Ch. 721..730

This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 721

Your Past Is Sad

Sonia heard it, of course. She watched as Toby shot daggers at the police officer, and she held her forehead in resignation.

The police officer felt awkward about the situation, but his younger team members were laughing in delight. “Ahem.” The officer scratched his head and looked at Toby sheepishly. “Can you let me go now, Mr. Fuller?” Ow, this handshake hurts. If I didn’t know he’s just being jealous, I would have suspected him of assaulting a police officer.

“Enough, Toby. Let him go. What are you doing?” Sonia tugged on his sleeve and told him to let the officer go.

Toby pursed his lips and finally let the officer’s hand go.

The officer looked at his swollen hand and smiled bitterly. These guys really get jealous easily, huh? I’m just here for my job, and he thinks I’m here for his wife. Honestly… He shook his head helplessly and put his hand down.

Beside the officer, Sonia shot Toby a glare. She knew he was a germaphobe, so she handed him her handkerchief. “Here.”

Toby looked at it, and he smiled. His annoyance was washed away, replaced by love for Sonia. “You’re the best,” he said gently, then he wiped the hand he used to shake the officer’s hand with a moment ago.

Sonia was annoyed, but she was also amused. “It was just a handshake, and I started it. Do you have to get jealous over that?”

“Yes. He’s still a guy.” Toby didn’t want to throw the handkerchief away, so he stuffed it into his pocket.

Sonia rolled her eyes. “You’re so unreasonable.” She turned around and smiled at the officer apologetically. “Sorry you had to see that.”

The officer waved her off nonchalantly. “It’s nothing.” In reality, he was actually annoyed, as it was his first time running into this situation. He wouldn’t have let it slide if it was someone else other than Toby. He could be a hothead if he wanted to. “It’s getting late, Miss Reed. We’re taking her away.” The officer straightened his cap and looked at Sonia seriously.

“Of course. Thank you again. She’s right there. You may take her away. We’ll help you in your investigation if you need it.” Sonia nodded and pointed at Jessica, who was held down on the meeting table by two security guards.

“Of course.” The officer saluted her, then he beckoned his men to take Jessica away.

When the officers closed in on her, Jessica shook her head in horror, as if they were demons who were there for her soul. “No, don’t come near me. Don’t come near me! Stay away! Stay away!” She shook her head and tried to kick the officers away.

However, that failed, and the officers took her from the bodyguards. The moment the officers took her, Jessica completely panicked, and her face was as white as a sheet. She tried to cry as a last-ditch effort.

“Sonia,you have to save me.” She looked at Sonia, begging for mercy. She was already a mess of tears and snot, but she continued, “Sonia, please tell them to let me go. Don’t let them arrest me. I… I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. I won’t do it again, I swear.” She started to bawl.

Her cries were pitiful, and she looked like she had repented, so she managed to garner some sympathy from the kinder audience. Some of the livestream audience even started to ask Sonia to let Jessica go in the comment section.

Sonia didn’t see it, so she wasn’t affected. Even if she did see the comments, she wouldn’t be swayed. They didn’t know Jessica as well as she did. Jessica wasn’t someone who knew what repentance was. Sonia didn’t see any hint of repentance in her eyes. In fact, hatred was the only thing sleeping within her.

In other words, Jessica was lying. She was just trying to get some sympathy from the public and get them on her side so she could be free. In reality, Jessica was probably thinking how she would get back at Sonia after she was free. How foolish.

“Don’t look.” Toby suddenly covered Sonia’s eyes and looked at Jessica in disgust. “This is going to traumatize you.”

Sonia smiled.

Toby said again, “And don’t show her mercy. She is not to be trusted.”

“I know.” She nodded.

Toby grunted. “Good to hear.”

Since Sonia wasn’t showing Jessica any mercy, the officers took her away.

When they came to the door and were about to leave the conference hall, Jessica finally realized that Sonia wouldn’t let her off the hook. She stopped begging for mercy and even stopped struggling. She followed the officers out, as if she had given in, but the moment they came out, she stopped, and the officers stopped as well. Jessica turned around, glaring at Sonia with bloodshot eyes. Her gaze was filled with venom and malice. “Just you wait, Sonia. I won’t forget this. I’ll get back at you once I’m released. I swear!”

The leader smacked the back of her head with his cap, and he looked at her darkly. “How dare you threaten someone right in front of us? That’s another crime added to the list. Take her away.”

Jessica was taken away just like that, and the reporters recorded it. All the audience saw what happened, and they finally knew that Jessica was a criminal. That was never going to change even after she was released.

“Don’t take what she said to heart,” Toby hugged her gently and calmed her down. He was worried Sonia might be frightened.

Sonia looked up at him and shook her head with a smile. “Don’t worry, I don’t really care. It’s not the first time she did this. Every time she loses to me, she’d threaten me. I’m used to it.”

Toby frowned. “Don’t let your guard down. She might be no match for you, but she can still trip you up.”

“You’re right.” Soinia nodded pensively.

Toby patted her head. “Don’t worry. She won’t even get the chance to do anything to you.” Jessica’s threat infuriated Toby. Threatening the person he cared about the most right in front of him was akin to signing a death warrant. Jessica is going to have a hell of an experience in the detention center. Emphasis on hell. Toby squinted, and a storm brewed within his eyes.

Sonia didn’t notice that. She left his embrace, picked up the microphone, and gave a speech to close the conference. After that, the crowd started to leave. In the end, only Toby and Sonia were left in the room.

Toby came to the computer Daphne worked on and pulled the USB drive out, then he handed it to Sonia. “You showed this to expose Jessica’s lies, but don’t do it ever again. I don’t want you to bring up your past to everyone. That’ll only remind you of all the dark memories. It’s a cruel thing for you.”75663

Sonia was touched that Toby was concerned about her. She smiled and took the drive from him. “I’m fine. I’ve gotten over it, so I don’t feel anything when I see the video again. I’m strong enough now, and these things can no longer hurt me.”

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This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 722

Jailed

“I know.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his embrace. “I just don’t want to see your past brought up. And I really regret this.”

“Regret what?” She looked up at him in confusion.

Toby rubbed his forehead against hers. “For being absent in your life when you needed me. If I showed up when you told me that Jessica and her mother abused you in your letters, none of this would have happened.”

Even Tina wouldn’t have showed up. We would have gotten together, gotten married, and have children now.

Toby was blaming himself. Seeing this, Sonia held his face in her hands and pinched him. “Don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault. You had to stay in the hospital because of your heart condition. You can’t go around anywhere you like, so don’t beat yourself up. Besides, that only lasted a short time. Once my dad found out, they stopped doing it, so my childhood can still be considered a happy one.”

Toby pulled her hands off his face. “I still think I missed out on a lot.”

Sonia smiled. “If you think so, then you’ll have to be even nicer to me.”

“I will.” Toby’s eyes lit up, then he pulled her closer and hugged her as tight as he could, as if he wanted to meld her into him.

