Jolie had spent three years in a secret marriage, believing they were building something real. Then the pregnancy test turned positive, and Sorley's face went cold. "Get rid of it." Just like that, he didn't hesitate. He didn't apologize. Days later, she saw him at the hospital. He was holding another woman's hand and smiling at another woman's belly. She lost the baby. She signed the divorce papers. She left the country and didn't look back. Three years passed. Sorley was about to marry Zinnia. Jolie was dragged home for a blind date, which he somehow managed to destroy. His grandfather Zoran was fading, his memory slipping, and the only name he still held onto was hers—his favorite granddaughter-in-law, the one he believed was still married to his grandson. So Sorley made her an offer: six months, a contract, a performance for the old man. His voice was ice when he said it. "This is for my grandfather. Don't get any ideas." But Zoran insisted they live together. When photos leaked, the world turned on Jolie. She didn't argue. She didn't explain. She locked herself in her lab and published two SCI papers in a single month. The scientific world started whispering a new name—hers. When the six months ended, Jolie walked out. Then Sorley appeared at her door in the middle of the night. His eyes were wild. His voice cracked. "I'm getting married tomorrow," he said. "Please crash my wedding." She didn't even blink. He pulled out a paternity test. "You don't want our daughter either?" The world tilted. Her daughter was alive! "Sorley." Her voice was barely a whisper, but her eyes were steel. "Give me back my daughter."

Chapter 1Jolie Selby had anticipated running into Sorley Bramwell upon returning to the country. But she never imagined that on her very first day back in Southaven City, she'd crash right into him.One of her main reasons for returning was a blind date. It was arranged by the Selby family.Her grandmother, Edwina, had put it this way: "Zinnia and Sorley's wedding is set for this year. The other night, your late father came to me in a dream, blaming me for playing favorites and neglecting you all these years. Since my son still claims you as his own, I suppose it's my duty to look out for you. Mr. Lytton, the heir to Stellaris Group, comes from a good family and has decent looks. He doesn't mind that you're divorced, so you should meet him when you get back."Jolie scoffed. The man had been divorced three times and was looking for his fourth wife—what right did he have to mind her past marriage?Mr. Lytton's full name was Zavier Lytton."My name, Zavier, means 'radiant light.' It comes from a classic verse that says, 'All that is beautiful and noble shines brightly.' I'm sure you appreciate classic literature?"The man was reasonably attractive, with well-proportioned features.But his outfit was loud and ostentatious. The flashy suit and the deliberately exposed Patek Philippe watch oozed a desperate need to show off, perfectly matching his penchant for flaunting his supposed intellect.Jolie tactically took a sip of her coffee, suppressing a smile, and nodded with absolute seriousness. "Oh, absolutely. 'All rivers flow to the sea, never to return.' Coincidentally, I just crossed an ocean myself.""You're quite humorous, Ms. Selby. It's fascinating chatting with you." Zavier wore a heavily practiced, polite smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling in an exaggerated manner as he tried way too hard to make a good impression.Jolie wanted to say: *Is it? Then you better cherish this conversation, because it's probably the last one we'll ever have.*Before she could speak, a soft, stifled laugh drifted over from nearby—lazy and full of mockery.Jolie paused, instinctively turning her head, only for her gaze to collide directly with Sorley's.Their eyes locked.It was as if sparks crackled in the air, ash falling silently as time ground to a halt.Three years had passed, yet his commanding presence remained untouched. He sat tall and exuded a patrician elegance, his sharp, handsome features as striking as ever. Wearing a black sweater over a crisp white shirt, he possessed an otherworldly, sophisticated charm.Jolie frowned slightly. Getting caught on a blind date by her ex-husband? What kind of soapy melodrama was this?She quietly retracted her gaze. There was no need to exchange pleasantries with an ex.Zavier, however, stood up enthusiastically, his eyes practically gleaming as he looked at the man. His face split into a wide, fawning grin. "Mr. Bramwell! It is an absolute honor to run into