At the entrance of the MG Tower elevator, a tall man was on the phone.

Maria's pupils shrank slightly.

He stood there, dressed in a tailored suit, tall and striking. His left wrist, still wearing that familiar watch, lifted the phone as his flawless side profile radiated even more maturity and charm than she remembered.

From that distance alone, he already looked like someone straight out of a luxury ad-cool and composed.

James heard the sound of heels approaching and turned his head slightly, revealing a sharp jawline.

He froze for a second, then his eyes sharpened, locking onto Maria.

Their eyes met. Maria gave a slight, confident smile-calm and poised.

She looked even more stunning than before-bold features, arched brows, those almond-shaped eyes filled with allure, a delicate nose, soft full lips. Every subtle movement was naturally graceful and hard to ignore.

Maria didn't avoid him. She stepped up next to James, her gaze fixed on the elevator's descending numbers.

Even though he was still on a call, she could clearly feel his eyes pinned on her the whole time.

Moments later, he hung up.

"Maria."

His voice was low and edgy, almost like he was grinding his teeth. "Where the hell have you been these years?"

Maria gave a faint smile. "Does that really have anything to do with you?"

She glanced up at him, her tone calm but distant. "Aren't you with Amelia now? How's that going? Married? Kid already?"

James's brows furrowed. "That's not true."

Just then, the elevator doors opened.

Inside stood a gorgeous woman in a white dress.

Her calm face lit up instantly. "James.!"

Something twisted in Maria's chest, pain creeping in without warning.

So that was why she ran into James here-he was picking up Amelia.

Lifting her chin, Maria kept it cool as she walked past Amelia without sparing her so much as a glance.

Amelia blinked in surprise, then quickly put on a sweet face again. "James! What a coincidence! I was just here for a variety show taping-didn't think I'd bump into you."

She tucked a few loose strands behind her ear, her cheeks flushing with a delicate pink, soft and shy like a flower trembling in the breeze. "James, how about we go to your place today?"

Inside the elevator, Maria clenched her fists, sneaking a glance at the two of them outside. Her face stayed expressionless.

The elevator doors slowly closed.

James took a step forward, but Amelia followed closely, grabbing his arm. He managed only a final glance.

With a sharp breath out, James pulled his arm back, clearly irritated. "I don't have time for this."

His eyes dropped to Amelia, his tone cold. "If I remember right, you decided on that variety show gig last minute, didn't you?"

His gaze was dark and detached.

Amelia White bit her lip, eyes darting around nervously, completely avoiding his gaze.

She'd bribed James's assistant just to find out he was coming here today. Coincidentally, she got invited to a variety show by this company. Her sudden appearance wasn't a coincidence-it was all planned. An excuse for a "chance encounter."

But hearing James say that now meant he'd figured everything out.

With a pitiful pout, Amelia looked at him and said softly, "James, your mom asked me to go back with you. I called but you didn't answer, so I figured this was the only way."

"I didn't really have a choice."

James gave her a look of thinly veiled annoyance. "I told you I'm busy. If you want to go, go by yourself."

He couldn't be more done with this.

With that, James strode straight into the other elevator and disappeared upstairs.

.

Reception Conference Room.

The coordinator grinned warmly. "Congratulations, Ms. Lewis, and welcome aboard."

Maria extended a hand with a polite smile. "Looking forward to working together."

The handshake didn't last more than a second.

"Ms. Lewis, I might not be able to introduce you to our CEO until tomorrow-he's being replaced."

Maria was momentarily stunned. "What?"

"Our entertainment company's being acquired by the Bennett Group! And guess what? The new CEO-he's like, stupidly handsome. I mean, he's totally good enough to debut as a celeb himself!"

The girl across from her looked thrilled, but Maria's smile froze. Her brows creased.

So James came here for the acquisition today?

Seeing him again earlier had made her heart clench, yes-but more than anything, it just felt like dodging a bullet.

Thank god the divorce was done.

She had a new life now.

As the founder of a luxury brand under Shadowglint, she had only joined this company to evaluate its potential as a partner.

But now? With all this happening, she had no intention of sticking around.

"Sorry, I'd like to cancel the contract."

The coordinator was visibly shocked. "Huh? Why?"