Sonia felt uncomfortable, but she knew how he was feeling, so she didn’t stop him. It’ll just be for a bit.

Toby was reminded of something, so he loosened his hug and looked at her. “Oh, right. Do you know where Sandra is?”

Sonia arched her eyebrow. “Sandra?”

“Yes.”

Sonia pouted. “I thought about that when Jessica first came back to Seafield. I wondered why Sandra wasn’t with her. She was also alone when I saw her in Kosovo last time. Sandra is probably dead, I guess.”

“No, she is not.” Toby shook his head.

Sonia was surprised. “She’s not?”

“Yes.” He nodded.

Sonia sneered. “She’s a survivor, huh? She got cancer six years ago, so she must be in an even worse condition now. I thought she was dead, but turns out she’s still alive, huh”

“She’s in prison,” Toby said calmly, but it was a bombshell for her.

“What?” Sonia paused for a moment, then she stood up straight. “Jailed? Why?”

Is it because she poisoned Dad? No. She did it when she was in Seafield. The foreign police wouldn’t care about this. Besides, Jessica was her accomplice. If she was jailed because of this, there’s no way Jessica can go free.

“Involuntary manslaughter.” Toby straightened out Sonia’s hair and answered, “She and Jessica left for Mesania after their stint in Seafield, and they became Mesanians. They spent two years lavishly with the money they swindled from Paradigm Co., but since they had no income, the money dried up. Jessica and her mother aren’t the kind to want to work, so they…”

“So you’re saying they whored themselves out.” Sonia finished the sentence, but she was disgusted.

Toby nodded. “More or less. They went to nightclubs and tried to hook up with rich guys so they wouldn’t have to worry about money. Jessica’s young, so a lot of people want her, and eventually, she hooked up with a rich kid. Sandra might be older, but she still has her charm, and there’s a market for that. An old guy decided to be her sugar daddy. He liked her a lot and spent a lot of time with her. He was even going to divorce his wife for Sandra too.”

“Hold up.” Sonia raised her hand to stop him, then she gulped. This is going to be a bold guess. “Did the wife find out about the affair and went to argue? Was that the person Sandra killed?”

“Smart, Little Leaf.” Toby chuckled and ruffled her hair.

Sonia took his hand away in annoyance. “Don’t do that. Look, it’s messy now. Didn’t you just straighten it out?”

“It’s fine. I can do it again.” He looked at her.

Sonia was amused. “We’ll talk about that later. How did Sandra kill the wife anyway?”

“Naturally, the wife couldn’t accept it when she knew her husband was about to divorce her. She launched an investigation and found out about the affair, so she went to argue with Sandra. And then Sandra inadvertently pushed her down the staircase, killing her on the spot.”

Sonia gasped in shock. “I pity the wife.”

That woman is cancer, no pun intended. She killed Dad, and she ruined someone’s marriage overseas. How come she’s still alive? “Did she do it on purpose, or was it involuntary?” Sonia frowned. She’s an evil woman, so I won’t put murder past her. After all, she could poison her own husband. Who knows what else she can do?

“The cops say it was involuntary, but who knows about the truth?” A sardonic smile appeared on Toby’s face.

Sonia looked at him. “How many years is she serving?”

“Five,” Toby answered curtly.

Sonia’s eyes widened in shock. “Only five years?”

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“That old git’s a powerful guy, so he helped her out. But it’s good news, right?” Toby held a lock of her hair and kissed it.

Sonia frowned. “Which part of that is good?”

“She killed someone overseas, and now her citizenship is revoked. Once she serves her time, she’ll be extradited back here. And then you can avenge our dad.” Toby put her hair down.

Sonia blushed, and she shot him a glare. “Our dad? That’s my dad.”

“Same difference. I’ll have to call him that sooner or later,” Toby said shamelessly while smiling.0

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Sonia shook her head with resignation, but she didn’t say anything to that. “You’re right. Just because she served her time overseas doesn’t mean I’ll forgive her for poisoning Dad. Committing a crime overseas and committing a crime here are two different things. She did her time for manslaughter, but she didn’t get punished for poisoning Dad. She has to pay the price for that.” She clenched her fists and frowned.

Toby raised her chin. “And she will, so stop frowning. You look ugly.”0

“What? You don’t like that?” Sonia glanced at him.

Toby massaged her brows with his thumb. “No. I just think you shouldn’t get too emotional when it comes to people like them. It’s not worth it, and it’ll make you upset.”

Sonia looked down. “I know, but they’re thorns in my side, and I can’t just stay calm. I’ll have to pull them all out before I can rest easy.”

“I know.” Toby placed his chin on her head. “But you can ease up for now. They aren’t right in front of you, but I am, so look at me.”

This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 723

Desire to Kiss

“Why?” Sonia was confused, but she looked up at him anyway.

Toby smiled. “Because I can make you forget about them for a while and cheer you up.”

Sonia laughed. “You really think highly about yourself, don’t you?”

“But it’s the truth.” Toby looked up proudly. “People always get cheered up when they see pretty things. Am I not pretty enough for you?”

Sonia rolled her eyes. “Humility isn’t one of your traits, is it?”

“But honesty is.” He looked at her.

Sonia opened her mouth, but she could say nothing to that. Not like she could argue with him on that matter, since he was indeed handsome and noble. It wasn’t every day she met a man like him, or she wouldn’t have fallen for him at first glance.

Sonia had seen a lot of handsome men as well. Charles was dashing, but he didn’t have the X factor Toby had. He wasn’t as mature or noble as Toby was, and those were traits that could attract girls the most.

He looked down and huddled closer to whisper, “Why aren’t you saying anything?”

Sonia snapped out of it. “I was thinking about something.”

“Is that so?” Toby huddled even closer to her. “What were you thinking about?”

“I’m not telling.” Sonia pushed him away. “Alright, you can let me go now.”

Toby wouldn’t do it and ignored her. I’m not letting this chance go. I’m close.

Since Toby wasn’t letting her go, she knew he was going to act like a spoiled child again, so she held her forehead. “Enough. Let me go. We should go out now.”

She nudged him with her elbow, but he still wouldn’t release her. Instead, he leaned over. As the table was right behind her, she was forced to lie on the table, and Toby pressed down on her.

There was no space between them. Sonia could feel his sturdy chest and the steady heartbeat that was coming from within. As she lay down on the table, her long hair spread out like a blooming lotus. Her fair face that dotted the middle caught all the attention, however.

When Toby looked at her again, he started gulping, and his eyes started to be filled with lust.

Sonia knew he was starting to lust for her, since she could feel something getting bigger around her thigh. She started getting nervous and stared at him unblinkingly, but she was blushing.

It was obvious what was going to happen. She should have pushed him away and stopped it, but instead, she placed her hands against his chest and did nothing. She lost her strength when she met his lustful, greedy gaze, but she also didn’t want to do it. She didn’t want to push him away.

