After the CEO Divorced Me, He Wants Me Back

Jolie didn't like the way Gavin's gaze lingered on her.

It was heavy, oppressive, and carried an intensity that made her inexplicably tense and uneasy.

"Mr. Cooper, aren't you busy these days?" she asked, attempting to shift the atmosphere.

""Not too busy," he replied, his tone flat and indifferent.

Jolie was speechless.

How could someone be so adept at killing a conversation?

Still, for the Quin family, he was a distinguished guest. She couldn't afford to appear impolite or neglectful, or her parents would never let her hear the end of it. Being grounded would be the least of her worries. Yet, she didn't want to engage with Gavin more than necessary.

For one, she didn't like him. He was rigid, dull, and utterly devoid of emotional value.

And for another, she refused to play into Daisy's obvious plans. It was clear that her parents wanted her entangled with Gavin, but she had no intention of letting that happen.

Caught in the push and pull of these conflicting feelings, Jolie found herself staring blankly at her wine glass, lost in thought.

She didn't even notice when Gavin moved closer, until suddenly, her chin was tilted upward by the light press of his fingers.

Her eyes flashed with confusion before the situation

steps back. "Mr. Cooper, what

close? And what

about how this might

his thumb rubbing against his fingertips as if savoring the lingering sensation of her soft skin. His movements were unhurried, almost contemplative, and carried an air of deliberate purpose. Gavin's eyes locked onto hers, his voice calm yet commanding.

urge

standing there? Did

arrogant, self-absorbed

dislike for him

polite smile, she replied, "Apologies, did you say something? I was distracted, thinking about

just find a topic and

gaze remained fixed on her,

skipped a beat. How was he

been so careful, masking her disinterest, yet he still managed to

could afford. Keeping her composure, Jolie let out a soft laugh. "Mr. Cooper, you're mistaken. I'm

if the conversation no longer interested him. Jolie couldn't tell what he was thinking or feeling, and that unsettled

she tried to decipher

statement hit like