Looking at him now, Wendy had the same expression as her mother—eyes full of pity. “You’ve got enough on your plate raising Joy on your own. It’ll be good to have a car to get around. Don’t worry. If I’m the one giving it to you, the Harrison family wouldn’t dare try to take it.” The Harrison family couldn’t compete with the Quinns, but they still held some influence locally. Years ago, Henry had been sent abroad for an arranged marriage. But before five years were up, the woman had gotten tired of him, didn’t even want custody of their daughter, and divorced him outright. He came home, defeated, with the child. As for the Harrisons, they were embarrassed by him. They could accept him wanting to be with Wendy once upon a time, but getting thrown out by a woman? That was unforgivable. Since his return, they’d never let him back into the house. They even repossessed the home they’d once given him. Now Wendy kept saying that Henry’s place was still being renovated and that he’d be moving soon, but in truth, that house belonged to her as well. Chase let out a long sigh and turned to leave. Love really made all the difference. Everything she never would’ve given to him, Wendy handed over to Henry without a second thought. On the way back to the dorm, Chase sent Wendy a message. —Don’t forget to sign the papers next week. Wendy had just left the hospital herself. She’d originally planned to pick up Henry and Joy, but there were still documents that needed reviewing at the office—she had to work late tonight. When she saw Chase’s message, she slammed her foot on the gas. Just seeing his name filled her with irritation. The decision to invest Quinn Group’s funds in Chase’s hospital had been hers alone. The board didn’t get it at all. She’d hoped to run into him today, but the nurse had told her he wasn’t on shift. She’d already gone this far—given him a way down, preserved his pride as a man—and he still wouldn’t take it? Just as she was cursing him in her head for being ungrateful, the message came through. Wendy glanced at it and let out a faint smile. Not bad. Looks like he’d figured out where the investment came from. They were husband and wife. Friction was normal. Even if their relationship wasn’t exactly conventional, someone still had to take the first step. Strangely enough, ever since Henry had returned to rekindle things, Wendy had faced him squarely, over and over. The man she’d once wanted so badly it had hurt—she could finally have him. She should’ve been racing to divorce Chase, to build the family she’d always dreamed of with Henry. But for some reason, she couldn’t seem to take that final step. Maybe it was habit. They’d been married for five years. To suddenly end it like this—it felt unfair to Chase. That’s what Wendy told herself. She still loved Henry. But she’d gotten used to having Chase around. His quiet thoughtfulness was exactly what she needed. Her relationship with Henry had been passionate, even chaotic. Their fights had made entertainment headlines, their reconciliations always public. After too much of that, someone like Chase—calm, steady, long-lasting—was easier to live with. Wendy wasn’t just a woman. She was a businesswoman. And business was about returns. She always knew what worked best for her. Back at the office, she finally lowered herself enough to reply to Chase’s message. —Got it. Sam was still working late too. Carrying a stack of files, she followed Wendy into her office. “Ma’am, the Ocean Project conference starts the day after tomorrow. It’ll last a week. I’ve sent your flight info to your phone. I’ll be going with you again this time.” Wendy paused mid-step. She turned and looked at Sam. Sam had been with her for years. One glance was all it took to read her boss’s mind. She quickly added, “Ma’am, the Ocean Project is a five-nation joint conference. AGS International—the one you wanted to collaborate with from the last bidding round—they’ll be there.” Wendy let out a soft “Oh.” If it started the day after tomorrow, they’d have to leave tomorrow. And if it lasted a week… she wouldn’t be able to attend the adoption signing. After a moment’s thought, Wendy said, “Have Lina go with me. You stay here. Go sign the papers with Chase next week.” Sam hesitated. “I’m signing?”