“Sonia,” Toby called her name all of a sudden. His voice was hoarse, but it was seducing and electrifying.

Sonia could feel her heart thumping, as if it wanted to break free of her chest. Her breathing became heavier and she answered his call, but her voice was barely a whisper. Even so, it was inviting and seductive.

Toby’s heart skipped a beat, and he pinned her down even further. “I want to kiss you.”

Sonia rolled her eyes. He never asked for my permission when he kissed me before, but now he’s doing it. She was amused, and she nodded. Toby was already pinning her down which prevented her escape, but more importantly, she wasn’t planning on escaping.

Toby pinned her down against the table and created this scene to make her fall for him. Once she fell for him, she wouldn’t break free, nor would she want to. Toby knew she wouldn’t refuse from the beginning, but he had asked her just so he could hear her say yes. What a scheming man.

He didn’t know what she was thinking about, nor did he want to. All he knew was that she had agreed to let him kiss her, so he didn’t want to waste any more time. He lowered his head and kissed her red lips.

Sonia gasped, but she couldn’t make a sound after that. He had kissed her without any warning, and she didn’t get any time to catch her breath.76293

Fortunately, he realized her breathing was getting shallow, so he let her gasp. Once she could breathe normally, his kiss became more intense.

Sonia lost her strength as the kiss went on. She was hugging him in the beginning, but in the end, she let him go, and her arms lay limply by her side. She looked vulnerable, as if she would let him do anything he wanted to her. At that moment, Sonia looked luscious and seductive.

What a succubus, Toby thought. Sonia was looking just like a succubus who wanted nothing but to make love to him. I wouldn’t mind dying if I get to do anything to a succubus like her. I would gladly give my life to her.

He put his hand on her back and pushed her up to switch positions. It’s not good for her back if she keeps lying like that.

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It was then that Sonia heard the sounds of footsteps and conversation coming from outside.0

She quickly snapped out of it and opened her eyes, then she pushed Toby away, but he wouldn’t get off her. Get up. Someone’s here! She made a muffled sound because he was still kissing her, and she hoped he would get what she was trying to say.

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Toby heard her muffled sound, and he released her lips. “What is it?” He panted.

I knew it. He didn’t get it. She turned her head toward the door. “Someone’s coming. Let me go.”

Toby looked at the door and indeed heard some sound, but he smiled. “It’s probably the janitor. Ignore them. They can clean the place, and we can keep going on. It’s alright.”

Sonia widened her eyes. What is he talking about? What does he mean we can make out while they clean? I mean, yeah, whatever the janitors do won’t affect us, and whatever we do won’t affect them, but I can’t kiss right in front of someone else. She pursed her lips. “No. I don’t want to kiss in public. And the rumors are going to spread like wildfire tomorrow.”

Since Sonia was reluctant to do it, Toby sighed. “Fine. I get it.”

Sonia glared at him. “Hey, why do you sound so disappointed?”

“I do not,” he answered seriously. “Hug my neck.”

“Why?” Her heart sank, and she had a bad feeling about it.

Toby’s eyes glinted. “Just listen to me and do it. You’ll find out in a minute. Quick. They’re coming in.”

The footsteps were getting closer, but Toby still wouldn’t let her go. Oh, alright. She closed her eyes and hugged his neck.

This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 724

Get Under the Table

After she hugged him, she opened her eyes and gave him a warning, “You’d better not be up to something, Toby. Put me down and stop hugging me. If they come in and see us like this, it’d be awkward for both of us.”

“They won’t. Don’t worry about it.” He smiled confidently.

She looked at him. “Why?”

Toby didn’t answer. Instead, he held her butt with one hand and picked her up from the table. Oh, it’s soft. And it’s meaty… It feels great. Toby groped it.

Sonia’s eyes widened. “Toby, what are you—”

“Shh…” Toby put his index finger against his lips and told her to be quiet.

Sonia pursed her lips and said nothing.

Then, Toby pulled the tablecloth up, and much to Sonia’s shock, he went under the table with her. Then he let her go.

Sonia pointed at him in disbelief. “Toby, I can’t believe you just…” She couldn’t even get a complete sentence out. He just took me and hid under the table? What the heck? She never thought he would do that. Is this really Toby? Oh my god, I can’t believe it.

Toby knew Sonia would be shocked, and he only smiled at her. Then, he straightened the tablecloth out and made it look like it hadn’t been touched.

The tablecloth was long and reached the floor. Once he put it down, it was enough to cover everything underneath the table. If nobody pulled it up, they would never find Toby and Sonia underneath. The space under the table was large enough for them to sit or squat, though they couldn’t stand up, of course.

Sonia was sitting, and thanks to the rug, she wasn’t feeling cold. After Toby had straightened the tablecloth out, she pinched his cheeks at once and pulled his face to the sides. “Who are you, and where did you hide Toby? I’m tearing your mask down.” Then she started to pull harder.

Toby frowned from the pain, then he held her wrists and pulled her hands away from his face, though there were red marks on his cheek. He looked funny with the marks, but Toby didn’t mind. He flicked Sonia’s forehead and huddled closer to her. “What are you talking about? I’m me. Who would dare impersonate me? Who would be good enough to even impersonate me?”

He looked up proudly. After all, nobody could impersonate him. He was too handsome, too powerful, and too sexy.

Sonia knew he was the real Toby, since their novel’s genre was urban romance, not fantasy. She was just asking that because she never expected him to hide underneath a table. It’s not like him. That was why she was shocked. “I know it’s the real you. I just… It doesn’t matter. What matters is why did you take me here?” Sonia was confused.

Toby looked at her seductively. “Because nobody can see us if we resume what we were doing here.”

Sonia’s jaw dropped. “Y-You took me here just to…”

Toby chuckled, then he leaned over. The moment he did, she leaned backward, and eventually, she fell to the rug and grunted. Fortunately, the moment she did, someone opened the conference’s room door, and the sound of the door opening drowned out her grunt, so nobody heard it. I’d be embarrassed otherwise.

After all, if anyone found out that two company presidents were hiding under a table instead of sitting on their chairs, they’d be laughing stocks.

When Sonia heard the sound of footsteps coming in, she covered her mouth instinctively and glared at Toby. She tried to give him a look that said, ‘Get off me. Stop kissing.’

Toby wouldn’t listen, of course. He huddled closer and whispered, “Don’t you think this is exciting?”

The corner of Sonia’s lips twitched. Yeah. If I didn’t know better, I would think we were having an affair, but we’re a real couple. No couples would hide under a table and stay there. If we go out now, the janitor will find out. What should we say to the employees then?

“Alright, stop fooling around. Get up.” She put her hand down and whispered to him.

Toby curled his leg and knelt between Sonia’s legs, then he looked at her seductively. “Honey, we can’t go out now, and since we’re already here, why don’t we do something? It’d be a waste of time if we don’t. If we make out here, it’d be memorable, since you don’t get this chance every day.”

