Chapter 8

Jane's POV

"Are you jealous, Hunter?" I playfully smiled as I gazed at him...

"Get off," he ordered quietly, but his voice was rougher than usual, almost hoarse. A muscle jumped in his jaw as he clenched it. Just then, my phone rang.

It was Ryan. Why was he calling at this hour? Had he found evidence of Lyra's affair?

I didn't answer, hanging up cautiously. I returned to my seat and sent a message:

[What's up?]

[Lyra just entered a hotel with a man. Should I barge in and catch them in the act?] Ryan asked.

Finally, an opportunity?

I immediately instructed: [No need to go in. Call the police and report them for solicitation.]

[Why go through all that trouble? If I rush in and record them, won't that be enough evidence?]

Hunter lit a cigarette, smoke curling around him, and through the smoke I noticed he was watching me.

[Evidence presented in court must be obtained legally,] I replied, annoyed and quickly texting back.

[Got it.] Ryan sent back tersely.

I threw my phone into my bag, glanced at Hunter and tried to cover up, explaining, "It's my colleague. Just handling some work matters."

Hunter raised an eyebrow, then pulled out his phone and quickly typed out a message before sending it...

Was he tipping someone off? I leaned in closer, my body pressing against his, my eyes darting toward his phone screen.

But the sly man quickly turned off his screen as I approached.

I could only pull back, pouting slightly, before leaning in close to his ear, my voice sultry and teasing, "So, are we heading to a hotel tonight, or your place?"

"Go back to your own home," he replied coolly, pushing me away.

"Even after all this, you're going to take care of it yourself?" I teased, my fingers brushing over the tent in his pants, raising an eyebrow with a smirk.

"I'd rather handle it myself than let you brag about it in your little group," he said, exhaling smoke, his gaze fixed out the window.

"Are you really that concerned about your reputation? Fine, if I win the bet, I'll treat you to a lavish dinner, how about that?"

"Frank, head to James Villa," Hunter ignored me, instructing the driver to take me home.

"Hmph, you'd better watch out or you'll end up impotent!" Just wait, I'll make sure to sleep with him one more time, then dump him to vent my anger.

We soon arrived at my home. I composed myself, opened the car door, and stepped out. The black Bentley didn't linger for a moment before driving off.

Before I could even step inside, my phone rang. It was Ryan.

"Me and the detective clearly saw Lyra and that man enter the hotel room, but when the police went in, the man was gone..."

I stayed silent for a moment, thinking about the message Hunter had sent earlier.

"He probably slipped away."

Ryan sounded frustrated. I didn't explain further.

"Who was the man she went to the hotel with?"

"Sean Parker, the CEO of Pierce Properties Inc. I never thought he'd be involved with Lyra too!" Ryan said angrily.

I understood his frustration. Lyra being entangled with so many men, he definitely wanted to finalize the divorce as soon as possible to avoid being ridiculed. I thought for a moment and quickly offered a suggestion:

"Since Lyra is so... active, why not take the initiative and find her a man yourself? Preferably one who's willing to testify in court."

"She's already cuckolded me, and now I'm supposed to handpick another person to humiliate myself further?" Ryan was still somewhat angry.

"Then you'll just have to wait for Lyra to entertain other men on her own. Oh, and by the way, Hunter's patience won't last much longer."

I gave him a friendly reminder. Whether he acted on it or not was up to him.

The following evening, Lucas and I attended the Jewelers' Association's 20th anniversary gala.

The party was shimmering with wealth and power everywhere. Lucas's posture had softened in this formal setting.

"Jane, the Jewelers' Association has hundreds of major corporations under it. If we can establish a good relationship with the association president and sign a long-term cooperation, future business will certainly be plentiful," his voice gently reminded me.

I gave him a measured smile. "Handle it yourself, Lucas. You know I don't enjoy socializing or entertaining." I raised my hand, brushing back my lazy long curls.

The ballroom was a study in calculated opulence, the air thick with expensive perfume and ambition. I casually picked up a glass of red wine offered by a waiter and took a leisurely sip.

Within minutes, I was surrounded by the usual crowd - CEOs, hedge fund managers, real estate moguls. Their business cards appeared like magic, accompanied by practiced smiles and rehearsed pitches. I accepted each with practiced grace, my own smile never wavering.

That's when I felt Hunter's familiar gaze. Hunter stood across the ballroom, his tuxedo a perfect frame for his cold elegance. He watched me over the rim of his whiskey glass, his expression unreadable.

'Perfect timing'. The champagne had given me just enough edge to be reckless. I excused myself from my admirers and made my way to him, deliberately letting my hips sway just slightly more than necessary.

"Am I beautiful tonight, Hunter?" I traced the neckline of my dress with one finger, noting how his jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.

His voice came out like arctic wind. "Is Sullivan & James Law Firm lacking in capable individuals? Do they really need to rely on your beauty to win clients?"

"Why not combine business with pleasure?" I stepped closer, inhaling his familiar scent. "You admit that I look stunning tonight, don't you?"

I playfully nudged him with my elbow and teased.

"We could continue this discussion somewhere more private... perhaps in one of the suites upstairs?"

"Jane James" He let out a low groan.

"If you're not going, should I find another man to go with?" I nudged him again, deliberately testing the waters in a hushed tone.

"Remember protection." His eyes raked over me with deliberate coldness. "I'd hate for you to catch something from your... networking."

The words hit like shards of ice. Through sheer force of will, I kept my smile in place, even as old wounds reopened beneath my carefully constructed facade. 'Nine years', I bitterly thought. 'Nine years and he can still hurt me so deeply'.

"Your concern is touching," I suppressed the bitter feelings, looking up and purred, but my fingers trembled slightly as I set down my glass.

I turned to leave, each step burning with remembered hurt and fresh humiliation. But I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing me run.

Behind me, I heard the clink of ice in his glass, followed by a helpless sigh.

But I didn't look back; my pride wouldn't allow it. I blended back into the crowd, and soon another man approached to strike up a conversation.

Based on your modified Chinese version, here's the updated American English text: