After the CEO Divorced Me, He Wants Me Back (Aveline and Lucas) novel Chapter 1118

Just as Jolie turned to leave, she caught sight of a man standing not far away. She froze for a moment.

Gavin?

What was he doing here?

Beside him stood a property manager, seemingly discussing something with him.

Jolie hesitated, debating whether to greet him. But before she could decide, Gavin’s gaze shifted away, making the decision for her.

Alright. No need to say hello then.

She let her half-raised hand fall back to her side and headed toward the elevator. After stepping in, she pressed her floor’s button. Just as the doors were about to close, a hand suddenly reached in, triggering the sensors.

The doors slid open again, revealing Gavin’s cool, unreadable gaze.

“Mr. Cooper. What a coincidence,” Jolie said awkwardly, now left with no choice but to acknowledge him.

Gavin stepped inside without a word, turning his back to her as he pressed the button for the 22nd floor—one floor above hers.

Seriously?

He had a place here too? In the same building, no less?

Jolie glanced at his tall, commanding figure. Selena’s earlier words echoed in her mind, and she couldn’t help but bite her lip.

The awkwardness was palpable. He had confessed to her before, and she’d turned him down. If she told him now that she regretted it, would that even work?

She felt a tinge of embarrassment.

The elevator hummed softly as it ascended. When she’d been in it alone earlier, the space had felt fine. But with Gavin’s presence, it suddenly seemed stiflingly small.

Even the air felt cooler, wrapped in an invisible chill.

Maybe it’s just the air conditioning, she thought, trying to shrug off the tension.

“Ding!”

“Aren’t you afraid of being found out?” he pressed, his tone colder now.

Jolie was momentarily flustered, but she quickly pieced together what he was implying. He thought she hadn’t left the country because of Ian.

Ridiculous. Of course not!

She tugged at her wrist, saying, “Mr. Cooper, let go. We can talk this out properly.”

Gavin’s eyes darkened, but he managed to rein in his emotions, releasing her wrist after a moment.

Jolie glanced down at her hand, noticing the faint red marks left on her pale skin. He had gripped her so tightly it hurt.

She rubbed her wrist and said, “Mr. Cooper, you’ve got it all wrong. I didn’t stay because of him.”

“Hmm,” he responded curtly, his tone detached, like he was listening to a subordinate’s report.

Jolie resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Why I didn’t go isn’t something I feel obligated to explain to you, Mr. Cooper. After all, we’re not that close.”