My ex-husband is seeking a second chance

gave

Marc looked at Carson’s lively expression and perceptive gaze, then introduced himself with a slow nod.

I’m Marc Males.”

He had no intention of concealing his identity. He came here with a purpose, and it was only a matter of time before his background would be revealed.

Upon hearing the name, Carson narrowed his eyes ever so slightly and asked, “Are you Brooke’s grandson?”

Marc nodded and continued, “To be precise, I’m his step–grandson.”

Carson’s eyes sparkled with interest, and a faint smile touched his lips. “Phoenix’s child?”

“Yes, Marc replied, “I am Phoenix’s son.”

Carson’s eyes lit up, and a smile appeared on his lips. “No wonder you looked familiar. Your features resemble Phoenix’s and Brooke’s closely

A warm smile appeared on Marc’s handsome face.

“I’ve had a conversation with Mr. Miller on the phone, and that’s how I learned about your friendship with him and Brooke The Three Heroes of Peach Grove, isn’t that the nickname?”

Carson burst into hearty laughter as if recalling the wild adventures he and his friends had experienced in their youth.

“What “The Three Heroes of Peach Grove? That’s just a ridiculous name that Wade came up with. Neither Brooke nor I acknowledge it. Let him continue with his foolishness on his own. We won’t be dragged into his nonsense.

Words were spoken, but it was plain to see that Carson had warmed up considerably. In the blink of an eye, he was treating Marc like family.

Carson didn’t waste any time. He meticulously polished a hairpin under the soft hum of the machine before casually asking, “You’ve come with a purpose. Spit it out, what’s on your mind.”

Carson, with his sharp eyes, could read Marc like an open book, even though Marc was famous for keeping his emotions in check.

Marc didn’t beat around the bush. He reached the point, hoping to coax Carving Carson out of retirement to collaborate with Brooke.

Carson listened to the whole story, contemplated for a moment, and said, “I’ve been drifting in the world of craft for years, never really stepping back, never really announcing retirement. It’s just that I haven’t crafted anything significant in a long while. I’m not as spry as I used to be, and I can’t muster the energy to pour my heart into carving anymore. Whittling down to trinkets isn’t enough to make a lasting impression. There’s a new generation rising in this craft world, and you young folks are calling the shots now. Why drag me back into the spotlight?”

“I understand. I’m not suggesting that a master of gemstones like yourself should be wasting time on gold and silver trinkets. That’s precisely why I’m proposing a collaboration between you and Mr. Miller to tackle a unique project.”

Marc retrieved his tablet and, with a few swift gestures, revealed a collection of damaged gemstones to Carson. “Carson, these are all top–tier gemstones, pristine materials turned into shattered fragments by the twists of fate. They’re like shattered mirrors, challenging to restore. I’m hoping that, with your and Mr. Miller’s exceptional skills, we might be able to give them a second shot at life. This endeavor is only achievable with your expertise.”

Carson couldn’t tear his eyes away from the screen showcasing these exquisite gemstones. They were undoubtedly top–notch, yet their shattered state tugged at his beartstrings.

No one with a passion for carving could resist the allure of jade. As Carson gazed upon them, a deep sorrow became an exhilarating burst of inspiration. He began to envision ways to restore these gems or even create something entirely new from them.

The more they conversed, the stronger his interest in the project grew. He was on the verge of agreeing when a thought

suddenly struck him.

“Hold on a minute. Aren’t Males Jewelry and Woolery Jewelry competitors? If Lassist you, wouldn’t that be like aiding the opposition? Pearl would likely have some strong words for me.”

Carson, conscious that his words needed more weight, decided to drop a hint involving Pearl.

“You may have met Pearl. She’s taken the reins at Woolery Group, and let me tell you, she’s got quite a fiery spirit. She’s the reigning queen of the Woolery family, and even an old–timer like me has to bow to her authority. She’s got a sharp tongue, you know.”

Marc couldn’t help but chuckle. “I know, she’s got quite the temper.”

Carson was about to add a few more words when he noticed something peculiar about Marc’s smile. “Hold on a sec, you know

Pearl?” Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“More than just knowing, we…”

Marc hesitated, debating whether to be honest with Carson about his relationship with Pearl. But before he could make up his mind, there was a knock on the door of the machine room.

Emily stood outside, wearing a troubled expression. “Carson, Ralph is here.”

