Chapter 2 Her Husband Didn't Recognize Her

"Are you awake? Last night was just an accident..." Linsey averted her gaze, grappling with how to justify her erratic behavior of agreeing to a divorce one moment and sharing an intimate moment the next.

"You're quite adept, aren't you? What do you hope to gain by seducing me deliberately?" Bryson frowned, his voice thick with contempt.

Linsey was taken aback. "You don't recognize me?"

"Should I recognize a hostess who approached me to sleep with me?" Bryson retorted with a sneer.

Just the previous night, after his social obligations, as Bryson was about to retire to his hotel room, this woman had suddenly clung to him, groping and pressing against him.

He had always maintained a distance from women, yet here he was, having lost control with a stranger for the first time. And it repulsed him even more because of it.

"It's not what you think. I..." Linsey started, urgently trying to explain, but he cut her off.

"Enough," Bryson said, massaging his temples with visible irritation. He tossed a check at her. "I don't care what you're after. Take this money and leave. Forget any other ideas you might have."

Feeling humiliated, Linsey glared at him. "I don't want your money!"

She was the true victim, yet she now endured this humiliation.

Bryson's eyes hardened. If she didn't want money, what else could she possibly want? Did she really believe that a single night with him would elevate her status?

"Enough talk. Just leave!" Bryson waved his hand dismissively, signaling her to depart. "Never appear before me again!"

With that, he left the room as if even a glance at Linsey was too repulsive for him.

Clutching the check, Linsey watched Bryson's indifferent departure, her heart filled with bitter irony. Her husband of three years hadn't even recognized her.

Stunned for a moment, Linsey sighed inwardly and made her way to the bathroom for a shower.

She undressed and noticed the marks of intimacy scattered across her body. Memories of the previous night floated up unbidden.

Bryson had not been gentle, but he hadn't been overly rough either. Aside from a general soreness, Linsey felt no other discomforts. His touches seemed to linger, making her cheeks warm with a blush.

She quickly shook her head to clear these thoughts. They were on the verge of divorce, after all. She decided to dismiss the incident as a mere accident.

After her shower, Linsey stepped out of the bathroom, only to have her phone ring.

The caller ID showed it was Asher Harper, a former client.

She answered, and Asher's upbeat voice came through. "Ms. Wheeler, how have you been?"

They exchanged pleasantries briefly before Asher got to the point.

Linsey had previously helped Asher win a significant lawsuit. Out of gratitude, he was referring a major client to her.

Hearing about the new opportunity, Linsey's focus shifted to business. "Could you tell me more about the client's situation?"

Asher explained, "He's a friend who's just secured a large overseas project, but his goods have been detained by customs. Since you're the best in this field, I immediately thought of you."

Linsey smiled, grateful for the referral. "That's so nice of you."

Given Asher's esteemed reputation, Linsey trusted his referrals without question. This lifted her spirits, and she expressed her gratitude warmly, "Thank you for introducing the client to me."

After they exchanged a few more pleasantries, Asher added, "I'll send you the address where I've arranged for you to meet my friend. You can go there now and have a chat with him in person."

Despite feeling somewhat weak, Linsey knew she couldn't afford to delay. After receiving the address, she promptly prepared herself and headed out to the Twilight Bar.

Upon reaching the venue, Linsey ascended the stairs and pushed open the door to the reserved chamber, only to be met with a shocking sight. Inside was Bryson, the very husband she had parted ways with just this morning!