“What the h…” Sonia was embarrassed that he called her honey, and she blushed. She knew couples would call each other endearing nicknames like ‘honey’ or ‘sugarpie,’ but she never thought it’d happen between her and Toby. I wouldn’t call him honey, since that doesn’t fit his vibe. And I don’t expect him to call me that either. He doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who’d call me that.

However, she was proven wrong. He would call her honey, and he did it effortlessly and without any embarrassment. It was as if he had done it a million times before even though it was the first time he was doing it. She got goosebumps all over when he called her honey. After all, she was nearly twenty-seven years old, and she felt embarrassed when her boyfriend called her that.

But for some reason, she felt delighted as well. In other words, she actually loved it when Toby called her honey. Am I that kind of lewd woman? She covered her face and moaned ever so quietly.

The employee who was wiping the table seemed to have heard it, so she stopped wiping and asked her colleague, “Hey, did you hear that?”

“What?”

“Someone’s here.”

Sonia stiffened up, and she started sweating. Oh no, oh no. We’re gonna get busted. It’s going to be so embarrassing. By tomorrow, everyone’s going to say that I hid under the table to do something sordid with Toby. When she thought about what would happen, she stared up at the table hopelessly.

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However, Toby didn’t panic in the slightest, as if he wasn’t afraid to be found out. Then, he chuckled.

His chuckle annoyed her. In the end, it got to her head, so she turned her head and bit his wrist. However, she didn’t bite it for too hard or too long, since he might whelp in pain.

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This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 725

Surreptitious

She glared at him, and the look in her eyes said, ‘What are you laughing at? How dare you laugh? We wouldn’t have been in this situation if not for you taking me here.’

He touched her cheek and huddled closer, then he said with a voice only they could hear, “Don’t worry. We won’t be found.”

“And how are you so sure about that?” Sonia didn’t believe him.

Toby was about to say something, but then the employees started talking again.

“But I don’t see anyone here.” The employee named Lisanna looked around. “There’s only the two of us here. You must be seeing things.”

“There’s only the two of us here, but I heard someone talking just now.” The employee who talked first earlier waved her hand. “No. It wasn’t someone talking. I heard a grunt. No, more like a moan. Yeah, a moan.”

“A moan?” Lisanna blinked. “I didn’t hear it. You might be hearing things.”

“No, I didn’t.” The first employee shook her head adamantly.

“Odd. We’re alone here, but there’s someone moaning? Wait, it can’t be…” Lisanna shivered, and her voice started trembling. “This place can’t be haunted, right?”

The first employee shrieked, and she blanched. “That’s just nonsense, Lisanna. There are no ghosts. It’s still morning. Stop scaring me.”

“I’m not scaring you. You said you heard things but we’re alone here, so who made that sound? It’s either a ghost, or you must have been hearing things,” Lisanna said seriously.

The first employee gulped. “D-Do you think this place is really haunted?”

“Who knows?” Lisanna shook her head fearfully.

The employee held the cleaning cloth. “Why don’t we hotfoot it out of here, Lisanna? You’re scaring me, and I’m getting the heebie jeebies.”

“But we haven’t finished cleaning the room.” Lisanna wanted to go out, but she hesitated.

Her colleague held her arm. “Forget it. It’s not even dirty, and this room isn’t used too much. It’s fine, so let’s just leave. I’m really getting scared here.”

“You’re right. Let’s go.”

The employees took their cleaning tools and left the room as soon as possible.

Sonia was looking absolutely stormy and annoyed after hearing that. “They… They called me a ghost? That’s just too far.” I don’t look like a ghost.

“Yeah, it is.” Toby nodded. “Ghosts are ugly, but you’re hot. They just can’t see the difference.”

Sonia rolled her eyes. “It’s all your fault. I wouldn’t have done this if it weren’t for you.” She pushed him away and sat up, then she combed through her hair with her hand. “This is the first time I’m hiding under a table.”

“Me too.” Toby sat up and straightened out his suit.

Sonia grumbled, “You brought this on yourself. I told you to let me go, but you took me straight under the table.”

Toby smiled. “If we didn’t hide, they would have seen us. Even if we hadn’t done anything, there would still be rumors flying around tomorrow. Wanna bet?”

Sonia paused for a moment. “But why?” Obviously, she was still dazed.

Toby sat on the rug. He put one leg up and crossed the other leg underneath. It was a sexy pose. Then, he raised one finger. “Because we stayed around for a long time after the conference ended. Do you think they won’t imagine what we were doing in the room during that time?”

Sonia couldn’t find any argument for that. He has a point. We stayed in a room, alone. Of course they’d start to imagine things.

Toby raised another finger. “And secondly, you stand out too much.”

Sonia tilted her head to the side. “How?”

Toby pointed at his lips, and she looked at them. His lips were thin and nice, and the color wasn’t too luscious. However, now that she had a closer look, she realized his lips were obviously red. The only reason for that was because of the kissing. His lips had turned red from the kiss, and it was the same for Sonia. Her upper lip was thin, but her lower lip was full. It was perfect for kissing, so her lips would be redder than his after the kiss, and they might even be swollen.

No wonder I stand out. My lips are swollen from the kiss. Of course I stand out. Just like what Toby said, after the employees came in, even if they weren’t kissing or standing together, the employees could still figure out what they were doing before they came in. The rumors would still fly around the next day. “So I have to thank you for taking me under the table?” Sonia looked at him speechlessly.76295

He pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear and whispered, “No. But if you insist, I wouldn’t mind.”

Sonia’s lips twitched. “Give an inch and you take a mile. You can stay here if you want, but I’m going out.” She pulled the tablecloth up and crawled out.

After she left, Toby went out as well, and they reappeared in the conference room.

Sonia heaved a sigh. “I don’t want to do that kind of stuff ever again.”

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Toby straightened his suit, and he chuckled. “But don’t you think it’s exciting?”0

“Once is enough.” She massaged her neck. “We’re lucky we weren’t found out, but we might run out of luck the next time. I’m not taking the risk, and you aren’t dragging me into this.”

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Toby shrugged, though he looked disappointed. Fine, no next time then, but I can change the spot. Bathrooms, couches, and even the balcony. He curled his lips into a smile.

Sonia didn’t know what he had in mind, but that smile made her shiver. I have a bad feeling about this. He must be up to something bad. “We should go out now.” She held his arm and stopped his train of thought, then she dragged him away.

Toby smiled at her and played along quietly.

She opened the door and went out, but Sonia looked around her, as if she was worried someone might see them.

Toby was amused by what she was doing. “What are you doing?”

“Oh, what do you know?” She looked at him. “I’m checking the coast. If someone saw us coming out, they’d come up with another rumor, so we have to avoid the crowd, understand?”

Toby nodded. “Understood.”

“Alright. You take that side, I take this side. We’ll split up and cover more ground.” Sonia pointed at her left.

