"Just now, I felt so nauseous I almost threw up, so I asked a doctor to run some tests."

Larry pulled out an ultrasound report. "I'm three months along, Kaden. This is our baby!"

"That's amazing, Larry! I'm going to be a dad!"

Kaden lifted her off the ground and spun her around, completely oblivious to Jolie's shattered expression.

Jolie grabbed the fruit tray from the bedside table and hurled it at the two of them.

"Get out of here!"

"Jolie!"

Kaden shielded Larry instinctively, snapping at Jolie without thinking.

"I know you're upset, but Larry's been nothing but considerate. She's even offering to make you the kid's godmother. Isn't that enough?" Forget it, you're in a bad mood. I'm not going to argue. Just get some rest. I'll come back in a few days."

With that, he gently led Larry out. "You're pregnant now. You need proper rest. Let me drive you home."

Larry pouted, her lips painted red. "Why go home?"

"So you can pack a few things and move in with me. You're all by yourself. I don't feel comfortable leaving you alone."

As the two of them walked away, Jolie's tears finally broke free.

Kaden had already made a home with another woman, and she had nothing left to hold on to.

Her phone buzzed. Her mentor was calling.

"Jolie, are you ready? Your documents have all been approved. They're expecting you to join the team on time."

Glancing at the date, Jolie realized how quickly seven days had passed. It was time.

"I'm ready, Professor. I'll meet you at the airport."

When she got home, she packed her luggage swiftly, preparing to leave.

Housekeeper Helen sensed something was wrong but didn't dare stop her. She kept dialing Kaden.

The moment the call connected and she mentioned "Jolie," Kaden's voice turned impatient. "What is she doing now? Helen, I'll deal with her later. I have more important things to do right now. Just tidy up the guest room. I'm bringing Larry home."

Jolie heard every word clearly.

Helen looked awkward. "Ma'am..."

"Just do what he said. And actually, don't bother with the guest room, clean the master bedroom. Tell Kaden I've figured everything out. I wish him and Larry a lifetime of happiness. After all, trash belongs with trash."

With that, Jolie dragged her suitcase out of the villa without looking back.

A three-year closed research project was more than enough to drown out the pain of these past days.

"Kaden, this is really goodbye."

Outside the villa, a black Cavenne pulled up.

The window lowered halfway, revealing an outrageously handsome face.

"Jolie. Get in."

Jolie froze. "I didn't expect it to be you."

"Who else would it be? My dad and the others are already waiting at the airport. Three years with zero contact with the outside world—can you handle that?"

Jolie's voice was steady. "I can."

He lifted an eyebrow, placed her suitcase inside, and drove off with her.

The scenery shifted rapidly outside the window. Jolie glanced down at the wedding ring on her hand.

Kaden had taken her to buy it the day he proposed, even engraving their names on the inside.

She used to treasure it. Now she didn't want it anymore.

She slipped off the diamond ring, took a photo, and posted it on a reselling site.

"Selling what once was love. Starting bid: $1. First come, first served."

Minutes later, the ring was sold.

Her love with Kaden ended there as well.

At the airport.

Jolie's mentor and the old team members from previous projects greeted Jolie warmly.

"Welcome back, Jolie."

"Thank you, Professor Evans."

Jolie took her plane ticket from her mentor and was about to wheel her suitcase toward the check-in counter when someone reached out and grabbed it.

"I got this."

She turned and saw Greyson Evans, curiosity sparking. "You? You're coming too?"

"Didn't you know? Greyson's following in his father's footsteps. He's part of this project as well."

"Oh really?"

Jolie raised an eyebrow, glancing at the man beside her.

She had known Greyson since she was little. Handsome, high-profile, always the center of attention.

Brilliant in every way… except mischievous. He had been scolded by his father countless times.

Yet now, he was calm, heading to a three-year closed lab project with them. She could hardly believe it.

"What? Don't tell me you don't recognize me after five years."

Greyson smirked, dragging his suitcase toward the counter.

Jolie smiled at his retreating back and quickened her pace to catch up."

On the plane, Jolie's seat was next to Greyson.

Outside the window, clouds spread like a soft white blanket. The engine hummed steadily.

Feeling a chill, she was about to ask a flight attendant for a blanket when the man beside her pulled one from his bag and draped it over her lap.

"Here, use this."

His tone was gentle but commanding, with no room for refusal.

Jolie couldn't help but be surprised. She hadn't expected him to be this considerate.

Before she could thank him, he adjusted the overhead vent, angling the air away from her.

"You still seem as delicate as before. Are you sure you're ready for this project?"

A teasing smile curved Greyson's lips. Jolie retorted with a smirk, "I never thought someone who used to barely sit still would now be heading into a full-blown research project with me."

"Do you know why I'm going?"

His obsidian eyes sparkled like stars.

His gaze was intense, and Jolie couldn't help but feel her cheeks warm.

She looked away, embarrassed. "How would I know? Surely there isn't someone you like in the team, right?"

"Bingo."

"Really?"

Jolie's curiosity got the better of her. "Who? Can you tell me?"

"Curious much? Take a nap. We'll need our energy once we land and start reviewing project materials."

He leaned back, closing his eyes.

Jolie glanced at the blanket over her legs and the man beside her. Warmth blossomed in her chest.

After ten hours in the air, they reached their destination. Before entering, Jolie's mentor, Axton Evans, collected every phone.

"These phones will be returned to you in three years, exactly as they are now. I hope our project will succeed and make a global impact!"

Jolie turned off her phone and placed it in the box.

This time, she was ready to devote herself fully to her career.