The Barren Ex-Wife Gave Birth to Twins

Chapter 79

Hale leaned back in his chair, the dim restaurant lighting casting a shadow over his chiseled features. Amelia watched him carefully, trying to discern his true intentions. He had been a steady presence since her fallout with Ryan, and while his gestures were generous, she couldn’t ignore the nagging sense of unease.

“You’re not just doing all this out of the goodness of your heart,” Amelia said, breaking the silence. “Why are you really here, Robert?”

Hale’s lips curled into a wry smile as he swirled his glass of wine. “Straight to the point, as always,” he said, admiration mingling with self-awareness. “Fine. You’re right—I wasn’t exactly altruistic when I first approached you.”

Her brows furrowed as she leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. “Then what was your plan?”

He set the glass down, folding his hands on the table as he met her gaze. “When I first heard about you, it was through my people. Ryan’s ex-wife, the one who managed to pick herself up after he crushed her.” Hale’s voice lowered, tinged with bitterness. “I thought, ‘What better way to get under his skin than by winning over the woman he let slip through his fingers?’”

Amelia’s breath caught, a mix of anger and disbelief flashing across her face. “You approached me to get revenge on Ryan?”

“At first,” Hale admitted, his expression softening. “But then I met you.” He leaned closer, his voice gentler now. “And I realized you’re not some pawn in a game. You’re smart, resilient, and the most captivating woman I’ve ever met.”

She scoffed, looking away, but Hale reached out and gently took her hand. “I know how that sounds, Amelia, but I mean it. Somewhere along the way, I stopped caring about Ryan and started caring about you.”

His thumb brushed her knuckles, sending an unexpected jolt through her. She looked at him, her defenses wavering under the intensity of his gaze.

“Why should I believe you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Because I’m here,” Hale said simply. “Not for Ryan, not for Horizon. For you.”

The vulnerability in his tone caught her off guard. She pulled her hand back but didn’t break eye contact. “You make it sound so simple.”

“It could be,” he said, his voice filled with quiet confidence. “You just have to let it.”

The evening ended with Hale walking her to her car. As he opened the door for her, he leaned in slightly, his voice low. “I meant every word tonight, Amelia. Think about it.”