My Ex-husband Begs Me Back novel Chapter 1014

Chapter 1014: The Art of Pretense

After dinner, it was already past eight in the evening. Camille finally told Ayan about Preston's call during the day.

Ayan listened without any extra reaction, his expression merely becoming slightly subdued.

Camille looked at him and asked, "Why aren't you saying anything?"

His gaze met hers, and he spoke in a calm tone, "No need to pay him any attention."

Camille nodded and continued, "Yes, I ignored him and had the phone sent to him because I didn't think it was necessary for him to go through so much trouble just to return a phone. But I don't know what his intentions or thoughts are. What do you think?"

Camille gazed at Ayan, waiting for his response. Although this matter wasn't particularly troubling, there was still a slight uneasiness until it was fully understood.

Ayan gently took Camille's hand, and a faint glimmer of amusement sparkled in his eyes as he said, "Don't take him seriously. He's just seeking attention with his actions. If you feel burdened or find it difficult to refuse, then handle it as you have in the past. There's no need for you to engage in any disputes because of me. Whatever he says, you can listen. As for what kind of person I am, you should know better than him."

Camille nodded, her gaze remaining fixed on Ayan. His reactions and attitude seemed to indicate that he didn't mind her contact with Preston. Was he genuinely unconcerned, or was he simply pretending to be magnanimous?

Camille tilted her head, looking at Ayan curiously. "You're not upset, are you?"

Ayan replied calmly, meeting Camille's gaze with his own. A slight curve appeared on his thin lips as he said, "I'm not upset. Why do you ask?"

"Because in the past, you didn't seem to like it when I was in contact with him. Why does it seem like you've changed your mind now?"

"I haven't changed my mind. I've never liked it. I know perfectly well what his intentions are regarding you, and naturally, I don't like him having any contact with you. However, I can't stop you, but trying to prevent you would only backfire. As long as you understand what's on my mind, that's all that matters. Whether he continues to contact you is his own business."

He said this earnestly, his slender fingers gently squeezing her palm. His deep eyes remained gentle and warm, devoid of any sharpness or coldness.

His words, along with his current demeanor, made Camille feel like he was good at pretending.

Camille couldn't help but laugh to herself and let a smile play on her lips as she looked at Ayan. She asked, "Mr. Simpson, have you been learning the art of pretending recently?"

Ayan naturally didn't understand the meaning behind her words and simply stared at her, asking, "What trap are you trying to set for me?"

"Me? I'm just complimenting you!"

"Complimenting me? Complimenting me for what?"

"Complimenting you for being clever," Camille said, covering her mouth as she laughed.

Ayan showed no emotional response and continued to gaze at her with his deep, unblinking eyes. There was a clear hint of indulgence in his eyes, a gaze that could make anyone lose control if they stared at it for too long.

The way Camille and Ayan interacted nowadays was different from before. They could sit together and chat for hours without specific topics in mind. Although there was no particular subject, the atmosphere never turned cold, perhaps because that was how married couples spent time together.

The night was calm, as if it were the calm before a storm, but there were no visible ripples.

Camille asked, "Is Mr. Bell planning to leave Hance City?"

"Yes, he's probably concerned that his publicized divorce might cause him trouble. So, he wants to leave Hance City temporarily until things settle down. After all, he has ongoing projects in Hance City, and the recent publicity due to Mr. Mikkola's involvement wasn't favorable. He certainly doesn't want to attract that level of attention again."

Ayan wiped his hands with a wet napkin, and a cold, detached expression settled on his handsome face. Mr. Bell's desire to completely distance himself from Mr. Mikkola while returning to a cooperative relationship with Simpson Group wasn't something Ayan was willing to accept.

Although Ayan was willing to assist Mr. Bell in getting Mr. Mikkola to withdraw from the project, it didn't mean he was willing to forget about everything that had transpired as if it had never happened. Even if certain decisions had been made under the threat of consequences, Ayan hadn't received any prior hints or hesitation from Mr. Bell. If Ayan and Simpson Group couldn't bear the criticisms and public scrutiny of those decisions, then Mr. Bell couldn't simply absolve himself of the consequences.

Ayan's honesty was met with Camille's nod of understanding. She said, "Your decision is fine. Do you want me to maintain some distance with Mrs. Bell and her team, just in case? Would too much contact or closeness with them affect Simpson Group?"

"No need. They have already divorced, and Mrs. Bell has left the project. So, there's no need for you to keep your distance from them. If you think she's a good person to talk to, then talk more. If not, then just maintain basic interaction."

"Alright, if it might impact Simpson Group, please let me know."

"Okay."

After finishing their breakfast, they headed to work together.

As Camille entered the company's gates, she heard a familiar voice saying, "I'm not going anywhere. I'll wait for her right here."

Hearing that voice, Camille instinctively furrowed her brows.