you!"He eagerly extended his hand. "I'm Zavier Lytton of Stellaris Group."Sorley raised his hand, offering a brief, noncommittal handshake. A lazy, aloof smile played on his lips. "Hello."Suddenly struck by an idea, Zavier's eyes lit up with uncontainable excitement. "Come to think of it, Ms. Selby, since you and Zinnia Selby are cousins, you must already know Mr. Bramwell, right?"His eager, eager-to-please gaze darted back and forth between Sorley and Jolie.Sorley cast a token glance in Jolie's direction, his tone devoid of any warmth. "We're quite familiar."Zavier was thoroughly confused. If they knew each other, why did they look like they wanted nothing to do with one another?Then again, rumors said Sorley was a notoriously aloof and distant man who kept all women at arm's length—except for Zinnia.It seemed the rumors were true."Are you here alone, Mr. Bramwell? Would you like to join us for a coffee?" Zavier invited eagerly.This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rub shoulders with Sorley Bramwell.Caught off guard, Jolie was speechless.Zavier's move was, in a word—insane!But Sorley despised sycophants like him. There was no way he would lower himself to drink coffee with him.Just as the thought crossed her mind, she heard him reply briskly, "Sure."The next second, Sorley stood up, walked over, and casually pulled out a chair to sit down.Jolie was speechless. This blind date had completely jumped the tracks. Who invites a woman's ex-husband to sit in on a blind date?"I heard you recently finalized your divorce with your third wife, and you're already back on the market... You truly have boundless charm, Mr. Lytton." Sorley wore a flawlessly polite smile, his features relaxed as he offered the slow, deliberate compliment.Zavier beamed at the praise, secretly thrilled, though he waved his hands in a display of faux humility. "You're joking, Mr. Bramwell. In front of you, I have no charm to speak of. I'm just a grounded, sincere person, that's all. Compared to your grand vision and character, I fall far short."Sorley's lips curled into a faint, barely-there smirk. He tapped his fingers lightly against the edge of the table. "Please, continue your process."Taking the cue, Zavier turned to Jolie. "If I may be so bold, Ms. Selby, why did you separate from your ex-husband?"Jolie's eyes darkened. Her divorce from Sorley had been incredibly bitter, and it wasn't a memory she cherished.Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Sorley staring right at her, a look of profound amusement on his face.A sudden, mischievous urge flared in Jolie's chest. She offered a slight smile and spoke with deliberate slowness. "My unpresentable ex-husband? He's not even worth mentioning."When they first married, Jolie had been the one to propose it, and Sorley had only agreed on the condition that they keep it a secret. Almost no one knew they had ever been husband and wife.To this day, society believed Sorley's lifelong devotion belonged entirely to Zinnia.Sorley sat quietly, listening to her fabricate the narrative. One corner of his mouth ticked upward, making it impossible to read his mood.Zavier seemed quite satisfied with her answer. Her attitude proved she was completely over her ex.He pressed further with a tricky question. "Compared to your ex-husband, what do you think of me?"Jolie paused, her grip on her coffee cup tightening.What a fantastic question! It perfectly highlighted Zavier's overestimation of himself while simultaneously digging up all of Jolie's memories of Sorley's ruthless, heartless behavior.Choosing the lesser of two evils.She answered without hesitation, "Naturally, you're vastly superior. My ex was arrogant, moody, completely heartless, and just awful in every way!"Sorley sat perfectly still, his expression maintaining its relaxed facade, but his jaw ticked slightly. He shot Jolie a dangerous glare that clearly read, *You're asking for death.