Chapter 3

When it came to Jane-related issues, Silas always moved swiftly.

We had barely finished signing the divorce documents that morning when he organized a media briefing for the evening. He dispatched his aide to request my presence and explain the situation.

Before I could respond, the aide, presuming I'd decline, conveyed Silas's prepared message.

He stated, "Miss Thea, you ought to join this media briefing. If not for Mr. Smith's benefit, then for your own public image."

I was momentarily taken aback, then let out a derisive chuckle.

Silas was attempting to coerce me.

He was employing the same strategies from my past to compel my cooperation, tarnish my reputation, and leave me struggling under public scrutiny.

Until I would eventually yield and submit.

I had never been certain whether Silas viewed me as a spouse or an adversary...

Now he wants to publicly address our relationship.

I won't be excluded.

The media briefing was set up in the most opulent hotel foyer, with invitations extended to the most prominent journalists in the field.

When Jane appeared on Silas's arm, reporters immediately flocked to them.

Silas instinctively shielded Jane, smiling as he deflected microphones on her behalf. "Please be patient, I'll answer all inquiries in due course."

"Now, could you kindly make way?" he said softly, looking up just as I was also encircled by reporters.

Our gazes intersected, and I briefly hoped Silas might come to my aid.

But in the next moment-

He dispassionately averted his eyes, a smile playing on his lips, clasping Jane's hand as they proceeded to the platform, as if I were invisible to him.

I curved my mouth into a sardonic grin.

The reporter nearest to me appeared to be a novice. She tentatively extended her microphone and inquired:

"Miss Thea, have you truly ended your marriage with Mr. Smith?"

"Indeed," I nodded, maintaining my smile.

The novice adjusted her spectacles. "But you and Mr. Smith were high school sweethearts, dated for seven years, and were wed for five."

"Just last month, Mr. Smith invested heavily in a small island named in your honor."

I continued smiling, though it didn't reach my eyes.

"That was his way of settling a debt."

It was a gift to compensate for missing my birthday while tending to an unwell Jane.

In my previous life, I had been proud of this gesture, only to discover later that it was Jack's suggestion, and Silas's assistant had selected the island. Silas wasn't even aware of its location.

"Do you still harbor feelings for Mr. Smith?" she asked.

She gazed at me anxiously, and the surrounding reporters fell quiet. Even Silas on stage glanced in my direction.

His brow furrowed slightly.

I calmly looked at him before curving my lips and replying, "Not anymore."