My Ex-husband Begs Me Back
Chapter 1014: The Art Of Pretense

Chapter 1014: The Art of Pretense

After dinner, it was already past eight in the evening. Camille finally toldAyan about Preston's call during the day.

Ayan listened without any extra reaction, his expression merelybecoming slightly subdued.

Camille looked at him and asked, "Why aren't you saying anything?"His gaze met hers, and he spoke in a calm tone, "No need to pay himany attention.”

Camille nodded and continued, "Yes, I ignored him and had the phonesent to him because I didn't think it was necessary for him to gothrough so much trouble just to return a phone. But I don't know whathis intentions or thoughts are. What do you think?"

Camille gazed at Ayan, waiting for his response. Although this matterwasn't particularly troubling, there was still a slight uneasiness until itwas fully understood.

Ayan gently took Camille's hand, and a faint glimmer of amusementsparkled in his eyes as he said, "Don't take him seriously. He's justseeking attention with his actions. If you feel burdened or replace it difficultto refuse, then handle it as you have in the past. There's no need foryou to engage in any disputes because of me. Whatever he says, youcan listen. As for what kind of person I am, you should know better thanhim."

Camille nodded, her gaze remaining fixed on Ayan. His reactions andattitude seemed to indicate that he didn't mind her contact with Preston.Was he genuinely unconcerned, or was he simply pretending to bemagnanimous?

Camille tilted her head, looking at Ayan curiously. "You're not upset, areyou?"

Ayan replied calmly, meeting Camille's gaze with his own. A slight curveappeared on his thin lips as he said, "I'm not upset. Why do you ask?""Because in the past, you didn't seem to like it when I was in contactwith him. Why does it seem like you've changed your mind now?"

"I haven't changed my mind. I've never liked it. I know perfectly wellwhat his intentions are regarding you, and naturally, I don't like himhaving any contact with you. However, I can't stop you, but trying toprevent you would only backfire. As long as you understand what's onmy mind, that's all that matters. Whether he continues to contact you ishis own business."

He said this earnestly, his slender fingers gently squeezing her palm.His deep eyes remained gentle and warm, devoid of any sharpness orcoldness.

His words, along with his current demeanor, made Camille feel like hewas good at pretending.

Camille couldn't help but laugh to herself and let a smile play on herlips as she looked at Ayan. She asked, "Mr. Simpson, have you beenlearning the art of pretending recently?"

Ayan naturally didn't understand the meaning behind her words andsimply stared at her, asking, "What trap are you trying to set for me?""Me? I'm just complimenting you!"

"Complimenting me? Complimenting me for what?"

"Complimenting you for being clever," Camille said, covering her mouthas she laughed.

Ayan showed no emotional response and continued to gaze at her withhis deep, unblinking eyes. There was a clear hint of indulgence in hiseyes, a gaze that could make anyone lose control if they stared at it fortoo long.

The way Camille and Ayan interacted nowadays was different frombefore. They could sit together and chat for hours without specifictopics in mind. Although there was no particular subject, theatmosphere never turned cold, perhaps because that was how marriedcouples spent time together.

The night was calm, as if it were the calm before a storm, but therewere no visible ripples.

The next morning, Ayan woke up and pulled Camille out of bed. Hewanted to have breakfast with her.

Camille didn't have any morning grumpiness, but it was evident thatshe hadn't slept well, so her face appeared expressionless with a touchof coldness. Ayan, in an attempt to appease her, personally preparedbreakfast and served it to her.

As they both ate, Ayan's phone suddenly rang, and he picked it up fromthe table, answering the call with a press of the speaker button."Hello?"

"Mr. Simpson, it's me," Kian's voice came through the phone. He spokesoftly, "Mr. Simpson, the news about Mr. Bell's divorce has alreadybeen revealed. The situation seems relatively normal for now. However,Mr. Bell just called me, and he mentioned that he can't reach Mr.Mikkola. He's worried about what Mr. Mikkola might be planning, sohe's feeling uncertain. He wants to temporarily leave Hance and comeback after the situation cools down. As for the project, he intends tohand it over to Simpson Group. What's your take on this?"

Ayan, who was in the midst of serving Camille some food, pausedbriefly upon hearing Kian's words. After placing the food in Camille'sbowl, he responded, "If he wants to leave Hance City for a while, that'shis decision. Regarding the Fola project, since Simpson Group hasalready handed it over, there's no need for us to continue managing it.Let him leave it in the hands of his assistant, and Simpson Group willprovide support if necessary. There's no need for us to take fullresponsibility.”

"Understood. I'll let Mr. Bell know. What about Mr. Mikkola? Is there areason to be concerned if he can't be reached now?"

"That's not something we should be worried about. Once Mr. Bell'saffairs are settled, Mr. Mikkola won't have any reason to stay in Hanceanymore. Whether he stays or leaves is his own business, and itdoesn't concern us."

Ayan squinted his eyes and set down his fork. His expression becamesomewhat aloof, and he seemed lost in thought.

Ayan listened to Kian's report about Mr. Bell's situation and the currentonline status. Then, he suddenly spoke up, saying, "Have JensonEvans reach out to Mr. Mikkola and probe him to see if he has anyother intentions?"

The museum project was now under Jenson Evans’ completeresponsibility. Even though Preston had completely left the project andposed no threat or influence, Ayan chose to maintain some distancefrom it. He entrusted the project entirely to Jenson Evans, hoping thatthere would be no issues. However, he had contingency plans in caseof unexpected developments.

After ending the call with Kian, Ayan continued to mull over thesituation. His expression remained pensive until Camille's voicesuddenly interrupted his thoughts. She asked, "What are you thinking?"Only then did Ayan come back to his senses. His gaze met Camille'seyes as he replied, "Nothing."

Camille asked, "Is Mr. Bell planning to leave Hance City?"

"Yes, he's probably concerned that his publicized divorce might causehim trouble. So, he wants to leave Hance City temporarily until thingssettle down. After all, he has ongoing projects in Hance City, and therecent publicity due to Mr. Mikkola's involvement wasn't favorable. Hecertainly doesn't want to attract that level of attention again."

Ayan wiped his hands with a wet napkin, and a cold, detachedexpression settled on his handsome face. Mr. Bell's desire tocompletely distance himself from Mr. Mikkola while returning to acooperative relationship with Simpson Group wasn't something Ayanwas willing to accept.

Although Ayan was willing to assist Mr. Bell in getting Mr. Mikkola towithdraw from the project, it didn't mean he was willing to forget abouteverything that had transpired as if it had never happened. Even ifcertain decisions had been made under the threat of consequences,Ayan hadn't received any prior hints or hesitation from Mr. Bell. If Ayanand Simpson Group couldn't bear the criticisms and public scrutiny ofthose decisions, then Mr. Bell couldn't simply absolve himself of theconsequences.

Ayan's honesty was met with Camille's nod of understanding. She said,“Your decision is fine. Do you want me to maintain some distance withMrs. Bell and her team, just in case? Would too much contact orcloseness with them affect Simpson Group?"

"No need. They have already divorced, and Mrs. Bell has left theproject. So, there's no need for you to keep your distance from them. Ifyou think she's a good person to talk to, then talk more. If not, then justmaintain basic interaction.”

"Alright, if it might impact Simpson Group, please let me know.""Okay."

After finishing their breakfast, they headed to work together.

As Camille entered the company's gates, she heard a familiar voicesaying, "I'm not going anywhere. I'll wait for her right here.”

Hearing that voice, Camille instinctively furrowed her brows.