*After a moment, he suddenly spoke up. "Which ex-husband are you referring to, Ms. Selby? The guy you're describing sounds nothing like the man I know."Zavier's smug smile froze. A flash of displeasure crossed his rugged face. "You hid your marital history? Exactly how many ex-husbands do you have?"Jolie glared at Sorley. He was trying to start something, wasn't he?"Mr. Bramwell, since you know my ex, why don't you tell Mr. Lytton what kind of man he is?" she countered calmly.Zavier looked to Sorley. Between the two of them, he obviously trusted Sorley's word more. Sorley was a bystander; his perspective would naturally be more objective.Sorley looked completely unfazed and deadpanned, "He's a great guy."Zavier was baffled. Were these two even talking about the same person?Still, anyone Sorley knew had to be wealthy or powerful. They were likely part of the elite circle, someone Zavier might know too. He probed tentatively, "Mr. Bramwell, do I know this person?"Sorley's expression remained perfectly flat and immaculate. "You do.""Who?" Zavier asked, almost as a reflex.Sorley replied, "Me."Sorley's single word packed explosive power. It scared Zavier completely away.Jolie shot him an expressionless side-eye. When they got married, he demanded absolute secrecy. Now, three years after their divorce, he willingly outed himself as her ex? What kind of move was that?"You seem disappointed." Sorley toyed with his phone, casting her a mocking glare."Obviously," Jolie snapped back, sighing. This blind date was ruined, and she had no way to explain it to her grandmother.Sorley let out a cold chuckle, his face dripping with sarcasm. "You traveled thousands of miles just to hunt for a man? Are you that desperate? Willing to settle for a guy with a history of domestic violence?"Jolie was unbothered. "Domestic violence? Depends on who's hitting who."Her comment jogged Sorley's memory. Jolie had trained in martial arts under a famous master since she was a child. She actually had some serious moves.The very first time he met Jolie, she had beaten him up.It was during a lunch break in the eighth grade. He and his childhood buddies had snuck out of school to go go-karting. They had just jumped the wall from the crooked oak tree when a girl in the standard school uniform blocked their path.She had her hair in high pigtails fastened with cute pink hair clips. With her soft, docile features, leaning against the wall with a lollipop in her mouth, she looked like the picture of gentle innocence."How did I not know our school had a girl this pretty?""Whoa! She's looking at me! Do you think she's waiting here for me?""Look at how she pulls off that uniform. Her face is flawless!"The boys around Sorley were acting like they were under a spell, instantly infatuated.But a second later, Jolie's fists were flying.The guys were left stunned—some covering their faces, some groaning on the ground, others clutching their stomachs. They never expected someone dressed so sweetly to fight so viciously.It was... incredibly deceptive!At the end of it, she announced her name: "I'm Sorley Bramwell. If anyone has a problem, come find me."Standing under the crooked oak tree, Sorley pressed his tongue against his aching jaw and practically laughed out of sheer anger. If she was Sorley Bramwell, then who the hell was he?Later, he found out that a girl in her class was being harassed by local punks and had paid someone to teach them a lesson. Jolie took the job to make some money. But she was new to the business. She beat up the wrong guys and actually had the audacity to frame him for it!You couldn't find a second person in the entire school with that kind of nerve.He wondered if she was still as fearless now."Have you thought about the offer I mentioned?" Sorley steered the conversation back to business, his expression turning slightly more serious.Jolie studied him with a profound gaze, her eyes masking emotions she couldn't quite name. "Are you sure about this?"Sorley was talking about the Fake Marriage Agreement.This was the second reason Jolie had returned to the country.A week ago, she received a call from Sorley. It was the first time he had contacted her in the three years since their divorce. She had honestly thought they would never interact again for the rest of their lives.Sorley explained over the phone that his grandpa Zoran Bramwell had suffered a terrible fall recently. When he woke up, he had completely forgotten about their divorce.Sorley had been ready to marry Zinnia, but when Zoran saw Zinnia, he was furious. He declared that he only recognized Jolie as his granddaughter-in-law, and no other woman would ever step foot into their family.If Sorley insisted on staying tangled up with Zinnia, Zoran had no problem naming a new heir.Chapter 2Jolie Selby had anticipated running into Sorley Bramwell upon returning to the country. But she never imagined that on her very first day back in Southaven City, she'd crash right into him.One of her main reasons for returning was a blind date. It was arranged by the Selby family.Her grandmother, Edwina, had put it this way: "Zinnia and Sorley's wedding is set for this year. The other night, your late father came to me in