“Where’s Pearl? Tell her to get out here! Her dad died, and as her uncle, I’m going to teach her a thing or two about manners today! She’s just like her father, a damn traitor to the family!”

The voice outside was thunderous, and the soundproofing in the Rose Garden wasn’t the best, so everyone could hear the shouting.

Carson’s face darkened upon hearing his disrespectful son’s voice.

“Marc, please excuse me for a moment. I need to attend to some family matters,” Carson said, picking up a long wooden stick from the corner and giving it a contemplative look. Then, he exited the machine room.

Marc furrowed his brow, his expression troubled and enigmatic.

In the CEO’s office, Pearl officially took over as Chairwoman after removing Ralph.

However, since she was settling into her new role, the Chairman’s office was undergoing a renovation, leaving her to work from her CEO’s office for the time being.

Mason, the Executive Assistant who was typically busier than Pearl, was uncharacteristically holed up in the office, drawing quite a bit of attention and speculation among the staff.

“It’s been quite a while since Mason went in there, and he has yet to come out. Could there be another tricky project on hand? I hope not. I just took a break a couple of days ago.”

Hadwin, lifting a dumbbell in her left hand while holding a pen in her right, didn’t bother to lift her head as she commented, “The

way Mason walked into the office, that demeanor and silhouette, it’s like a lone rider in a cold, lonely wind. I bet that he’s tangled up in something.”

“Wasn’t his bonus for this quarter just docked by Ms. Woolery? If he’s causing more problems, I’d say his year–end bonus is in real jeopardy

“Anyone care to make a bet on which sins he’s committing this time?”

“I’m guessing it’s the lust sin.”

“Hold it in! Don’t laugh!”

Mason stood before his desk, feeling like he was back in school, serving detention, and suffering from aching heels due to his prolonged standing.

Under Ms. Woolery’s stern gaze, he didn’t need much prompting to spill the whole story. In a nutshell, the kiss had been an accident. Lindsay had been intoxicated, and he had found himself in an unexpected situation, although he didn’t feel like he

11:02 AM

had been at a disadvantage.

After explaining, Pearl ignored him, leaving him to stew in his discomfort.

“Ms. Woolery, perhaps I should step out and get back to work?” Standing around idly could have been more productive, and there was a mounting pile of tasks waiting for him. Summoning up his courage, he tentatively suggested a retreat.

Pearl placed the file she had held down with a sharp, definitive motion. She then lifted her gaze, her demeanor still frigid, as she continued to scrutinize Mason.

Mason quickly shut his mouth, bowed his head, and assumed the posture of a guilty party.

“Don’t rush off just yet. Explain yourself thoroughly. What do you mean by “you found yourself at an advantage?” Pearl’s tone remained chilly and devoid of any warmth.

A wave of anxiety washed over Mason as he realized where he had misspoken. He hurriedly corrected himself, “I misspoke. I was wrong! It’s just that I didn’t resist when Lindsay, by accident, ended up in a compromising situation with me…”

Seeing Pearl’s stern expression, he swiftly adjusted his words again. “Of course, let me clarify that I didn’t do anything to her, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t have certain thoughts….

The more he tried to clarify, the more it seemed he was digging himself into a deeper hole. Mason finally decided it was best to stand up straight and stop talking.

“Ms. Woolery, I’ve decided to pursue à relationship with Lindsay to get married formally. I want to solidify our romantic status as soon as possible, and I hope you can give us your blessing!”

The declaration echoed so loudly that it caught the attention of everyone in the CEO’s office. They stared in amazement for a moment before breaking into applause and cheers.

“You got it right! It’s a “Just thing, Pay up, pay up, 20 dollars each.”

Pearl, observing Mason, who had just bowed deeply, emitted a slight huff and revealed a faint smile. “That’s settled then. No need for further discussion. Get out there and get to work!”

“Alright, Mason acknowledged, knowing that this was her way of granting has

set of gleaming teeth, and exited the room with a cheerful expression.

approval. He flashed a wide grin, displaying a

However, just as he stepped out, he paused momentarily, and his cheerful demeanor vanished, replaced by a grave expression. “Ms. Woolery, something serious has occurred at the Rose Garden. Ralph went there, created a scene, and even physically assaulted Carson!

Pearl’s face darkened, and she practically shot up from her chair. “How is Carson?”

“They’ve taken him to the hospital, and his condition is uncertain.”

“Prepare a car. We’re going to the hospital!”