“Okay.” Toby nodded. If she wants to do this, I’ll play along. She was reluctant to hide under the table earlier, but she played along with me anyway.

The two of them skulked around furtively and evaded all the offices and crowds before finally coming back to their own office.

The moment she closed the door, Sonia heaved a sigh of relief. “Now I can rest easy. Nobody will know what happened.”

Toby stood beside her and smiled lovingly. “That’s right.”

Sonia stretched her arms and turned around. “So what now? It’s still early, so aren’t you going back to your company?”

This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 726

Two Childish Men

“No. I’ll stay here with you.” Toby went to the couch and took a seat.

Sonia didn’t chase him out, and she went back to her desk. “Sure. As long as you’re not bored out of your mind.”

“Do I look like the kind of guy who gets bored easily?” Toby poured a cup of tea for himself and smiled.

Sonia smiled at him, but she said nothing. Then, she made a call.

When Toby saw her putting her phone against her ear, he rubbed the side of the cup. “Who are you calling?”

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Since the call hadn’t gone through yet, Sonia took a second to answer, “Charles.”

Toby frowned. “Lane?”

“Yes.”

“Why are you calling him?” He sounded jealous. He knew Charles had given up on Sonia, but he knew the guy still had feelings for her, and that alone made Toby dislike him.

Sonia knew why Toby’s face fell, and she shook her head. “I want to thank him. He’s the first one who tried to clear my name right after Jessica launched her smear campaign. Oh, and Zane too, so I’ll have to thank him later. Stop getting jealous.”0

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Toby grunted and stayed quiet. Fine. I’ll let this one slide because they helped her. Despite him thinking that, he still stared at Sonia and listened closely in case the conversation got out of hand.

Sonia felt his gaze, and she knew why he was looking. She shook her head in amusement.0

Charles heard her laughter, and he was confused. “Why are you laughing, Sonia?” Did I crack a joke or something? I don’t think I did.

Sonia waved her hand. “It’s nothing. I was just amused because I saw a childish guy doing something stupid.”

“A childish guy?” Charles was even more confused now. “Who is it?”

“Doesn’t matter.” Sonia wasn’t about to tell him it was Toby.

Since she wasn’t spilling, Charles shrugged and stopped asking.

Toby realized that Sonia was calling him childish, and he arched his eyebrow. Does she think I’m a childish guy?

Sonia made some small talk and was about to hang up so she could call Zane, but then Charles remembered something, and he stopped her seriously. “Oh, right. Sonia. You need to hear this.”

Sonia put her phone back against her ear, and she turned serious as well. “What is it, Charles?”

“Someone from the hospital in Norfolk called me. You know, the place where your parents’ daughter was born.”

“Yes, and?” Sonia nodded.

Charles squinted. “The guy told me that Titus sent someone to snoop around about your mother’s case twenty-six years ago.”

“What?” Sonia’s face fell. “Why would Titus want to find out about that?”

When Toby overheard that, he stopped sipping his tea and went over to her. “What happened?”

Sonia shook her head quietly and waited for Charles to answer her.

Charles shook his head as well. “No idea. The guy said Titus’ lackey only asked about your mother’s child’s basic info and left, so I don’t know what he’s up to.”

“I see.” She bit her lip.

Charles continued, “I think he must be up to something. Titus must be planning a conspiracy, or else he would have no reason to snoop around. Be careful, Sonia.”

“I will.” Sonia smiled. “Thanks for the heads up.”

Charles waved his hand. “It’s nothing. We’re friends, right? Call me if you need anything. I’ll help if I can.”

Sonia was about to answer, but Toby—who had been listening in—interrupted with a dark look on his face, “No need. She has me. And you aren’t useful enough, really.”

The corner of her lips twitched, and she shot him a glare. “What are you doing?”

“It’s the truth.” Toby smiled.

When Charles heard his voice, he paused for a moment, but when he realized who it was, he stood up angrily. “Toby! Why are you there?”

“Why can’t I be here?” Toby placed one hand on Sonia’s shoulder and the other on the back of her chair. From the front, it looked like he was hugging her, and he looked smug. “I am her lover. If I can’t be here, who else can? You?”

“Why you…” Charles stomped his foot angrily. “Don’t get smug, Toby. You weren’t even around when I met Sonia.”

Toby looked ahead and answered languidly, “So? Not like you can have her in the end.”

Charles was annoyed, but he could say nothing to that.

Sonia leaned forward and held her forehead in resignation. These men are in their thirties and they’re the bosses of their own companies, but now they’re arguing like kids, and they sound so childish. How amusing.

Toby didn’t know Sonia just called him childish again, and he was busy basking in his glory of winning the argument. Of course he was delighted, for Charles was his romantic rival, and he won. Toby massaged his forehead and told Charles arrogantly, “Alright, we’re going to be very busy, and we don’t have time to waste. Goodbye.”

Charles froze up, then he held the phone tightly. “Hey, wait a minute,” he quickly said. “What are you two going to do? I’m not going to let you do anything funny to her, you hear me? You hear me, Toby?”

Toby could imagine how panicked Charles must be. He must be dying to come over right now. He took Sonia’s phone and retorted coldly, “Charles, what Little Leaf and I will do is between us. It’s none of your business. You’re just an outsider.”

Charles was fuming. “Little Leaf? You called her Little Leaf?”

Toby caressed Sonia’s hair and retorted nonchalantly, “So?”

Charles clenched his fist. “So? So that’s what her parents call her. You don’t have the right to call her that.”

“I’m sorry, but I do, and Little Leaf allowed it.” Toby’s smile was broadening.

Charles was shocked. “What? She allowed it?” She told him her nickname and allowed him to call her that?

“That is right.” He held a lock of her hair and kissed it.

Charles was silent. He did try to call her Little Leaf back then, but she refused. She said that nickname was only reserved for her parents, so he changed and called her ‘baby’ instead. He thought she would lock her nickname away forever after her parents’ death, but he never thought she would allow Toby to call her that after six years. So this is the difference between someone who’s loved, and someone who’s not.

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This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 727

Charles’ Worry

Toby felt delighted after gaining another win. Since he was happy now, he was willing to let Charles go. He cleared his throat and said victoriously, “Alright then. Since you…”

Charles didn’t want to hear his voice, so he interrupted Toby, “Give Sonia the phone.”

Toby frowned. “Why? Wanna snitch? Then you’ve failed. She heard everything we said.”

“You think too highly of yourself. I’m not that much of a sore loser.” Charles snorted. Snitch? Man, I want to, but it’s useless. She wouldn’t stand on my side and scold him. She heard everything we said, but she didn’t even make a sound. It’s obvious she’s not stepping in, so snitching is just a waste of time.

“Knowing where your place is a good trait.” Toby snickered.

Charles closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Toby, I’m not going to argue with you. Hand her the phone. I have something I need to ask.”

