Chapter 25
Jace chuckled, watching Claire light up over something so simple. Just as he was about to join her, his phone rang.
“Mom?”
The second he answered, his mother’s furious voice exploded through the line. “Jace! Where are you? I set up a blind date, and you didn’t even show up! That poor girl waited hours–you couldn’t even text?”
Jace frowned. “I’ve told you —I’m not interested. These women only agree because our family has money. I’m not doing it.”
“And what are you doing instead? You’re over thirty and still single! When am I getting grandkids?”
“Fine, I’ll marry a divorcée with two kids. How’s that?” Jace rolled his eyes. Thirty- something and unmarried–it wasn’t the end of the world.
“Great! Just bring someone home. A woman, a man—I don’t care! You can adopt kids if you
have to!”
Jace sighed and hung up, shaking his head. His mom was relentless about grandkids, and as the only son, all that pressure landed on him.
He glanced at Claire, raised a brow, and strolled over. “Claire, you got a boyfriend?”
“Me?” Claire gave a faint smile. “I have a husband. Well, soon–to–be ex.”
Jace blinked. Weird coincidence—he’d just joked about bringing home a divorcée. “Kids?”
“No kids.”
The sparkler in her hand fizzled out, and so did her expression. Jace caught the shift and didn’t push.
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Chapter 25
+15 Bonus
Then Finley showed up. His chest tightened the second he spotted Claire, but the moment he saw the guy standing next to her, his stomach twisted. The guy was taller, built like an
athlete. Together, they just… fit.
Jealousy flared as he scowled. Who the hell was this?
Some ash from the fireworks landed in Claire’s hair. Jace reached out and brushed it away —casual, effortless. But to Finley, it felt like a punch to the gut.
His anger snapped. Without thinking, he stormed over.
“Claire.”
Her already sour mood plummeted further. Seriously? Why was he everywhere?
“What are you doing here?” she asked, ice in her tone.
The coldness hit Finley like a slap. “I missed you.”
Claire, let out a dry laugh. “Wow. Didn’t know you could be this persistent. How many times do I have to spell it out? We’re done. Do you not understand plain English?”
Once, she never would’ve talked to him like this. Now, every word cut deep.
“Claire, come on. Don’t do this. After everything we’ve been through, you’re just gonna throw it all away?”
“Are you finished?” Her voice was flat. “If you’ve got nothing else to say, leave. I don’t
wanna do this.”
She turned, but Finley blocked her path. “Do you really hate me that much? You won’t even
look at me?”
Jace had seen enough. He pulled Claire behind him and squared up to Finley. “Hey, she’s not interested. Move.”
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