“I never thought I'd see the day you'd get upset over not getting a text from a girl," Beatty said, grinning.

Andrew spun his phone in his hand, shrugging. "I'm just like anyone else."

Beatty shook her head, laughing softly. "Come on, Mr. Lane. With your money and status, you're hardly 'just anyone'. I always figured no woman would ever ignore you, let alone not text you back."

Andrew kept his eyes on his phone, saying nothing.

Beatty went on, "Guess it doesn't matter who you are. Everyone gets tangled up in love sometimes."

He finally looked up from the silent chat screen. Beatty raised an eyebrow at him. "Even you, Mr. Lane."

Andrew couldn't help but let out a short, dry laugh.

Up front, the driver sneaked a look at them in the mirror. Beatty was the first secretary he'd ever seen who sat in the back when the front seat was open, the first to talk so openly about the boss's love life, and the first one the boss had ever offered a ride home. Still, Beatty was so cool and self-assured it never came off as rude.

As the driver, he already knew how long these two had known each other, so honestly, he wasn't surprised Beatty got special treatment.

He turned his attention back to the road. They were almost at their destination.

Andrew's phone buzzed again. He glanced down, and Beatty noticed the way his eyebrows lifted just a bit, a tiny spark of hope lighting up his face. Looks like she finally replied.

Andrew started typing back.

He sent his message, then scrolled up to look at their conversation.

Andrew: The new ring's here. Do you want it?

Emily Blair didn't reply until half an hour later. No.

Andrew never really listened to her answer on these things anyway. He just texted

back, Alright. I'll be back in a few days, I'll bring it then.

This time, Emily replied almost instantly told you, I don't want it. If you try forcing it on me again, m tossing it in the trash You can dig it out yourself.

Andrew smiled to himself. Emily's cold, annoyed replies felt like a rare gift.

He actually liked seeing her real feelings for once, instead of that professional, distant act she usually put on.

He texted, If you throw it away, that just means you didn't like it. That's fine. I'll just buy you another one.

Emily: What are you trying to do? Have I not made myself clear? Stop bothering me.

Andrew's smile faded a little at that. He liked her fire, but even he had his limits when it came to words like these.

He replied, My wound still hasn't healed. It kind of hurts.

Meanwhile, Emily had just said goodbye to Rose Ward and their lawyer The meeting went well everyone was in a good mood, and Emily was smiling as they parted ways.

But as soon as she checked her phone and saw Andrew's message, her smile disappeared.

She knew she shouldn't even

respond, but he was talking about that ring again. With Andrew, there was always the chance he'd just show up out of nowhere, like last time, and force her to come down and take it, then refuse to take it back.

He was impossible.

She decided to just be direct. No point beating around the bush.

Just as she expected, Andrew had only gotten more stubborn lately and wasn't backing off at all.

Her mood soured in an instant, and Rose and the lawyer both noticed the change on her face.