“You can ask me. We’re one and the same. Whatever she knows, I know,” Toby answered. He just didn’t want to give the phone back to Sonia.

Charles rolled his eyes. “As if. I want to ask about my ex-secretary. Do you even know anything about her?”

Toby shut up. Um, no. I know nothing about that.

Sonia shook her head in amusement. “Give it to me. I’ll talk to him.” She extended her hand, and Toby gave her the phone back reluctantly. Sonia put it against her ear. “What do you want to know about Daphne, Charles?”

God, that annoying guy is finally gone. He heaved a sigh, and he cooled down a lot. He stared at the ground and asked, “It’s nothing. I just want to know if she’s acting weird lately.”

“Weird?” Sonia tilted her head to the side. “Which part?”

“Um…” Charles sat down and looked around, but he just couldn’t form a coherent sentence.

Sonia thought it was weird. “What’s wrong, Charles?”

“I’m fine.” Charles raised his arm and covered his eyes. “I just want to know if something’s off about her recently. Like her behavior or something.”

“Behavior?” Sonia arched her eyebrow and shook her head. “Everything’s fine with her lately. Why do you want to know about that, Charles? Wait, are you suspecting her?” Did someone buy her off? If that’s the case…

Just when Sonia was starting to take it the wrong way, Charles said again, “No, she’s fine. It’s just that something happened between us and I wanted to know how is she doing.”

“I see.” Sonia nodded and heaved a sigh of relief. I was being paranoid. She was worried someone close to her might have been bought off. After all, getting betrayed by someone she trusted the most would be devastating. Good thing nothing’s wrong with her.

“Okay. Since she’s fine, then I’ll hang up now.” Charles resumed his usual self and hung up. It had been almost two months after that event with Daphne. He was worried she might disobey him and refuse to take the morning after pills so she could get pregnant with his child. After all, Daphne did love him, so he knew it was possible she might do that. That was why he wanted to know if something was off with her, and the best way to find out was to ask Sonia. Once he knew nothing was wrong with her, he heaved a sigh of relief for now.

Yes, for now. He did ask for some doctors’ opinions, and they said some women would only show the symptoms of pregnancy later in the first trimester. That was why he would ask again after a couple of months.

Once the call was over, Toby pulled Sonia out of her chair.

Sonia looked at him dumbly. “What are you doing?”

Instead of answering, he sat on her chair.

The corner of Sonia’s lips twitched. “You pulled me up and took my place? Are you saying you want to take over the company?”

He chuckled. “Your place is right here.” He patted his lap, then he held her wrist and pulled her closer to him. The moment she was pulled over, he held her by her waist and made her spin around before she sat on his lap.

It happened too quickly, and she only realized what was happening a few moments after she sat on his lap. She tried to get up, but he held her down, preventing her from getting up.

Since she couldn’t stand, she pushed him. “What are you doing? Let me go.”

“You can just stay like this.” Toby refused to let her go. She couldn’t force her way through either, since his left arm was still injured. If she forced her way through, she might tear the wound open. Sigh. She sat down and gave him a look. “You’re really taking advantage of the situation, huh?”

“Nope.” He smiled at her. “We’re lovers, and this is what lovers do to keep the love alive. Besides, what kind of man wouldn’t want to be all lovey dovey with his wife?”

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Wife? Sonia blushed and her heart pounded furiously, but she took a deep breath. “Did you learn this on the Internet?”

Toby grunted vaguely. “I saw it by chance, but I think it’s right.”

“You should stay away from those quotes. It doesn’t suit your vibe.” She smacked her forehead.

He hugged her closer to him, and he gulped. “It’s fine. I don’t need that vibe when I’m around you.”

Sonia smiled. “Suit yourself.”0

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Toby smiled for a moment, then he got to business. “Oh, what did Lane tell you? What’s this about Titus?” He heard Titus being brought up when he walked up to Sonia earlier, but he didn’t get the details.

Since Toby was asking, Sonia stopped smiling and got serious as well. “He said Titus sent someone to Norfolk. To be precise, to the hospital where my mother gave birth to my sister twenty-six years ago. He wanted to know about my sister.”0

Toby’s eyes glinted darkly. “He sent someone to snoop around about that?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “So he told me to be careful, since Titus wouldn’t snoop around for nothing. He must have something in mind.”

Something in mind… He stared down and started thinking about the possibilities.

Sonia didn’t disturb him while he was thinking about the case.

A while later, Toby realized something, and his face fell. Dammit. I forgot that he must have watched the live broadcast too. Titus is Sonia’s nemesis, and he thinks the same way about Sonia too. Of course he would want to know everything about her latest mess.

He must have watched the show, and he must have found out that Sonia isn’t the Reeds’ real daughter. He knows she’s adopted now. But more importantly, the reporters exposed the adoption documents, and the date that Sonia was adopted was written right there. It was just a few days after Henry stole Sonia. That’s why Titus sent someone to Norfolk to snoop around about the case. He probably suspects that Sonia is his daughter!

This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 728

Impossible

That was just his guess, so he needed to confirm it for himself.

When Sonia realized he was frowning and looking grim, she got solemn herself. “What is it, Toby?”

Toby looked at her. “Call the police station.”

“Why?” She tilted her head curiously.

He answered, “I need to confirm my suspicion. I need to know if Titus has contacted them and looked into your adoption process or when you were adopted.”

“Huh?” Sonia was even more confused. “Why does Titus want to know that?”

Toby didn’t answer. He just told her, “Just call them. I need to know.”

Sonia couldn’t do anything about his obstinance, so she did as he asked, but two minutes later, she put her phone down grimly and looked at him. “You hit the bullseye. Titus did send someone to ask. What are you suspecting, Toby?” She really wanted to know.

He put his hand on her head and patted it. “I suspect that Titus might think that you’re his daughter.”

“Huh?” The corner of her lips twitched, and she squinted, giving him a weird look. “Did you catch a fever?” She touched his forehead. “No, you’re normal. Why are you talking nonsense now?”

He pulled her hand away and answered with a sigh, “I am not.”

Sonia stared at him. “So why did you say that? Who does he think I am?”

“He thinks you’re Rina.” Toby looked into her eyes.

Sonia was shocked, then she was quiet for a while, as if Toby’s revelation was too stunning for her to process. But a moment later, she started laughing, and it didn’t take her long to start rocking back and forth, laughing as if she had just heard the biggest joke ever. Her face was red, and she was starting to cry from the sheer hilarity. “Oh my god, that’s so hilarious. Rina? Oh my god!”76299

Toby looked at her, and his eyes were filled with lust, then he pulled her closer to him ever so slightly. “Stop laughing,” he said hoarsely.

She was letting herself go and shook a lot when she laughed. Because of that, she rubbed against Toby’s body, and it was both good and bad news for him. He felt happy, but he also had to hold his lust back. Maybe I should not have let her sit on my lap, or this wouldn’t have happened.

