Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 477 The negotiations had been surprisingly easy, and the price they offered was generous though that wasn't what really mattered.

Money wasn't what she lacked these days.

What she needed was recognition, a nthat carried weight in the world of art and design.

This commission, with its high-profile client and the freedom to create in her own style, could change everything.

If it worked out-and with the royal wedding about to be broadcast to the world's elite-her status would soar overnight.

Once it was done, she could finally strike out on her own.

The thought lit up Mila's face, her delicate features radiant with excitement. Her throat was still sore, so she resisted the urge to hum, but she couldn't help breaking into an impromptu little dance, her dress swirling as she glided out of the stulike a sprite beneath the moonlight.

The hallway outside was quiet.

Adrian Montgomery had already gone back to university for classes tomorrow, leaving the house empty for the night. Mila drifted aimlessly through the softly lit rooms, her spirits high as she admired the flowers in the courtyard, watered them, then wandered into the collection room to admire the priceless paintings and intricate antiques she and her great-aunt had acquired over the years. That's when she stumbled across something unexpected.

She absentmindedly opened an old wooden trunk, and inside lay a familiar wedding gown.

Carefully, she lifted it out-a couture dress adorned with gleaming jewels and embroidered roses. It took only a second for her to recognize it: Moonblush Roses.

Memories cflooding back.

She remembered this custom gown. Years ago, Lysander Montgomery had commissioned Jade Sutherland to create it for Giselle Harvey, but used Mila's name. With her great-aunt's reputation adding to its cachet, the gown was valued at over three million dollars.

In the end, Jade had taken the dress back.

Mila had never seen it again and assumed her great-aunt had quietly disposed of it. But here it was, sealed away in a trunk. Most likely, her great-aunt couldn't bear to part with it, having poured so much effort and love into what she thought was Mila's wedding dress, even if the truth hurt.

She gazed at the shimmering gown in the lamplight, and had to admit her great-aunt's craftsmanship was truly masterful. With a calm expression, Mila returned the dress to the trunk.

She closed the lid.

Turned off the lights in the collection room and went to bed.

She slept late. With no company matters to worry about lately, it was a rare chance to indulge in a lazy morning. But the phone woke her early. Half-asleep, she answered.

"Mom, why didn't you chthis weekend? I'm heading to school today- aren't you taking me?" Adrian's chatter crackled through the receiver.

"I..." She tried to reply, but her voice cout hoarse.

"Are you feeling sick, Mom?" Adrian picked up on it right away.

"My throat's just sore." It was still uncomfortable to speak, but she managed a brief explanation and told him she wouldn't be able to drive him to school for the next few days, so he should go with the driver as usual.

She could have taken him, but Mila didn't want Adrian to see the bruises on her neck and start asking questions. Knowing her son, he'd throw a fit.

Best to wait until she'd healed.

"Okay." Adrian sounded disappointed, but with his mother not feeling well, he didn't argue.

Outside the house, Adrian trudged out with his backpack, less than cheerful. But as he climbed into the car, he realized Leonard was in the driver's seat. He perked up-then frowned in confusion. "Leonard, aren't you supposed to be with Mom?" Leonard had always been by her side.

"Your mother's resting at home, and I happened to be free," Leonard replied, starting the car with his usual composure. "So I'll drive you today." That, at least, made Adrian happy.

But when the car pulled up to the school gate and Adrian hopped out, chattering away to Leonard, he suddenly fell silent. His gaze shifted past Leonard's shoulder and fixed on something behind him, eyes clouding.

Leonard glanced back too, his expression tightening.

Another car had pulled up behind them. Sophia Pembroke stepped out, holding a child by the hand The boy ve by kept his head down, face hidden, but Sophia-spotting them-flashed a bright red-lipped smile and tugged the boy over. "What a coincidence. Julian, look who it is," Sophia said, squeezing the hand of the silent child.

Julian Pembroke finally looked up, his complexion pale. His eyes landed on Adrian, and after a moment, semotion flickered in their depths. He managed a hesitant smile.

"Adrian?" He remembered Adrian-they used to go to school together, were even friends once. But he couldn't recall the last tthey'd seen each other, or how Adrian had thrown a plate at him in a fit of rage.

But Adrian remembered.

This liar-pretending to be his friend, and then stealing his mother... Adrian's eyes burned with open loathing. He balled his fists, ready to rush forward, but Leonard held him back.

With his small frame, Adrian couldn't break free, so he turned a furious glare on Leonard. Before he could protest, Neonard calmly addressed Sophia "If everything's settled, why don't you take the child to class first? I'll be along in a moment." Sophia glanced at the fuming Adrian, lips curving into a satisfied smile. "Of course."

She led Julian toward the school. It was his first day, so naturally she wanted to escort him herself. O M Strangely, after all his protests last night about not wanting to come, Julian was suddenly docile, offering no resistance. Sophia smiled, clearly pleased.