a dream, blaming me for playing favorites and neglecting you all these years. Since my son still claims you as his own, I suppose it's my duty to look out for you. Mr. Lytton, the heir to Stellaris Group, comes from a good family and has decent looks. He doesn't mind that you're divorced, so you should meet him when you get back."Jolie scoffed. The man had been divorced three times and was looking for his fourth wife—what right did he have to mind her past marriage?Mr. Lytton's full name was Zavier Lytton."My name, Zavier, means 'radiant light.' It comes from a classic verse that says, 'All that is beautiful and noble shines brightly.' I'm sure you appreciate classic literature?"The man was reasonably attractive, with well-proportioned features.But his outfit was loud and ostentatious. The flashy suit and the deliberately exposed Patek Philippe watch oozed a desperate need to show off, perfectly matching his penchant for flaunting his supposed intellect.Jolie tactically took a sip of her coffee, suppressing a smile, and nodded with absolute seriousness. "Oh, absolutely. 'All rivers flow to the sea, never to return.' Coincidentally, I just crossed an ocean myself.""You're quite humorous, Ms. Selby. It's fascinating chatting with you." Zavier wore a heavily practiced, polite smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling in an exaggerated manner as he tried way too hard to make a good impression.Jolie wanted to say: *Is it? Then you better cherish this conversation, because it's probably the last one we'll ever have.*Before she could speak, a soft, stifled laugh drifted over from nearby—lazy and full of mockery.Jolie paused, instinctively turning her head, only for her gaze to collide directly with Sorley's.Their eyes locked.It was as if sparks crackled in the air, ash falling silently as time ground to a halt.Three years had passed, yet his commanding presence remained untouched. He sat tall and exuded a patrician elegance, his sharp, handsome features as striking as ever. Wearing a black sweater over a crisp white shirt, he possessed an otherworldly, sophisticated charm.Jolie frowned slightly. Getting caught on a blind date by her ex-husband? What kind of soapy melodrama was this?She quietly retracted her gaze. There was no need to exchange pleasantries with an ex.Zavier, however, stood up enthusiastically, his eyes practically gleaming as he looked at the man. His face split into a wide, fawning grin. "Mr. Bramwell! It is an absolute honor to run into you!"He eagerly extended his hand. "I'm Zavier Lytton of Stellaris Group."Sorley raised his hand, offering a brief, noncommittal handshake. A lazy, aloof smile played on his lips. "Hello."Suddenly struck by an idea, Zavier's eyes lit up with uncontainable excitement. "Come to think of it, Ms. Selby, since you and Zinnia Selby are cousins, you must already know Mr. Bramwell, right?"His eager, eager-to-please gaze darted back and forth between Sorley and Jolie.Sorley cast a token glance in Jolie's direction, his tone devoid of any warmth. "We're quite familiar."Zavier was thoroughly confused. If they knew each other, why did they look like they wanted nothing to do with one another?Then again, rumors said Sorley was a notoriously aloof and distant man who kept all women at arm's length—except for Zinnia.It seemed the rumors were true."Are you here alone, Mr. Bramwell? Would you like to join us for a coffee?" Zavier invited eagerly.This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rub shoulders with Sorley Bramwell.Caught off guard, Jolie was speechless.Zavier's move was, in a word—insane!But Sorley despised sycophants like him. There was no way he would lower himself to drink coffee with him.Just as the thought crossed her mind, she heard him reply briskly, "Sure."The next second, Sorley stood up, walked over, and casually pulled out a chair to sit down.Jolie was speechless. This blind date had completely jumped the tracks. Who invites a woman's ex-husband to sit in on a blind date?"I heard you recently finalized your divorce with your third wife, and you're already back on the market... You truly have boundless charm, Mr. Lytton." Sorley wore a flawlessly polite smile, his features relaxed as he offered the slow, deliberate compliment.Zavier beamed at the praise, secretly thrilled, though he waved his hands in a display of faux humility. "You're joking, Mr. Bramwell. In front of you, I have no charm to speak of. I'm just a grounded, sincere person, that's all. Compared to your grand vision and character, I fall far short."Sorley's lips curled into a faint, barely-there smirk. He tapped his fingers lightly against the edge of the table. "Please, continue your process."Taking the cue, Zavier turned to Jolie. "If I may be so bold, Ms. Selby, why did you separate from your ex-husband?"Jolie's eyes darkened. Her divorce from Sorley had been incredibly bitter, and it wasn't a memory she cherished.Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Sorley staring right at her, a look of profound amusement on his face.A sudden, mischievous urge flared in Jolie's chest. She offered a slight smile and spoke with deliberate slowness. "My unpresentable ex-husband? He's not even worth mentioning."When they first married, Jolie had been the one to propose it, and Sorley had only agreed on the condition that they keep it a secret. Almost no one knew they had ever been husband and wife.To this day, society believed Sorley's lifelong devotion belonged entirely to Zinnia.Sorley sat quietly, listening to her fabricate the narrative. One corner of his mouth ticked upward, making it impossible to read his mood.Zavier seemed quite satisfied with her answer. Her attitude proved she was completely over her ex.He pressed further with a tricky question. "Compared to your ex-husband, what do you think of me?"Jolie paused, her grip on her coffee cup tightening.What a fantastic question! It perfectly highlighted Zavier's overestimation of himself while simultaneously digging up all of Jolie's memories of Sorley's ruthless, heartless behavior.Choosing the lesser of two evils.She answered without hesitation, "Naturally, you're vastly superior. My ex was arrogant, moody, completely heartless, and just awful in every way!"Sorley sat perfectly still, his expression maintaining its relaxed facade, but his jaw ticked slightly. He shot Jolie a dangerous glare that clearly read, *You're asking for death.*After a moment, he suddenly spoke up. "Which ex-husband are you referring to, Ms. Selby? The guy you're describing sounds nothing like the man I know."Zavier's smug smile froze. A flash of displeasure crossed his rugged face. "You hid your marital history? Exactly how many ex-husbands do you have?"Jolie glared at Sorley. He was trying to start something, wasn't he?"Mr. Bramwell, since you know my ex, why don't you tell Mr. Lytton what kind of man he is?" she countered calmly.Zavier looked to Sorley. Between the two of them, he obviously trusted Sorley's word more. Sorley was a bystander; his perspective would naturally be more objective.Sorley looked completely unfazed and deadpanned, "He's a great guy."Zavier was baffled. Were these two even talking about the same person?Still, anyone Sorley knew had to be wealthy or powerful. They were likely part of the elite circle, someone Zavier might know too. He probed tentatively, "Mr. Bramwell, do I know this person?"Sorley's expression remained perfectly flat and immaculate. "You do.""Who?" Zavier asked, almost as a reflex.Sorley replied, "Me."Sorley's single word packed explosive power. It scared Zavier completely away.Jolie shot him an expressionless side-eye. When they got married, he demanded absolute secrecy. Now, three years after their divorce, he willingly outed himself as her ex? What kind of move was that?"You seem disappointed." Sorley toyed with his phone, casting her a mocking glare."Obviously," Jolie snapped back, sighing. This blind date was ruined, and she had no way to explain it to her grandmother.Sorley let out a cold chuckle, his face dripping with sarcasm. "You traveled thousands of miles just to hunt for a man? Are you that desperate? Willing to settle for a guy with a history of domestic violence?"Jolie was unbothered. "Domestic violence? Depends on who's hitting who."Her comment jogged Sorley's memory. Jolie had trained in martial arts under a famous master since she was a child. She actually had some serious moves.The very first time he met Jolie, she had beaten him up.It was during a lunch break in the eighth grade. He and his childhood buddies had snuck out of school to go go-karting. They had just jumped the wall from the crooked oak tree when a girl in the standard school uniform blocked their path.She had her hair in high pigtails fastened with cute pink hair clips. With her soft, docile features, leaning against the wall with a lollipop in her mouth, she looked like the picture of gentle innocence."How did I not know our school had a girl this pretty?""Whoa! She's looking at me! Do you think she's waiting here for me?""Look at how she pulls off that uniform. Her face is flawless!"The boys around