Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 457 "But why Lush Dream? My mentor never explained. After it was made, the fragrance was never released, and there's not even a trace of it on the market." Hearing this, Mila felt a twinge of disappointment.

She'd found the scent so unique and alluring that she'd wanted to ask where she could buy it, intending to pick up a few bottles as gifts for Felicity Fontaine. Felicity adored roses-Montgomery Manor itself even had a glass conservatory filled with roses, built especially for her by Conrad Montgomery.

The blooms flourished all year round.

If Mila could give her this fragrance, she was sure Felicity would be delighted.

"You like this perfume?" Johnnie caught the flash of regret on Mila's face and spoke up, as if reading her mind. "Yes, it's beautiful and distinctive," Mila replied with a smile. "I wanted to ask where I could find it, so I could give it to a relative who loves roses. It's a shame, really." If her mentor didn't want to sell it, she couldn't push the matter.

"Oh, that's nothing," Johnnie said with a chuckle. "Letcall my mentor tonight. If your friend is as passionate about roses as he is, maybe he'll agree to letset aside a few bottles as a gift. Consider it a thank you for Ms. Sutherland's generosity this evening." "You're too kind-it was just dinner." Johnnie smiled. "This is hardly a big deal." Later, Mila dropped Johnnie off at the hotel where he was staying during his visit. After a bit more small talk, she took her leave.

She watched his car disappear into the stream of evening traffic.

The smile faded from Johnnie's face, his lips pressed into a thin line, and the sharp, cool lines of his features beceven more severe.

He turned and headed for the elevator, riding it up to his room.

He shrugged off his coat, unbuttoning his shirt with one hand. A slim red string, looped through a silver cuff on his wrist, swung gently as he moved. With his other hand, he picked up his phone and dialed a number. When the call connected, his voice was low and even.

"Professor, I met her today." "Yes, just as you predicted-she really does love your Lush Dream blend. I think she wants to give it to her relative... Yes, I told her I'd have to check with you first..." He tossed his shirt aside, revealing sun-kissed skin and a toned, athletic back marked by a few faint scars. Rather than marring his appearance, they lent him a wild, untamed air. Bare-chested, he walked into the bathroom, leaving a trail of discarded clothes behind.

"I understand." "I'll bring those bottles you made yourself and give them to her the next twe meet... I'm sure she'll love them." He ended the call.

Water thundered in the bathroom, steam clouding the air.

Night had fallen, and the city lights gleamed.

At this hour, traffic in Kingsford was still a nightmare. Glancing at the sluggish line of cars outside, Mila decided to call Jade first.

Jade must have been waiting for news, because she picked up right away, her voice brimming with anticipation. "Well? What do you think? Any sparks?" "Aunt Jade, we only just met." Mila sounded exasperated.

"What does that matter? Sometimes you only need one glance to know," Jade insisted, utterly matter-of-fact. Thinking of the collaboration she'd just agreed upon with Johnnie, Mila answered cautiously, keeping her tone deliberately vague. "...He seems... fine..." "So, when's the wedding?" Before Mila could elaborate, Jade barreled on, excitement in her voice. "This time, I'll design your wedding dress myself, and the ceremony has to be grand. I want you to be the most beautiful bride in the world!" Mila fell silent. As touched as she was by her aunt's enthusiasm, they had only met once-wasn't this too much, too soon?

Jade was already off and running, talking about everything from the dessert menu to the guest list, so Mila quickly cut her off and got straight to the point. "Wait, Aunt Jade, cut her off and got in hold on. Marriage is way too fast. I just think he's decent we can keep getting to know each other. Please don't rush me, you're scaring me. Otherwise, let's just drop it." "Drop it? Absolutely not!" Jade grumbled, "You young people are so complicated. Back in my day, the bride and groom didn't even need to meet beforehand." Not that she'd ever been married herself.

But times had changed, and she'd introduced Mila to plenty of prospects before- only for the girl to dodge every attempt with one excuse or another. Now, finally, she was willing to meet someone, and even seemed to get along with him. Jade knew she couldn't push too hard.

But she wasn't going to let up entirely.

"All right, but you two need to see each other more," Jade relented, though it was clear she was doing so reluctantly. "But don't drag it out forever either! Sure, good things take time, but if you wait toodong, nothing comes of it. I'll be checking in for updates, and if it doesn't work out, just letknow-I've got a whole list of great candidates, every one of them top-notch. I'd never steer you wrong, you know." "Of course, of course," Mila said, forcing a smile to keep her aunt happy. When Jade finally hung up, Mila wiped sweat from her brow in relief.

Leonard, sitting in the driver's seat and watching the road ahead, had overheard the whole exchange. His grip on the steering wheel tightened, and a faint crease appeared between his brows... Judging by what he'd just heard, was Mila actually interested? That couldn't be right-could it?