He looked at her, then at her chest that was rubbing against his. Finally, his lust was awoken. Oh god. He closed his eyes and held her tightly. “I told you, stop laughing.”

Sonia didn’t know she had awoken his lust. She took a deep breath and stopped laughing, then she looked at him with a red face. “You can’t blame me. That’s one serious joke. You think Titus thinks I’m Rina? That’s impossible.” She almost started laughing again.

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Toby noticed it, so he held her chin. “Stop laughing, or I’m kissing you.”0

Sonia quickly covered her mouth and shook her head, telling Toby she would stop laughing. I’m not laughing. I’m not letting him kiss me however he likes.

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Toby felt a bit disappointed. All of a sudden, he wished she would keep laughing, but he was a man of his word, so after she stopped laughing, he let her chin go and turned serious. “I wasn’t kidding when I said he suspects that you’re Rina. Think about the day your father took Rina away. Think about when he tossed her into the river, and think about when you got adopted.”

Sonia stared down and started recalling the dates. Suddenly, realization struck her, and her eyes widened. “Oh god…”

“I see you’re getting what I’m saying.” His eyes glimmered. “Those events happened too close to each other. Rina was tossed into the river, and then you showed up as an adopted daughter? Of course Titus suspects that you’re Rina.”

Sonia opened her mouth, but she said nothing, for her mind was a mess. Yeah, I appeared after Dad took Rina away. He adopted me right after he tossed her into the river. Of course anyone would suspect that I’m Rina. That’s why Titus sent his men to snoop around, but…

“But I can’t be Rina.” She looked up at him adamantly. “Even if I appear right after Dad tossed Rina into the river, I can’t be her. My Dad hated Titus’ guts. There’s no way he would raise his enemy’s child. If I’m Rina, then who’s Taylor?”

Taylor? Toby’s eyes gleamed coldly. She’s just a shameless thief and impersonator. I’m not telling her that though.

Sonia didn’t know what he was thinking, nor did she notice the change in his gaze. She bit her lip. “She’s the real Rina. When I told everyone that Taylor is just a spy Zane and I hired, she came up and said she’s the real Rina and did a DNA test with Titus right away. The results said that they’re father and daughter. You were there. You saw it too, right?” She held Toby’s arm and shook it, trying desperately to get confirmation from him that she wasn’t Rina.

He looked at him and nodded. “Yes, I did. Taylor is Rina.”

Sonia heaved a sigh of relief and smiled. “See? Titus is thinking too much. It’s normal since the events happened too closely to each other, but once he calms down, he’ll know how laughable that is. How could he even think that his enemy’s child is his own daughter?”

Toby said nothing. He just patted her head and grunted. A while ago, he was about to ask her how she would feel if she was really Rina so he could glean her reaction. Well, no need for that now. Knowing that Titus suspects that she is Rina is already making her so disgusted. She keeps finding reasons to prove that she isn’t Rina.

That proves that she hates being Titus’ daughter. If she knows she’s really Rina, god… She might have a mental breakdown. He suddenly held her tightly, and the air around him turned solemn. When he saw how she reacted, he knew that he would never let her know that she was Rina. At least not until Titus is dead.

Sonia didn’t know about the decision Toby just made, and she poked his back. “What’s wrong, Toby?” She sounded concerned.

This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 729

Hurt Julia

Toby’s eyes glinted, and he hugged her even tighter. “Nothing. I just thought of something, but it’s not important.”

“Is that so?” Sonia leaned against his chest. She stopped asking him, even though she could feel that he was bogged down by something. If he doesn’t want to talk about it, then I won’t pry.

“Right. I’ll make a call, then we’ll have lunch.” Toby let her go.

Sonia got off his lap and nodded. “Sure. You do your job. I’ll call Zane to thank him.”

Toby was about to leave, but he paused and turned around to say, “Don’t talk too long. Just say thank you and hang up.”

Sonia knew why he was saying that. He just doesn’t want me to talk too long to other guys. He even listens in when I talk to Charles. Of course Zane will alert him. She waved him off. “Okay, okay, I get it. Just do your work.”

Toby went to the balcony, but after just taking a few steps, he stopped again. “Remember, just say thank you. Even if he tries to talk to you, just ignore him and hang up.”

Sonia rolled her eyes and waved him off once more, then Toby finally went to the balcony. She looked at him for a moment and shook her head, though she was smiling. She then picked her phone up and called Zane.

Toby closed the french window and made a call. It went through a moment later, and a woman’s voice said carefully, “Mr. Fuller…”

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“I assume that you saw the press conference today?” he asked coldy. He placed one hand on the guardrail and looked at the city.

Rina stared down. “I did.” That was how she knew things had gotten very serious and had gone to the hospital as fast as she could.

As she expected, after the Gray couple heard what Sonia said, they started suspecting that Sonia was their real daughter. She even heard what Julia really thought about her. If she didn’t overhear it, she wouldn’t have known that Julia was only pretending to love her. She even said that even though she knew Taylor was their ‘real daughter,’ she just couldn’t bring herself to be close to her. She only pretended to love Taylor so she wouldn’t hurt her.

They don’t know why they can’t feel close,but I do. It’s not that they can’t; it’s that they want to be close with their real daughter, not an impostor. But Mom doesn’t know I’m a fake, so she has to act. I don’t understand. Is a bond of blood that important?

After hearing her answer, Toby squinted dangerously. “If you saw it, then you should know that Titus will start to suspect her of being the real Rina. After all, she did release her details. He’s already suspecting something now, and he’s looking into it. I want you to go to him right away to quash his suspicions once and for all. Stop him from looking into Sonia’s past, understand?”0

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“I understand, Mr. Fuller.” She took a deep breath and nodded. “I know what I should do. Don’t worry. I will stop Dad from looking into this any further.” If they find out that Sonia is their real daughter, I’ll be in trouble.

“Good. Now do your job.” Toby nodded and hung up.0

Rina put her phone down. She looked at the screen and heaved a sigh. Then, she kept it and went to a ward. Once she was there, she knocked on the door.

A moment later, a weak voice said, “Come in.”

Rina bit her lip and turned the doorknob. The door opened easily, and she went in, though her head was hanging low. “Dad, Mom,” she called.

The Gray couple quickly looked at her. Titus was reminded of what happened, so he coughed awkwardly. “Welcome back, Rina.”

Julia put the bowl and spoon down. She stood up from beside the bed and smiled apologetically at Rina. “Rina!”

Rina only nodded at her.

Julia went over to her. “Where have you been, Rina? I went after you, but you shook me off easily. I was worried, you know.”

She was about to hold Rina’s hand, but Rina’s eyes gleamed, and she dodged Julia’s hand as she pretended to look hurt.

Julia’s face froze, and her hand hung in the air. She felt awkward and at a loss, and she didn’t even pull her hand back. Evidently, she didn’t think her daughter would avoid her, and she teared up. At the same time, she blamed herself for this.

