Dear Billionaire, I'm Not Your Wife Anymore! - Chapter 17: Chapter 17

In the coffee shop, I saw that Leo didn't come alone.
When I recognized the figure beside him, joy almost overflowed from my eyes. I immediately stood up to greet him: "Dr. Colton, how did you come?"
Leo smiled and explained: "Wasn't it your shocking experimental plan that attracted him?"
I quickly invited him to sit: "Dr. Colton, please sit."
His eyes were serious yet full of enthusiasm: "Charlotte, I've thoroughly reviewed your research plan, and it's truly incredible. But everything is still at the theoretical stage. I hope you and Leo can quickly move to the experimental phase—once there's a breakthrough, it will be a huge blessing for the medical world, even for all humanity."
I nodded, speaking seriously: "I have the same intention, but I'm troubled by the lack of startup funding to establish a laboratory and no stable personnel to build a team."
"Don't worry, these aren't problems. The whole world is now focused on the medical field. I believe there will definitely be people willing to fund your plan. We all have confidence."
He suddenly looked at me intently: "Charlotte, how did you initially think of this experimental theory?"
I answered honestly: "It's the result of years of accumulated basic research, also relying on notes my father left behind, combined with cutting-edge reports from medical laboratories worldwide, that led me to propose this hypothesis."
"Very good, very good." His tone was genuinely appreciative. "Learning never ends, your theory truly amazes me."
This conversation lasted two hours.
He had to rush to a meeting. Before leaving, he patted my shoulder with a solemn tone: "Charlotte, this laboratory must be built. I will fully support you. You will be as excellent as your father."
I stood up to see him off, feeling an inexplicable sense of emotion and strength in my heart.
Then Leo and I discussed for nearly two more hours, until it was time to pick up Mia, and we had to say goodbye.
Leo promised confidently: "Leave the laboratory matter to me."
After picking up Mia, I took her to a nearby shopping mall to buy some early spring clothes. We had just walked out of the mall lobby when I saw a familiar and eye-catching figure—Linda.
She walked alongside her assistant, graceful and exquisitely radiant. She attracted quite a few male gazes around her. What the assistant was carrying appeared to be daily necessities.
My brow furrowed slightly—had she moved near my home? Did Braden have her move here? This way, their private meetings would be more convenient.
I instinctively quickened my pace, not wanting Mia to see her.
"Puppy, such a cute puppy!" Mia suddenly pointed at a little girl walking a Teddy. "Mommy, can I have one too?"
I was startled. I had always been reluctant to let her have one, worried she might get bitten, but later she told me Linda had a dog at home and she really wanted to see it.
I gently ruffled her hair: "Are you sure you want one?"
"Sure!" She nodded firmly, her little eyes full of expectation.
"Okay, Mommy will take you to pick one you like."
"Really? I can really have a puppy? What if Daddy doesn't agree?"
I smiled: "It's enough that Mommy agrees."
"Yay! I'm getting a puppy!"
I took her to a nearby high-end pet store. Mia immediately fell in love with a Beagle puppy. The shop owner said this little dog was quiet and friendly, a good companion for children.
The moment I finished paying, Mia's smile was like a ray of sunshine: "Mommy, it's so cute, I love it so much!"
I smiled too, my mood infected by her happiness: "Then let's take it home."
When we got home, Mary was obviously stunned to see Mia holding the puppy: "Will the master... agree to having a dog?"
I didn't answer. But I knew—as long as it was something Mia wanted to do, Braden wouldn't object.
Mia named the puppy "Toby."
The evening sunlight fell on the terrace. I held a cup of hot tea, watching Mia and Toby chase and play, my heart suddenly becoming peaceful.
Such moments... would be even more perfect if I could get divorced.
In the evening, Braden came home.
Mia immediately rushed over, excitedly holding Toby and introducing him: "Daddy! Look, I have a puppy! His name is Toby! Do you like him?"
Braden crouched down to look at the little dog. Toby seemed frightened by his tall figure, his small body trembling slightly. His expression softened somewhat: "Toby? You chose the name?"
"Yes! I named him. Does it sound good?"
"It sounds good." He smiled in response.
Mia stroked the puppy's head, comforting him like a little adult: "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. My daddy isn't a bad person, he'll like you too."
I slowly walked downstairs.
Braden was taking off his suit jacket, catching sight of me approaching from the corner of his eye. He naturally extended his long arm, handing me his jacket.
I instinctively stopped, looking up at him.
He was also looking at me.
Once upon a time, I would have taken it without hesitation and casually reminded Mary: "Remember to hang it properly so it doesn't wrinkle."
Now, I stood there without reaching out my hand.