Sorley were acting like they were under a spell, instantly infatuated.But a second later, Jolie's fists were flying.The guys were left stunned—some covering their faces, some groaning on the ground, others clutching their stomachs. They never expected someone dressed so sweetly to fight so viciously.It was... incredibly deceptive!At the end of it, she announced her name: "I'm Sorley Bramwell. If anyone has a problem, come find me."Standing under the crooked oak tree, Sorley pressed his tongue against his aching jaw and practically laughed out of sheer anger. If she was Sorley Bramwell, then who the hell was he?Later, he found out that a girl in her class was being harassed by local punks and had paid someone to teach them a lesson. Jolie took the job to make some money. But she was new to the business. She beat up the wrong guys and actually had the audacity to frame him for it!You couldn't find a second person in the entire school with that kind of nerve.He wondered if she was still as fearless now."Have you thought about the offer I mentioned?" Sorley steered the conversation back to business, his expression turning slightly more serious.Jolie studied him with a profound gaze, her eyes masking emotions she couldn't quite name. "Are you sure about this?"Sorley was talking about the Fake Marriage Agreement.This was the second reason Jolie had returned to the country.A week ago, she received a call from Sorley. It was the first time he had contacted her in the three years since their divorce. She had honestly thought they would never interact again for the rest of their lives.Sorley explained over the phone that his grandpa Zoran Bramwell had suffered a terrible fall recently. When he woke up, he had completely forgotten about their divorce.Sorley had been ready to marry Zinnia, but when Zoran saw Zinnia, he was furious. He declared that he only recognized Jolie as his granddaughter-in-law, and no other woman would ever step foot into their family.If Sorley insisted on staying tangled up with Zinnia, Zoran had no problem naming a new heir.Chapter 3Jolie Selby had anticipated running into Sorley Bramwell upon returning to the country. But she never imagined that on her very first day back in Southaven City, she'd crash right into him.One of her main reasons for returning was a blind date. It was arranged by the Selby family.Her grandmother, Edwina, had put it this way: "Zinnia and Sorley's wedding is set for this year. The other night, your late father came to me in a dream, blaming me for playing favorites and neglecting you all these years. Since my son still claims you as his own, I suppose it's my duty to look out for you. Mr. Lytton, the heir to Stellaris Group, comes from a good family and has decent looks. He doesn't mind that you're divorced, so you should meet him when you get back."Jolie scoffed. The man had been divorced three times and was looking for his fourth wife—what right did he have to mind her past marriage?Mr. Lytton's full name was Zavier Lytton."My name, Zavier, means 'radiant light.' It comes from a classic verse that says, 'All that is beautiful and noble shines brightly.' I'm sure you appreciate classic literature?"The man was reasonably attractive, with well-proportioned features.But his outfit was loud and ostentatious. The flashy suit and the deliberately exposed Patek Philippe watch oozed a desperate need to show off, perfectly matching his penchant for flaunting his supposed intellect.Jolie tactically took a sip of her coffee, suppressing a smile, and nodded with absolute seriousness. "Oh, absolutely. 'All rivers flow to the sea, never to return.' Coincidentally, I just crossed an ocean myself.""You're quite humorous, Ms. Selby. It's fascinating chatting with you." Zavier wore a heavily practiced, polite smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling in an exaggerated manner as he tried way too hard to make a good impression.Jolie wanted to say: *Is it? Then you better cherish this conversation, because it's probably the last one we'll ever have.