Maria offered an apologetic smile.

Why? Because the last thing she wanted was to get tangled up with her ex-husband again.

She made up a quick excuse and brushed it off.

The coordinator left looking disappointed.

Maria slung her bag over her shoulder, pulling out her phone as she walked out of the room. "Send someone else to take over the review. yeah, I'll be backing out from this end."

Before she could put her phone away, the door opened with a quiet click.

A tall man stepped inside-broad shoulders, lean frame, still looking exactly like the man she used to know in every line and gesture.

Maria looked up.

James stood at the door, lips curled with a faint smile.

"Heard you want out of the contract," he said casually. "Well, bad news. The acquisition is finalized. That makes you my employee now. And if you want out," he raised his hand and made an eight with his fingers, "it'll cost this much."

"Eighty million."

His deep voice buzzed with that familiar magnetism, as if it crackled right through her, leaving her stunned and burning.

Maria stared coldly at him. "Eighty million? You might as well just rob me."

Breaking a contract for eighty million? That was next-level audacity.

James pressed his lips together. "I already gave you the terms. It's your call."

With that, he turned and walked off without a glance back.

Maria chased after him. "Don't leave yet - we need to talk, properly."

She grabbed his arm, her tone sharp. "You're being completely unreasonable."

Some people glanced over at the sound of their voices.

Maria glanced around. She didn't want to become today's office gossip, so she pulled James back. "Let's talk somewhere private."

James didn't resist and let her drag him back into the empty meeting room.

Once inside, he stopped and looked down at her, his gaze dark and unreadable. "You really want out that badly?"

Maria shook off his arm. "Yes," she said firmly. "I'm done."

He hadn't hesitated when he agreed to the divorce back then - cold, clean, without an ounce of reluctance.

This time, she wouldn't hesitate either. She was completely clear about it now - no more ties.

But to her surprise, he didn't look angry. Instead, his lips lifted in amusement. "Be my secretary. Then I'll let you go."

Maria let out a low laugh, sarcasm dripping from her smile.

"Your secretary? Might as well just say you want me working for you again.

"Eighty million, right? Fine. Give me your account number."

If that much money could buy her peace, then so be it - money well spent.

James squinted at her like he was watching some kind of show, clearly doubting she had that much cash. He casually passed her his account info.

He picked up the contract she'd just signed and leaned back in his chair, slowly flipping through it like he had all the time in the world.

Moments later, his phone pinged. He'd actually received the transfer. James raised an eyebrow and gave her a long, intrigued stare. "Looks like you've been doing pretty well these years."

Maria smiled, her face bright and confident. "Thanks to you agreeing to the divorce. Turns out life's been great since you left."

That one stung.

His eyes dimmed for a moment.

She ran a hand through her messy hair and asked, "Am I free to go now?"

With that, she spun around and headed for the door, posture full of purpose.

James didn't react to her leaving. He just leaned back, lip slightly curved.

"You sure you double-checked the contract?"

Maria paused mid-step and turned her head.

He looked as composed as ever, slowly swiveling his chair and holding up the contract, spreading it out in front of him like he'd just won a game.

"What's wrong?"

Her heart skipped a beat, but thinking back, she was pretty sure everything was legit. "It clearly states that either party can terminate the contract with prior notice and mutual agreement. Which we just did."

She flashed a tight smile. "So? We had an agreement, didn't we?"

Still, something about this felt off - like escaping wouldn't be that simple.

"I changed my mind. Unless you come work as my secretary, I'm not letting you go."

"You." Her expression darkened, fists tightening. "You're seriously going back on your word?"

His eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. "Yeah. What about it?"

Maria took a steadying breath.

"You have no shame.

"You agreed to the deal, I transferred the money, and you accepted it. If you go back on it now, that could be considered fraud. I'll have my lawyer handle it immediately."

James didn't even flinch. "I can easily send the money back."

Maria's hands clenched into fists. "Great. Then my lawyer will contact you soon."

She grabbed her bag and turned to leave, but James caught up and yanked her back, pinning her against the wall. Maria's patience snapped-she unleashed the skills she picked up at Shadowglint.

James was caught off guard, his brows twitching in surprise at her sudden moves. For a split second, he seemed impressed.

