From His Ex-Wife to the World's Most Sought-After Restorer (Jade and Hudson) novel Chapter 241

The call was cut off at the most agonizing moment, a calculated strike designed to push Jade to the brink of insanity and shred her nerves.

"Ah!"

Jade let out a fractured cry, her hands clutched in her hair. She slid to the floor, her body curled into a ball as she sobbed in total desperation.

"Jewell... where are you?"

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

The phone vibrated again.

Jade snatched it up and practically roared into the receiver, tears streaming down her face and splashing onto the hardwood floor.

"You want the files? You can have them! Take me instead! Just let her go! She's innocent—she doesn't know anything! Please..."

There was a long silence on the other end.

Only Jade's jagged, broken sobbing filled the room.

After what felt like an eternity, a man's voice finally came through. It was deep and resonant, possessing the rich, magnetic timbre of a cello.

"I'm sorry. I failed to keep those intruders out of your studio, and I failed to help you the moment your friend was taken. That's on me. I've already stationed security to patrol the perimeter twenty-four hours a day. Nothing like tonight will happen again.

"As for your friend, I have a lead. I just need time to confirm it. And about wanting to see me... it wasn't my intention to avoid you. In a few days, once I've settled things on my end, I'll come to you in person to apologize."

"Who... who is this?"

Jade's eyes widened, the realization hitting her instantly.

"The Blue-eyed Gentleman?!"

The man seemed to pause for a heartbeat, then let out a low, soft chuckle.

"It's me."

"But you can call me Bastian. Bastian Hamlet."

Bastian Hamlet.

The name was entirely unfamiliar.

Neither those blue eyes nor this name had ever appeared in Jade's memories.

And yet, as the man spoke, every word was heavy with apology, as if he owed her a debt that could never be repaid.

She was curious about his identity, but even more so about his attitude toward her.

Sensing her silence, Bastian spoke up. "Is there anything else you wanted to ask?"

Jade knew she wouldn't get the answers she truly wanted right now, so she made a small request instead.

"None of this was your fault. You don't owe me anything. I'm incredibly grateful for your help, so... could you stop sounding so sorry every time we talk?"

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify