From His Ex-Wife to the World's Most Sought-After Restorer (Jade and Hudson) novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22 The Timing Isn’t Right

Jade entered the studio. The familiar scent of ink and old paper in the air felt like a homecoming.

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Just then, a gentle, steady male voice spoke from behind her, “Hello. Are you Ms. Merchant?”

Jade turned. A young man stood there, wearing a dark, ink-wash patterned shirt. He had a gentle, calm presence.

Jade replied, “Yes, I’m Jade Merchant. I’m here to apply for the artifact restorer position.”

“I’m Anthony Mitchell, the owner of Memoria Script Studio,” he said. “There’s a practical assessment-restoring a damaged manuscript. It might take a while. Would you like to begin now, or come back tomorrow?”

“I can start now,” Jade replied quickly.

Anthony gave a slight nod. “Right this way.”

Jade followed him inside. A workspace was set up with all the necessary restoration tools laid

out.

She set her bag aside, picked up a tool, and began.

Perhaps it was her genuine love for the work, but the restoration process seemed ingrained in her. She didn’t need to think; her hands moved through each step with practiced ease.

It was fluid, natural-unlike someone who hadn’t done it in three years.

She was so focused on the manuscript that she didn’t notice Anthony, who had been leaning casually against the doorframe, straighten up. His gaze held new respect and appreciation as he watched her.

Outside the room, an older man had been standing quietly for some time.

Edward watched Jade’s profile, so intent on her work. His hand trembled slightly on the doorframe, a complex mix of pride and regret in his eyes.

No one knew that three years ago, he had hoped to take Jade on as his apprentice after her graduation.

But after she finished school, she vanished. He’d feared something had happened to her, only to learn she had gotten married. He admired her talent but respected her choice.

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13:09 Sat, Mar 14

Chapter 22 The Timing Isn’t Right

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When he overheard Jade’s voice on the phone with his son Anthony recently, he recognized it immediately.

Hearing she was coming to apply left him puzzled but curious, prompting him to come downstairs to observe.

He’d assumed she would have forgotten everything he taught her in those three years.

He was wrong. Not only had she not forgotten, but her skill seemed even better than before. Life and time had given her a new depth, a settled quality.

She’s worth putting time into developing.

Anthony had noticed his father’s presence. While Jade worked, he stepped out and approached Edward, speaking softly, “Dad, aren’t you going to say hello?”

Edward shook his head. “Not yet. The timing isn’t right. We’ll wait.”

Two hours later, a perfectly restored manuscript lay before Anthony.

“All done,” Jade said.

Anthony took it, examining the work. His appreciation deepened, though his expression remained neutral.

He smiled and offered his hand. “Ms. Merchant, welcome to the team.”

Jade shook his hand. “Pleasure to be here.”

They discussed salary and benefits, which matched the job posting. There was a base pay plus commission-the more complex the restoration, the higher the fee.

Anthony had a client list. Besides her, the studio had two other restorers: one specializing in antiques, the other in woodwork. Their fields didn’t directly compete with hers, which was perfect.

This way, I can take on more jobs before I start showing, save up more money, and get ready for the baby. A rare sense of contentment settled over Jade.

That evening, Jade returned to the villa in a surprisingly good mood.

As she crossed the living room toward the stairs, a flicker of movement caught her eye. Cortney was sitting there, coloring on something. Something that looked familiar.

Jade stopped and looked closer. What Cortney was holding was her mother’s photo frame!

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Chapter 22 The Timing Isn’t Right

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Her blood ran cold. She rushed over, grabbed Cortney’s wrist, and snatched the frame away.

The photo had been removed from the frame. Wax crayon scribbles covered parts of the image, ruining it.

This was the only picture she had left of her mother.

Jade’s hand shook as she held the photo. Her eyes reddened as she glared at Cortney. “Who said you could touch my things?”

Cortney stuck her tongue out at her, then immediately let out an earsplitting wail.

The crying echoed through the villa. Before Jade could react, a force slammed into her, knocking her to the floor.

As she fell, her instincts kicked in-she twisted to protect her stomach. The impact was hard, but thanks to her quick move, she felt no immediate pain in her abdomen.

“Mr. Walter!” Cortney sobbed dramatically, throwing herself into Hudson’s arms as he arrived. “M-Ms. Merchant is so mean! I’m… I’m scared!”

“There, there. I’m here, it’s okay,” Hudson soothed, patting Cortney’s back,

His gaze snapped to Jade, sharp and accusing. “Jade! Why do you always have to pick on a child?”

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13:10 Sat, Mar 14

Chapter 23 I’d Rather Die!