He smirked and fired back.

Soon enough, he had her pushed up against the wall again, using sheer force to pin her down.

With his chest brushing hers, James leaned in smugly. "You've got skills, I'll give you that. Too bad you're up against me."

Their bodies tangled, breath mingling, the air between them thick with tension from the scuffle-and maybe something else.

"James."

A soft, startled voice echoed from the doorway.

Amelia stood there, eyebrows scrunched, mouth gaping.

Unbelievable. She'd only stepped away for a minute, and here was Maria already all over James!

Startled, Maria shoved James off her hard.

She shook off his hand with a look of pure frustration, like this whole thing had just wrecked her day.

Seizing the chance while James was momentarily distracted, she stormed off. Just as she reached the ground floor, her phone buzzed.

It was Ella.

She forced herself to calm down before answering.

"Hello? Ella, what's up?"

"Mommy, come quick! We're at a restaurant near your office."

Her brows furrowed. "Didn't I tell you all to stay put at the villa?"

"But Mommy, we really wanted to see where you work. And plus, we were curious about the place you grew up, so me and brother came out together."

Maria couldn't stay mad. Ella's sweet little voice was like a soft pat on her frustrated soul.

"Please, come, Mommy~"

"I'm coming."

After hanging up, Maria stepped out of the building.

That's when she heard another set of footsteps behind her-too familiar for comfort.

It had to be James.

If he tagged along and saw the kids... that'd be a total disaster. He'd cling even harder.

Her face sank even more.

Instead of heading straight for the restaurant, she jumped in her car and purposely detoured.

Without realizing it, she ended up by the sea.

Families and couples were scattered along the shore, the salty breeze brushing her cheeks. The familiar scent instantly brought her back.

This was the place-where she first felt something for James.

Back then, she'd hurt her foot, and James had carried her all the way from the beach to the car. They were pretending to date, keeping up appearances for the family, but that day... her heart had slipped.

Maria leaned against the car window, taking in gulps of fresh sea air, telling herself maybe walking a bit would help.

Before she could step out, another vehicle pulled alongside.

She turned her head-it was James.

He parked, window already halfway down, his gaze drifting between her and the playful figures running across the sand.

Then he looked at her. "You remembered, didn't you?"

"You're overthinking it."

Whatever ease she'd started to feel vanished in an instant. Maria twisted her keys, deciding it was time to meet Ella and Ethan.

"Leaving already? Not even gonna walk around a bit?"

"Not if it means seeing you."

Just in case he got the wrong idea, she shot him a cold glance. "Don't follow me."

With that, she hit the gas and sped off.

James watched her car disappear, eyes narrowing slightly.

Maria had changed-so much. Gone was the subdued version of her; now, every word she said had bite.

Once she was sure he wasn't behind her, Maria finally eased up.

But when she reached the restaurant where Ella said they were, the scene that greeted her made her freeze on the spot.

The restaurant looked more like a surprise proposal than anything else. Colorful balloons and roses were laid out from the entrance all the way to the stage-super romantic vibes going on.

Sweet and dreamy background music filled the place, and a big screen kept looping pictures from Maria's daily life. At the bottom corner? A huge caption: "Blind Date Gala."

Looking around the room, it was packed wall-to-wall with men in suits, all seemingly eligible bachelors. The whole vibe was buzzing.

Right up front on a stage sprinkled with rose petals stood two adorable kids, each holding a mic. They'd just wrapped up a heart-eyes introduction of their mom.

The moment things quieted down, a man in the crowd raised his voice, "Didn't you say she'd be here in five? It's been what-twenty now? Your mom's still a no-show!"

Someone nearby chuckled, joking with a sly smile, "Yeah, kids, your mom didn't ditch you two at the altar or something, did she?"

A few folks found the kids cute and couldn't resist teasing.

Ella looked worried right away, but Ethan? Totally calm, ice cool.

"Sigh, I'm out. Got other stuff to do."

"Same here, got a meeting with a client later!"

Some actually started heading out, and as time ticked by, more followed. Ella looked more and more anxious.

