Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 473 At the right time, she could always find another way to return the favor.

The person on the other end didn't refuse.

Just imagining how happy Felicity would be when she finally received the rose- scented perfume, Mila felt her spirits lift, chasing away the gloom that had settled over her earlier.

"Who was that just now, sis?" Eugene asked, scooping up a spoonful of tortellini soup. He spoke in his usual, offhand way, curiosity barely touching his words.

"Just a friend." Mila smiled, tapping out a reply before turning her phone to show him. "She's really talented at making perfumes. She wanted to talk about a new scent she's working on. Once I get it, I'll let you try it too." "Sounds good!" Seeing Mila in such a good mood, Eugene smiled too, though a chill lingered in his heart. Since when had Johnnie gotten in touch with his sister? And why? What was he planning? He couldn't shake the uneasy feeling. So, when Johnnie texted him to meet up, Eugene didn't hesitate even promised Mila he'd stay out of trouble and wouldn't set foot in a bar again. Only after her repeated reassurances did she finally let him go out.

Mila, on the other hand, was in no shape to go anywhere. Since it was the weekend, she decided to stay hand rest up for a few days.

Still, she was the boss-there was no such thing as a real day off.

Luckily, Conrad was still holding down the fort. She sent him a quick message, letting him know she wouldn't be at headquarters for a while and that he'd need to handle things himself.

As for Splendid's overseas branch, she told her great-aunt that she wanted to focus on designing a royal wedding dress inspired by British traditions. She asked to be spared from management meetings and minor decisions for the tbeing. Jade didn't mind; she'd always expected more from Mila than just running Splendid anyway.

She also texted Cara, who'd just returned from break, and asked her to coordinate with Leonard to finish up the remaining projects. If anything needed her decision or if they hit a snag, they could reach out.

Once both companies were taken care of, Mila finally relaxed. She changed into her favorite knit dress and went to the stuin her villa, ready to start sketching designs for the wedding dress.

The client wasn't in a rush, but custom gowns like this took countless steps and a long tto finish. Mila didn't dare slack off-she had high hopes for this commission.

Meanwhile, Eugene didn't go straight to meet Johnnie. He headed to school first, took care of serrands, and only then, as the weekend crowds swelled, slipped out the back entrance and disappeared into a waiting car.

The car soon pulled into the underground garage of a private club.

Wearing a black baseball cap and matching athletic clothes, Eugene hopped out, took the elevator upstairs, and slipped into one of the private rooms.

He immediately frowned.

The air wasn't thick with smoke, but it was far from pleasant. Inside, a dozen women lounged in various styles- swore revealing outfits, others exuded a demure grace, and a few were dressed to lace and irresistibly cute. The whole room seemed designed to overwhelm.

Lounging on the sofa, Johnnie wore a pale blue button-down shirt, unbuttoned enough to show off his tanned, chiseled abs. He had his arm around a voluptuous woman, but his eyes fixed on Eugene, who still stood by the door.

"Aren't you coming in?" With a casual gesture, Johnnie summoned a sweet-faced girl. She bounced over, clinging to Eugene's arm and cooing, "Cplay with me, won't you?" It sounded like a question, but she was already tugging him inside. The door swung shut behind them.

When the girl was about to settle onto his lap and unbutton his shirt, Eugene's expression turned icy. He brushed off her hand, pushed her away, and glared coldly at Johnnie, who was busy flirting with the nearly-naked woman beside him. "What's this supposed to be?" Is this why you wanted to see me? Just to play these games? He was ready to leave.

"Don't like it?" Johnnie sidestepped the question, glancing at another woman.

A moment later, a woman in a fitted dress-elegant and striking, with a frosty beauty-walked over and sat beside Eugene. She didn't do anything inappropriate, just gently hooked her finger around his and murmured, "Little brother." Eugene's pupils contracted.

For a brief moment, his vision blurred. Then, all at once, he shot to his feet, fury pouring out unchecked. "Johnnie!" The room fell silent.

No one dared utter a word. The woman who'd just touched Eugene shrank back on the couch, terrified, casting a nervous glance at Johnnie.

Johnnie's smile never faltered.

After all, Eugene was still just a kid-no matter how sharp or cautious, he'd given himself away the moment he was tested. His thoughts were written all over his face. No matter; he'd gotten what he wanted.

"Everyone out." Johnnie's hand slipped from the woman's waist, the silver bracelet at his wrist glinting as he spoke, his tone gentle but leaving no room for argument. The women scattered without hesitation.

Once the door shut behind them,

Johnnie poured a glass of whiskey, sliding it across the crystal table toward Eugene, who was stillo m standing "Alright, don't get worked up. If you don't like it, we'll skip the games. Let's get to the point-you must have plenty of questions for me." As he spoke, he pulled out a tablet and pushed it across the table as well. "Everything you want to know is right here."