From His Ex-Wife to the World's Most Sought-After Restorer (Jade and Hudson) novel Chapter 212

Why else would Edward want her to leave?

Seeing her expression, Edward knew she had misunderstood and quickly clarified.

"You haven't done anything wrong. In fact, you've done excellently and learned very quickly. I have nothing left to teach you here. You should climb higher and build your own influence in the world of restoration.

"I'm not just your boss; I'm your mentor. As your teacher, I want to see you grow and stand on your own. I hope one day you'll reach a higher position and pass on these skills, just as I've guided you."

Jade understood Edward's intention, and her heart finally settled back into place.

"Master, I'll give what you said some serious thought."

She had considered opening her own studio before, but she hadn't expected to do it so soon.

But now that her mentor had brought it up, it was time to put those plans on her schedule.

Edward's smile returned. "No rush, don't worry. Whenever you're ready, just let me know. I will do everything I can to help."

Jade felt both grateful and touched.

"I'll remember that. Thank you, Master."

-

As Jade was leaving the studio, she received a call from an old client.

Lynn Ralph was in Kingston on a business trip and happened to have an ancient manuscript that needed fixing, so she asked Jade to meet her at a nearby restaurant.

Jade agreed and drove over to Lynn's location.

Ten minutes later, she arrived at the restaurant.

Lynn was waiting at the door with the packaged manuscript.

The moment she saw Jade, Lynn rushed over, handed her the book, and pleaded with her hands clasped.

"Ms. Merchant, my grandmother hasn't been well lately, and she's been worrying about this manuscript. Please, you have to fix it for her. I can't face her if it's not done."

Jade opened the box to assess the damage and quickly made an estimate.

"Don't worry. I'll have it restored for you within a week."

Lynn looked ecstatic. "Thank you so much! You're a lifesaver. If you ever need anything, just give me a call. I'll do whatever I can to help."

"You're too kind," Jade smiled.

"I'm just doing my job."

"Mom said when Jade's mother met my dad, she was already pregnant. If she hadn't had some money and a head for business, my dad never would have taken her in. Later, he took out a massive life insurance policy on her, and then he and my mom—"

Catching Chloe's curious gaze, he realized he was saying too much and stopped abruptly.

"Anyway, her death was worth quite a bit. It gave my dad the capital he needed for the company. It wouldn't have grown to this scale otherwise."

The underground parking lot was empty, and since Jade was close, every word reached her ears.

First, Robert said she wasn't Michael's daughter. Then, he spoke about her mother with such casual contempt, dismissing everything her mother had sacrificed...

Jade's face turned pale, her fingertips icy. That coldness spread through her entire body, making her feel as though she were submerged in ice, unable to feel a shred of warmth.

In her memories, the relationship between Michael and her mother had been happy and sweet.

It wasn't until her mother died and he brought Cindy home that he started to change.

But she never imagined that his love for her mother was merely a facade, hiding a cold calculation of profit and utility.

No wonder he didn't care when her marriage hit the rocks and she went to him for help.

No wonder he was willing to squeeze every last bit of value out of her for Robert's sake, even when she was at her lowest.

It was all because she wasn't his daughter!