*Before she could speak, a soft, stifled laugh drifted over from nearby—lazy and full of mockery.Jolie paused, instinctively turning her head, only for her gaze to collide directly with Sorley's.Their eyes locked.It was as if sparks crackled in the air, ash falling silently as time ground to a halt.Three years had passed, yet his commanding presence remained untouched. He sat tall and exuded a patrician elegance, his sharp, handsome features as striking as ever. Wearing a black sweater over a crisp white shirt, he possessed an otherworldly, sophisticated charm.Jolie frowned slightly. Getting caught on a blind date by her ex-husband? What kind of soapy melodrama was this?She quietly retracted her gaze. There was no need to exchange pleasantries with an ex.Zavier, however, stood up enthusiastically, his eyes practically gleaming as he looked at the man. His face split into a wide, fawning grin. "Mr. Bramwell! It is an absolute honor to run into you!"He eagerly extended his hand. "I'm Zavier Lytton of Stellaris Group."Sorley raised his hand, offering a brief, noncommittal handshake. A lazy, aloof smile played on his lips. "Hello."Suddenly struck by an idea, Zavier's eyes lit up with uncontainable excitement. "Come to think of it, Ms. Selby, since you and Zinnia Selby are cousins, you must already know Mr. Bramwell, right?"His eager, eager-to-please gaze darted back and forth between Sorley and Jolie.Sorley cast a token glance in Jolie's direction, his tone devoid of any warmth. "We're quite familiar."Zavier was thoroughly confused. If they knew each other, why did they look like they wanted nothing to do with one another?Then again, rumors said Sorley was a notoriously aloof and distant man who kept all women at arm's length—except for Zinnia.It seemed the rumors were true."Are you here alone, Mr. Bramwell? Would you like to join us for a coffee?" Zavier invited eagerly.This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rub shoulders with Sorley Bramwell.Caught off guard, Jolie was speechless.Zavier's move was, in a word—insane!But Sorley despised sycophants like him. There was no way he would lower himself to drink coffee with him.Just as the thought crossed her mind, she heard him reply briskly, "Sure."The next second, Sorley stood up, walked over, and casually pulled out a chair to sit down.Jolie was speechless. This blind date had completely jumped the tracks. Who invites a woman's ex-husband to sit in on a blind date?"I heard you recently finalized your divorce with your third wife, and you're already back on the market... You truly have boundless charm, Mr. Lytton." Sorley wore a flawlessly polite smile, his features relaxed as he offered the slow, deliberate compliment.Zavier beamed at the praise, secretly thrilled, though he waved his hands in a display of faux humility. "You're joking, Mr. Bramwell. In front of you, I have no charm to speak of. I'm just a grounded, sincere person, that's all. Compared to your grand vision and character, I fall far short."Sorley's lips curled into a faint, barely-there smirk. He tapped his fingers lightly against the edge of the table. "Please, continue your process."Taking the cue, Zavier turned to Jolie. "If I may be so bold, Ms. Selby, why did you separate from your ex-husband?"Jolie's eyes darkened. Her divorce from Sorley had been incredibly bitter, and it wasn't a memory she cherished.Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Sorley staring right at her, a look of profound amusement on his face.A sudden, mischievous urge flared in Jolie's chest. She offered a slight smile and spoke with deliberate slowness. "My unpresentable ex-husband? He's not even worth mentioning."When they first married, Jolie had been the one to propose it, and Sorley had only agreed on the condition that they keep it a secret. Almost no one knew they had ever been husband and wife.To this day, society believed Sorley's lifelong devotion belonged entirely to Zinnia.Sorley sat quietly, listening to her fabricate the narrative. One corner of his mouth ticked upward, making it impossible to read his mood.Zavier seemed quite satisfied with her answer. Her attitude proved she was completely over her ex.He pressed further with a tricky question. "Compared to your ex-husband, what do you think of me?"Jolie paused, her grip on her coffee cup tightening.What a fantastic question! It perfectly highlighted Zavier's overestimation of himself while simultaneously digging up all of Jolie's memories of Sorley's ruthless, heartless behavior.Choosing the lesser of two evils.She answered without hesitation, "Naturally, you're vastly superior. My ex was arrogant, moody, completely heartless, and just awful in every way!"Sorley sat perfectly still, his expression maintaining its relaxed facade, but his jaw ticked slightly. He shot Jolie a dangerous glare that clearly read, *You're asking for death.