Eric snorted, icy as ever. "You never care about work, Hayley, but you're all in when it comes to gossip. Don't think freezing my card and humiliating me in front of our partners gets a free pass. Vivien had to scramble around borrowing money to cover it.

"I'll forgive you—after we properly thank Vivien. Her place is under reno, so clear out the guest room. She's moving in."

I shrugged. "Already sold the place."

"You what?" His eyes bugged.

Before he could spiral, Vivien jumped in. "Hayley's probably selling it to buy you a bigger place. She's making it up to you!"

Eric nodded like it made perfect sense. "Yeah, we've outgrown this place anyway. I'll pitch in for the new one. So hold off on the sale—Vivien can crash here for now."

Vivien chimed in. "I feel bad, though. I'll pay rent."

Eric scoffed. "You're my assistant. I'm not charging you rent."

"But I insist. Something at least."

"Fine. A few hundred."

They were on the same delusional wavelength, acting like rent was pocket change.

This place was dead center in the city. Market rent was pushing a grand. No wonder he didn't care—it wasn't his to lose.

Back when we were dating, he used to split dinner and movie bills down to the freaking penny.

The leap from "I love you" to "you're disposable" was wild.

Eric turned back to me. "So? Agree to this, and maybe I'll reconsider the divorce."

"No need—"

He cut me off. "Whoa, not so fast. You think I'm just gonna forgive you? If I let this go, you'll just keep screwing up."

He really thought I was the one begging to stay.

Vivien giggled. "Eric, you've got a point. But for me? Can't you forgive Hayley? You've been together forever. Would be such a waste."

Eric pretended to think it over.

She leaned in, fake pout, tugging on his arm.

He chuckled. "Alright, alright."

Then he shot me a smug look. "Since Vivien's standing up for you, I'll drop it. You should really thank her. After all that, she's still on your side. So about the divorce—"

I cut in, calm and sharp. "You misunderstood."

Handed him the papers. "We're already divorced."