Ethan held her arm gently, signaling her to keep it together. He raised his mic again and said,

"Mom probably had a last-minute thing come up, but she'll be here soon-no doubt. If you've got to go, it's chill. Still plenty of quality guys left here-missing one or two won't hurt."

That got some laughs from the crowd.

"Well said!"

"Kid's got some game."

Most of the people who were about to leave now decided to hang around and see what would happen next.

Seeing the crowd settle, Ethan turned to Ella, "Ella, try calling Mom again."

Ella beamed and pulled out her phone. But just as she was about to dial, she caught a familiar figure at the door out of the corner of her eye.

"Mommy!"

She waved excitedly toward the entrance, her whole face lighting up. "It's Mommy! Mommy's here!"

As soon as she spoke, every single head turned to look toward Maria.

All kinds of stares swept over her-curious, impressed, admiring. plenty of approving glances too.

Maria felt the intensity right away. She tugged awkwardly at the corner of her lips. this was beyond embarrassing.

Those two little troublemakers really went all-out with a surprise dating event?!

Everyone's staring made her want to disappear. She was two steps away from spinning on her heel and bolting-

But before she could move, someone caught her by the shoulder.

And then came a familiar voice.

"Oh wow, is this what a matchmaking party looks like."

It was Isabella. She laid a hand on Maria's shoulder, giving her a sly grin.

Taking her sweet time scanning the room, she teased, "The kids went all out planning this for you. You're the star of today, girl. Where you think you're going?"

Maria rolled her eyes hard and muttered under her breath, "It's bad enough those two stirred up a circus. Did you really have to block me too?"

Isabella grinned, eyes twinkling. "You're scared to go 'cause you're still hung up on James, aren't you?"

Maria's expression stiffened. "Of course not!"

Isabella arched a brow, teasing, "Then what's holding you back?"

Rolling her eyes, Maria snapped back, "It's just a blind date. Fine, I'll go."

With that, she strutted down the red carpet scattered with flower petals, high heels clicking, heading straight toward the heart-shaped area where Ella and Ethan stood waiting.

Seeing her trap had worked, Isabella exchanged a quick victorious glance with Ethan on stage-mission accomplished.

Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, a sleek Maybach was parked a few cars away from Maria's. Inside sat James, his sharp jawline catching the light as he lifted his head.

Did she really think ditching him was as easy as walking a lap?

James pulled out his phone, ready to call her out.

Then paused-only to realize he didn't have her number. Or even her on WhatsApp.

Inside, the blind date event was in full swing. Everyone seemed entertained-everyone except Maria, who was beyond bored but had to pretend otherwise. No way was she giving Isabella more ammo to laugh at.

She hadn't expected much from the event, but what she got still caught her off guard.

One guy brought up her education and suggested she should go for a PhD to keep up with him. The guy really mapped out her whole future, no joke.

Another felt she was "too tough to handle" and said, weirdly, Isabella seemed more his type. Maria shot Isabella a mock-serious look, "Yeah, you two vibe. Go for it."

Isabella just shrugged like a victim caught in chaos.

Then came the one who asked if she had siblings. Explained he didn't like people with brothers or sisters-too annoying, he said. Maria shot back with a smirk, "Cool. I hate mother-in-laws. Got a mom?"

The room broke into laughter. Someone whistled. A few folks cheered.

"Damn, that was savage!"

"She's got fire, I'm into it!"

Another tried digging into her past. She rolled her eyes, deadpan: "How's that your business?"

Then finally, one guy who actually seemed decent said at the end, "So, do I just wait to hear back?"

She barely had time to recover before it got weirder. A short, round man stood up and declared loudly, "I've watched your pics, your videos, and now you in real life. Honestly, you totally meet my standards."

Maria's face turned stormy.

Dude. have you seen yourself in a mirror lately?

And if that wasn't enough, the next guy was completely out there-not even on the same wavelength. His vibe was almost. surreal.

Maria screamed internally, "These people are unreal!"

She felt her patience-and possibly her soul-starting to crack. She was barely hanging on.

Then the door slammed open.

James stepped in, immediately taking in the chaos around him. He froze mid-step, face darkening like a brewing storm.

"What the hell is going on?"

That deep, commanding voice and icy presence instantly froze the room.

Silence. Not a single sound.