You're Just My Ex-Husband,My Lord-Chapter 254- wisely

Laurent thought about everything she had been through—from her marriage to Dave, her pregnancy and miscarriage, to Maggie spreading rumors about her being a discarded woman at the factory, and the recent scandal with Leonardo that made headlines. If Bert tried to ruin her reputation again, she wasn’t sure if she could handle it anymore.

Dave, sensing her anxiety, tried to comfort her.

"Don’t think about it if you don’t know. Overthinking won’t do any good."

His warm palm cupped her cheek, and his deep, soothing voice followed.

"No matter what happens in the future, just know I’ll always stand by you and always believe in you."

His words calmed Laurent, making her feel lighter inside. She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned into his embrace, listening to his steady heartbeat and feeling his warmth.

They stayed like that for a while, relishing each other’s closeness before parting ways.

After Laurent returned to the banquet, Dave lingered outside for a moment.

Upon learning that Bert had come to Burg Eltz earlier, Dave quickly made arrangements. From his parents to Lilian, their daughter Emma Washington, and even Laurent herself—he’d made sure people were watching over them, even arranging protection for her parents back in the small town.

He wasn’t taking any chances. Bert was unpredictable, and Dave couldn’t afford to overlook any detail, as everyone important to him was now under his care.

Back in the banquet hall, Laurent’s mood had visibly improved.

Bert’s gaze toward her was filled with curiosity, but Laurent smiled and raised her glass.

"Mr. Soul, let me toast to you, hoping for a pleasant cooperation."

Bert’s eyes sparkled with a bright smile as he raised his glass in return.

"To a pleasant cooperation."

Laurent’s smile froze for a moment as she finished her drink. The bright light reflecting off the glass revealed Bert’s grin, which only seemed to widen with mockery. His smile, despite its warmth, gave her an uncomfortable feeling. It was too evident that beneath his pleasant exterior lay a shifting and unpredictable nature.

She couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of distaste toward him—the kind of person who could remain cheerful on the surface while harboring internal storms.

The dinner was relatively uneventful, and as the evening drew to a close, Matthew spoke to Laurent.

"Laurent, for the next few days, please take care of Mr. Soul. Make sure to show him our hospitality."

Matthew’s words were merely polite formalities. He didn’t mention any business dealings or pressuring Bert for any orders or contracts. A shrewd businessman would never rush into talking business with a client on the very first day of their visit.

Laurent smiled and nodded in agreement, but Bert, ever so keen, leaned in with a playful tone.

"So, Miss Laurent, how do you plan to show me the hospitality of Burg Eltz?"

Laurent stiffened, her mind racing. Did he really expect her to play tour guide and entertain him around the entire place?

If she had to spend days showing Bert around, enjoying every part of Burg Eltz, she might as well call it quits on her life.

If it weren’t for their current professional relationship as client and businesswoman, she would never want to see Bert again.

Before she could formulate a response, a familiar voice came from behind them.

A hand slipped around her waist, and Laurent felt herself being gently pulled into a warm embrace. Dave’s presence immediately made her feel a sense of relief. He smiled at Bert with a gleam in his eyes, his tone as smooth as ever.

"If Mr. Soul doesn’t mind," Dave said, "I can take over the task of showing you around. I guarantee you’ll understand Burg Eltz thoroughly, and I’ll make sure you enjoy everything—eating, drinking, and all the entertainment."

With that, the tension in Laurent’s shoulders loosened. Dave had once again saved her from an awkward situation. She could finally breathe easier, knowing he was there to handle Bert in his own way.

As the banquet concluded and the other executives had left, only Matthew, Laurent, and Bert remained in the hotel lobby.

Matthew was visibly surprised to see Dave, while Bert’s expression darkened slightly. Even Laurent herself was taken aback.

She hadn’t expected Dave to step in so quickly and directly confront Bert. She had assumed he would wait a bit longer, perhaps assessing Bert’s intentions before making his move. The suddenness of his arrival threw her off balance, but it also hinted at Dave’s confidence and readiness to face whatever Bert might bring.

Laurent stood still for a moment, trying to read the situation. She was unsure how to handle the shift in dynamics, especially with Dave so openly inserting himself into the tense interaction between her and Bert.

Matthew, observing the shift in dynamics, quickly excused himself after exchanging brief pleasantries with Dave. He had suspected Bert’s true identity the moment he first met him. Having been in the business world for years, Matthew was well aware of the scandal surrounding Daniel’s illegitimate child a few years ago. Seeing the striking resemblance between Bert and Dave, along with Bert’s comment about his parents being from Burg Eltz, the connection became undeniable.

Throughout the evening, Matthew had been quietly watching Bert’s interactions with Laurent, wondering what exactly Bert’s intentions were. Bert surely knew about Laurent’s relationship with Dave, and Matthew couldn’t shake the feeling that he had found himself in a sticky situation.

Dave’s influence in the Burg Eltz business world was significant, and Laurent was someone Dave deeply cared for. If something happened to Laurent within Dave’s company—whether harm or any misfortune—Matthew knew it would reflect badly on him as well. It was a delicate position, and Matthew found himself with little choice but to tread carefully.

Back in the hotel lobby, Laurent quietly asked Dave, "What are you doing here?"

Dave didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he wrapped his arm around her and turned toward Bert, who didn’t look pleased. Dave’s voice was calm yet firm as he addressed Bert.

"So, what do you think, Soul?" Dave asked, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. "Would you like me to show you around?"

Since Dave had stepped in to protect Laurent, Bert’s demeanor shifted. He hadn’t expected Dave to appear so suddenly, nor had he anticipated that Dave would be in the hotel, in the very room next door. Bert hadn’t realized just how protective Dave was of Laurent, even going so far as to arrange dinner in the adjacent room.

Bert’s lips slowly curled into a smile as he considered the situation. His eyes narrowed as he looked at Dave’s protective stance, sensing the challenge.

"Well, no need to trouble lord. Washington," Bert said with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Having the lady accompany me sounds much more interesting."

Now that Dave had revealed himself, Bert no longer felt the need to disguise his identity. He acknowledged that he knew Dave and that this little game was becoming more entertaining by the minute. Bert was certain he had placed his bet wisely this time.