Dear Billionaire, I'm Not Your Wife Anymore! - Chapter 22: Chapter 22

The elevator doors opened, and Linda and Braden walked in side by side.
I was stunned, and couldn't help but feel a surge of disgust.
Braden had sent Mia to his mother's house early this morning to spend the weekend alone with Linda?
Although I no longer had much feeling for Braden, seeing him so openly with Linda still made me feel deep contempt.
When I walked into the private dining room, the food had already been served.
Leo came over: "Charlotte, come quickly, we were just waiting for you. Hurry and sit next to our Dr. Maverick, and toast him properly later."
I sat down beside Cole, instantly attracting several envious glances.
Vivian was also there. She had originally wanted to sit next to Cole, but was persuaded away by team leader Leo. It turned out that the seat beside Cole was specially reserved for me.
Now sitting beside Cole, under the lights, I looked quiet and beautiful, Cole handsome and refined—we appeared perfectly matched to outsiders.
Vivian's gaze held jealousy, but she quickly adjusted her attitude.
After all, in future work, she believed that with her professional knowledge, she could definitely surpass me, so she wasn't in a hurry.
Leo stood up and raised his glass: "First, the establishment of the laboratory is very exciting. Tonight we first toast the greatest contributor—Charlotte, because of her we had the opportunity to establish our laboratory."
I smiled slightly and stood up to raise my glass with everyone. Though young, I had a calm and composed temperament, neither humble nor arrogant, modest and low-key.
"Next, let's toast tonight's male protagonist—our genius medical doctor Cole, welcome to his joining."
Everyone stood up again to toast Cole. Cole pushed his glasses and raised his glass with extraordinary grace.
Because everyone was young, the atmosphere was pleasant, and everyone expressed many opinions about the future development of the laboratory.
At nine-thirty, everyone dispersed contentedly. Cole decided to take my car back to the hotel.
We chatted as we pressed the elevator button. The elevator door opened with a ding.
However, behind the elevator door appeared a figure with one hand in his pocket—it was Braden.
My heart suddenly tightened. A spotlight in the car illuminated his face, with distinct features and deep contours. At this moment, his deep, inscrutable eyes were staring straight at Cole and me, his emotions complex and hard to fathom.
"Mr. Kingsley, what a coincidence." Cole calmly greeted Braden.
Braden elegantly nodded in response.
"Charlotte, go ahead! See you later." Cole smiled. He obviously didn't want to cause trouble for me, so he didn't plan to go with us.
"Okay, see you later." I waved and stepped into the elevator.
In the elevator, Braden and I never spoke, and the atmosphere became unusually silent. The elevator went down to the first floor, and the two of us walked out one after the other.
I had driven, so naturally I didn't need to go home with Braden. I came to the parking lot outside, unlocked my car, got in, and started it to go home.
Just as I reached the entrance to the residential area, I suddenly felt warmth in my lower abdomen and immediately realized I had gotten my period.
So I parked the car at the shopping mall entrance next to the residential area and went in to buy some supplies.
When I got home, Mary came forward and asked: "Ma'am, you're back. Can I take leave tonight? My daughter is sick."
"Mary, go take care of your daughter!" I said hurriedly.
Mary smiled gratefully: "Thank you, ma'am."
After she left, I felt tired. I went back to my room for a shower, then went downstairs to make a cup of honey water, preparing to go upstairs to continue writing my research proposal.
Time unknowingly reached the early morning hours. I rubbed my brow and was just about to close my book when I suddenly heard the sound of the door opening in the first-floor hall.
Braden was back.
Tonight, with Mia not at home and Mary having taken leave, only Braden and I were left in the house.
The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat awkward. I thought it would be best to go downstairs to sleep early.
My bedroom was on the second floor. I had just stepped down from the third floor when I collided with the man coming upstairs. Although I was reluctant, I still greeted him: "You're back."
Braden said nothing and walked past me. I smelled Linda's distinctive perfume on him, which made me frown involuntarily.
So I quickly returned to my room.
After closing the door, I went into the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth, preparing to read a bit before sleeping.
Twenty minutes later, I had just put down my book and was preparing to sleep when the door was pushed open.
Braden walked in wearing a black robe, his hair wet, obviously having just showered.
"Is there something?" I immediately sat up, my eyes unconsciously showing a hint of wariness.
"Mia's not home, there's no need to sleep in separate beds." Braden spoke indifferently.