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.

Jolie snapped out of her daze. Her eyes flashed with confusion before the situation fully

two steps back. "Mr. Cooper, what are

he suddenly gotten so close? And

how this might look

hand, 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

the urge to roll her

standing there? Did

an arrogant, self-absorbed

for

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

intended to just find a topic

His piercing gaze remained fixed on

a beat. How

yet he still managed to

it would be to offend him-and that wasn't a risk she could afford. Keeping her composure, Jolie let out a soft laugh. "Mr. Cooper, you're

if the conversation no longer interested him. Jolie couldn't tell what he was

the wine glass, her thoughts spinning as she tried to decipher

statement hit like a