She knew why Rina was acting that way. She’s still hurt because of what I said. Of course she is. That’s really traumatizing. She has suffered for more than two decades, and now that she finally came back to us, she heard me saying that I only pretended to love her. How can she not be hurt after hearing that I just can’t bring myself to feel close to her?

I can understand why. I can see why she’s so cold to me. Even so, I just can’t feel close to her. She wasn’t about to tell Rina that, nor would she ever let anyone else know. She would start to rectify her wrongs and accept her daughter. At that thought, Julia put her hand down and looked at Rina tearfully. “Rina.”

Rina was still staring down in silence. She knew Julia must be blaming herself for hurting her. She knew Julia wanted to apologize, but Rina knew she mustn’t accept it. She must pretend that she didn’t want to face Julia for the time being.

If I forgive her so easily, her guilt will lessen and even disappear. She might think I wasn’t hurt at all. I will not forgive her that easily. I will keep her curious and keep the flame of self-blame alive. She’ll only give me more that way. Rina went past Julia with her head lowered and headed straight for Titus.

Julia was shocked, and she was on the verge of tears. She was nearly crying a moment ago, and now she was truly shedding tears. She quickly turned around and looked at her daughter. Rina’s deliberate neglect hurt Julia. “Rina, you—”

Rina cut Julia off, “Dad, I need to talk to you.”

Titus was an experienced businessman, and he could see that his daughter didn’t want to talk to his wife. After all, Julia did hurt her, but seeing his wife looking so sad was breaking his heart as well. Even so, he couldn’t help anyone here, since it would be unfair to the other side no matter which side he chose. Titus sighed. Being sandwiched in the middle is so annoying. He massaged his temples and looked at Rina. “What do you want to talk about?”

This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 730

Gloss It Over

Rina said nothing. Instead, she looked at Julia, and it was obvious that she wanted Julia to leave them alone. She wanted a private talk.

Julia blanched and she felt even more hurt, but still, she managed to force a smile. “Rina, I’m your mother. Why can’t I listen to the conversation?”

Rina turned her head away and averted her gaze.

That simple action was like a stab to the heart for Julia, shattering it into pieces. She felt suffocated from the sheer pain. She doesn’t want me to be here, and she doesn’t even want to see me. She doesn’t want to talk to me. She… Julia covered her face and started to cry.

Titus had chosen to stay neutral, but at that point, he frowned, and he looked at Rina with slight annoyance. He knew what Julia said hurt Rina and angered her. That was why he turned a blind eye even though Rina was throwing a tantrum. But she’s taking it too far now.

Yes, it was hurtful, but Julia truly cares about her. Even if she was only acting, at least she didn’t stay distant like how she truly feels about Rina. He thought Julia didn’t really wrong Rina, so he felt that Rina should stop while she was ahead. She can’t just stay mad at Julia forever.

At this thought, Titus said coldly, “Rina, she’s your mother. Even if she did hurt you, you don’t have to hold it against her forever. At least she has never hurt you after you came back to us.”

Rina noticed the displeasure in his voice. She averted her gaze and stared at the ground silently.

Titus ignored her and turned to his wife, though he looked a lot gentler than he was a moment ago. “Leave us for now. You two should calm down and talk things through after that.”

Julia looked at Rina and nodded. “Okay.” She turned around and slowly went out, though she kept looking back.

Eventually, she closed the door, leaving Titus and Rina alone in the room.

Titus massaged his temples and looked down. “Rina, I know you took what your mother said to heart, and I know what she said was hurtful, but you just came back after two decades of absence. She is still not used to it, which is why she said what she said. But she still loves you, alright? Talk to her later. Clear this up, or it’ll be a mess down the line.”

Rina bit her lip and muttered, “I understand, Dad.” She was planning on guilt-tripping Julia for a while so she could get more love out of her, but now Titus was displeased with her attitude. It was then she realized that Titus cared more about his wife whom he had married for decades than her, whom he had just met a few months ago. Dad will always pick Mom when it comes down to me or her. If I keep this up, Dad’s going to dislike me. I have to stop this, or I’ll lose a lot.

Titus nodded in approval, and a smile made its way through his wizened face. “That’s my girl. So, what do you want to talk about?”

Rina clenched her fists and hesitated for a while before she said, “Dad, are you… are you suspecting that Miss Reed is your real daughter? Is that why you sent your men to look into her past?”76301

Titus’ expression turned serious, and he looked at her sharply. “How did you find out about that?”

Rina was honest. “Mr. Fuller told me about it. You know he got back together with Miss Reed, so he cares about everything that’s related to her. Of course he knows what you’re doing. He thinks that you’re looking into Miss Reed’s past because you suspect that she’s your daughter. That’s why he called me. He wanted me to ask you to stop investigating, since Miss Reed can’t be your daughter.”

“What a busybody.” Titus sneered.

Rina came up with a little plan and stomped her foot angrily, then she started to sob. “Dad, I don’t understand why you think she’s your daughter. I’m Rina. We even did a DNA test. I’m your daughter, right? So why do you think she’s your daughter? Do you think the DNA test is a fluke? Am I not good enough? Do you want someone else to be your daughter?”

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Titus started panicking, and he waved his hands. “Rina, I-I didn’t. I just thought about it because Sonia got adopted right after you were stolen, so I had some suspicions. I…”0

“So what? Does that mean more than a DNA test? You saw the results. I’m the real Rina, but now you think someone else is the real me because of some random date? And you looked into it right away? Dad, that’s really hurtful,” she interrupted and cried louder.

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Titus knew he was on the wrong side, and he felt guilty. He cleared his throat and apologized, “I’m sorry, Rina. It was just on impulse. I won’t do it again.”

“Really?” She looked at him tearfully.

He nodded. “Yes.”

She sniffled. “Fine, I’ll trust you for once. But please tell your men to retreat and stop looking into this. If someone found out, they might use it to attack you.”

“Okay, right away. I’ll stop the investigation.” Titus took his phone.

Rina’s eyes gleamed. “I’ll be leaving now, Dad. I’ll talk to Mom.”

“Sure, sure.” He waved her away.

Rina wiped away her tears, but the moment she turned around, she smiled. All the sadness on her face was replaced by a smug look. Good. I got through this safely. Dad has stopped suspecting Sonia, and he’s not looking into the case anymore. I can keep up this façade longer. Her eyes glinted and she took her phone out and sent a text. After she confirmed that it was sent, she went to open the door.

Toby had just finished smoking when he felt his phone vibrating. He flicked the ash away and put the cigarette out before taking his phone out. When he noticed that it was from Rina, he got serious. He deleted the text after reading it, then he put his phone into his pocket and went back to Sonia’s office.

Sonia was long done talking to Zane, and she was brewing coffee when Toby came back. When she heard the sound of his footsteps, she stopped grinding the beans and looked in his direction. “Done?” She smiled.