Chapter 553: Chapter 553



“Shawn, I promise I’ll pay you back. I can write you an IOU! Or I can work for you!”

Shawn offered a polite smile.

“You might consider reaching out to your ex-husband. He should be competent enough, wouldn’t you agree? I have no obligation to provide you with financial assistance.”

Lina was left speechless as Shawn strode past her, the crisp aroma of his cologne lingering in the air. It wasn’t until Shawn’s vehicle exited the parking lot that Lina gradually regained her composure, the light in her eyes having already diminished.

Shawn contacted Ferris.

“What did you and Lina talk about when you met?”

He sought to ascertain whether Lina was truly enduring such difficulties.

Ferris was enjoying dinner with Lily, and the ambiance was perfectly delightful.

“Why? I was under the impression that you didn’t care?”

“I just encountered her at the bar. What has transpired with her? Wasn’t she faring well just a year ago?”

It was only then that Ferris revealed to Shawn the intricacies of his conversation with Lina.

“She underwent a divorce, but her untrustworthy ex-husband was maintaining a mistress. In the six months leading up to the divorce, he played the role of a pushover, relinquishing all financial responsibility to Lina. Meanwhile, he secured…

“She took out loans elsewhere, accruing a substantial debt that ultimately became a shared marital obligation. What a pity. It’s lamentable, yet it’s also her karma for the way she treated you in the past.”

Maintaining appearances was something every adult understood all too well. Despite a bitter breakup with Lina, Shawn wasn’t about to revel in her troubles.

“Alright, got it,” Shawn muttered, brushing off Ferris’ remarks without any intent to reconnect with Lina. True indifference, he realized, was a far stronger statement than outright hostility.

As his car halted at a red light, he dialed Katherine’s number.

“Kathy, are you done with work?”

Katherine, still at a lively social event, navigated through the noisy backdrop of slightly inebriated banter.

“Almost,” she responded, pressing a hand to one ear while edging toward a quieter spot by the window. “Should I come over tonight?”

“Sure,” Shawn replied, his voice calm as he navigated the turn. “I’ll pick you up.”

Thirty minutes later, Shawn parked outside the restaurant just as Katherine stepped out, handbag in hand. The timing was impeccable—though life rarely orchestrated such perfect timing, when it did, it felt almost destined.

Seeing him, Katherine hastened over in her high heels. Her colleagues peered from the restaurant, witnessing a different side of their usually stern boss. To them, she transformed from a formidable leader to someone tender and youthful, rushing into the arms of her waiting boyfriend.

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