a proper chat. Just come for the dinner. If you’re Incomfortable, you can leave the second you’ve eaten.”

John had been the only one in that family who had treated her with genuine kindness. She couldn’t bring herself to say no.

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:38 am P

Chapter 296 The Unspoken Boundary

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“Alright, John. I’ll be there.”

Late afternoon sunlight flooded the street.

Jade locked the studio doors, planning to grab a bite to eat.

She looked up to find Bastian standing there, clutching a heavy grocery bag.

She pulled her cardigan tighter against the breeze and walked toward him. Seeing the bag overflowing with ingredients, she looked surprised.

“All that for one meal?”

“Yeah.”

Bastian’s hands were full, so he used his shoulder to nudge her back toward the door.

“You made me a bowl of ramen. It’s my turn to return the favor.”

Jadę followed his lead, giving him a skeptical look. “You cook?”

He didn’t look the part. Bastian Hamlet was the definition of aristocratic.

Every movement was effortless and elegant.

He was currently in a bespoke suit that looked like it belonged on a runway.

She literally couldn’t imagine him in front of a stove.

Bastian waited for her to unlock the door, a small, knowing smile on his lips.

“You’ll see.”

They walked past the reception desk and into the back kitchen.

Bastian set the groceries down and shed his jacket. He tucked his white dress shirt into his slacks, his broad shoulders and narrow waist cutting a striking silhouette. He rolled his sleeves up, revealing forearms corded with lean muscle and veins that traced the backs of his hands-a look of raw, effortless power.

As he gripped a heavy pot, Jade found herself looking at her own small hands, curling them into fists to compare.

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