*After a moment, he suddenly spoke up. "Which ex-husband are you referring to, Ms. Selby? The guy you're describing sounds nothing like the man I know."Zavier's smug smile froze. A flash of displeasure crossed his rugged face. "You hid your marital history? Exactly how many ex-husbands do you have?"Jolie glared at Sorley. He was trying to start something, wasn't he?"Mr. Bramwell, since you know my ex, why don't you tell Mr. Lytton what kind of man he is?" she countered calmly.Zavier looked to Sorley. Between the two of them, he obviously trusted Sorley's word more. Sorley was a bystander; his perspective would naturally be more objective.Sorley looked completely unfazed and deadpanned, "He's a great guy."Zavier was baffled. Were these two even talking about the same person?Still, anyone Sorley knew had to be wealthy or powerful. They were likely part of the elite circle, someone Zavier might know too. He probed tentatively, "Mr. Bramwell, do I know this person?"Sorley's expression remained perfectly flat and immaculate. "You do.""Who?" Zavier asked, almost as a reflex.Sorley replied, "Me."Sorley's single word packed explosive power. It scared Zavier completely away.Jolie shot him an expressionless side-eye. When they got married, he demanded absolute secrecy. Now, three years after their divorce, he willingly outed himself as her ex? What kind of move was that?"You seem disappointed." Sorley toyed with his phone, casting her a mocking glare."Obviously," Jolie snapped back, sighing. This blind date was ruined, and she had no way to explain it to her grandmother.Sorley let out a cold chuckle, his face dripping with sarcasm. "You traveled thousands of miles just to hunt for a man? Are you that desperate? Willing to settle for a guy with a history of domestic violence?"Jolie was unbothered. "Domestic violence? Depends on who's hitting who."Her comment jogged Sorley's memory. Jolie had trained in martial arts under a famous master since she was a child. She actually had some serious moves.The very first time he met Jolie, she had beaten him up.It was during a lunch break in the eighth grade. He and his childhood buddies had snuck out of school to go go-karting. They had just jumped the wall from the crooked oak tree when a girl in the standard school uniform blocked their path.She had her hair in high pigtails fastened with cute pink hair clips. With her soft, docile features, leaning against the wall with a lollipop in her mouth, she looked like the picture of gentle innocence."How did I not know our school had a girl this pretty?""Whoa! She's looking at me! Do you think she's waiting here for me?""Look at how she pulls off that uniform. Her face is flawless!"The boys around Sorley were acting like they were under a spell, instantly infatuated.But a second later, Jolie's fists were flying.The guys were left stunned—some covering their faces, some groaning on the ground, others clutching their stomachs. They never expected someone dressed so sweetly to fight so viciously.It was... incredibly deceptive!At the end of it, she announced her name: "I'm Sorley Bramwell. If anyone has a problem, come find me."Standing under the crooked oak tree, Sorley pressed his tongue against his aching jaw and practically laughed out of sheer anger. If she was Sorley Bramwell, then who the hell was he?Later, he found out that a girl in her class was being harassed by local punks and had paid someone to teach them a lesson. Jolie took the job to make some money. But she was new to the business. She beat up the wrong guys and actually had the audacity to frame him for it!You couldn't find a second person in the entire school with that kind of nerve.He wondered if she was still as fearless now."Have you thought about the offer I mentioned?" Sorley steered the conversation back to business, his expression turning slightly more serious.Jolie studied him with a profound gaze, her eyes masking emotions she couldn't quite name. "Are you sure about this?"Sorley was talking about the Fake Marriage Agreement.This was the second reason Jolie had returned to the country.A week ago, she received a call from Sorley. It was the first time he had contacted her in the three years since their divorce. She had honestly thought they would never interact again for the rest of their lives.Sorley explained over the phone that his grandpa Zoran Bramwell had suffered a terrible fall recently. When he woke up, he had completely forgotten about their divorce.Sorley had been ready to marry Zinnia, but when Zoran saw Zinnia, he was furious. He declared that he only recognized Jolie as his granddaughter-in-law, and no other woman would ever step foot into their family.If Sorley insisted on staying tangled up with Zinnia, Zoran had no problem naming a new heir.