The Contracted Ever After novel Chapter 642

"Hey there, big-shot CEO Ronan, what brings Millstone's top taxpayer to my humble abode?" Marie asked with a playful grin.

Ronan, a woman with an air of sophistication and comfort, wore gold-rimmed glasses that highlighted her impeccable presence. She exuded a genuine cleanliness, not the kind you get from a quick scrub, but a deep-seated purity that radiated from within.

"I need a favor," Ronan said, cutting straight to the chase.

Marie chuckled. "You, asking for help? This I've got to see. But hey, I've got a bottle of fine wine from a friend's vineyard in Napa Valley. Care for a taste?"

With that, Marie handed Ronan a glass of wine.

Ronan settled into the sofa and took a sip. "This is really good. But let's get down to business."

She then laid out Jayson's situation to Marie, who listened intently, nodding along.

"Invisible mental illness? You picked up on that so quickly?" Marie asked, frowning slightly in intrigue.

"I'm not entirely sure of the specifics. But if you're free tomorrow, come with me. This woman keeps clinging to me, saying her child is sick," Ronan said, massaging her forehead in exasperation.

"Oh, playing the Versailles card, are we? You just want to dump this on me so you can play the good husband in front of your wife?" Marie teased.

"What do you mean, 'playing'? I am a good man," Ronan shot back. "Also, you know Emerson from our college days, right? He's got his eye on someone too, someone in the drone business."

"Emerson? The guy who won that big competition? The campus genius? Who's the woman? Drones, you say? Impressive," Marie commended.

"We should all get together for dinner sometime. But tomorrow, you're with me to Birchwood."

"Deal. You've had a drink, can you drive? Want me to take you home?" Marie offered, then added, "And about going to Birchwood tomorrow, are you driving? If you are, I won't. I'm not familiar with the roads there, plus, it's a gas guzzler with the prices these days."

Ronan sighed.

"Is that a yes, Mr. Big-Time CEO?" Marie couldn't resist ribbing him a bit more.

Ronan tapped her knee lightly. "It's a yes."