Preston Vance gave a slight nod, then asked, "Which friend of yours is injured? Is it Miss Iris Yates?"

"No," Chloe Reed shook her head. "It’s no one important."

Hearing this, Preston Vance’s eyes flickered behind his glasses, but he didn’t ask any more questions.

He opened the passenger-side door and got in.

Chloe Reed got in as well, buckled her seatbelt, and started the car, driving away.

Preston Vance replied to a few messages on his phone, then suddenly looked at her. "I remember your divorce hearing with Mr. Grant was scheduled for around this time, right? How did it go? Is it over?"

Chloe Reed’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. "No. There was an unexpected incident, so the hearing has been postponed."

Preston Vance looked puzzled. "How did that happen?"

"He was injured," Chloe Reed said, pressing her lips together.

Seeing her reluctance to discuss it, a look of understanding dawned in Preston Vance’s eyes.

"So, the person staying in this hospital is Mr. Grant."

Chloe Reed sighed in resignation. "Yes."

Preston Vance grew even more confused. "How could he have gotten injured out of the blue?"

He paused, his tone taking on a casual air. "I remember he never wanted to divorce you, right?"

At his words, Chloe Reed’s brows furrowed. Her mind couldn’t help but race.

’He really doesn’t want a divorce.’

’He even told me he had plenty of ways to keep the judge from even starting the hearing.’

’So, this incident...’

’No!’ 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

’I can’t think like that!’

’That was a real gun, with live ammunition!’

’Even if he wanted to stall, he wouldn’t resort to such a drastic measure. Besides, he didn’t know beforehand that Autumn Linton was going to take Grandma.’

’So, I shouldn’t let my imagination run wild.’

Chloe Reed quickly regained her composure. "He doesn’t, it’s true. But our marriage has run its course. We’re bound to get divorced sooner or later."

Preston Vance gazed at her and asked, "I’ve heard a lot since I’ve been back. You and he were together for many years, right? To just get divorced like this... can you really bear to let it go?"

"There’s nothing to regret," Chloe Reed said softly. "It’s best to make a clean break, otherwise I’ll just be the one getting hurt later."

"Yes, you’re right." Preston Vance nodded. "I agree with what you’re doing."

Chloe Reed’s lips curved into a smile. "We’re here."

"So soon..." Preston Vance’s tone held a trace of regret. "I feel like we barely got to talk."

Chloe Reed said, "Then let’s wait until we’re both free and sit down for a proper chat."

"Okay."

Preston Vance nodded and got out of the car.

He stood to the side, watching her drive away. Only after her car had disappeared around the corner did he slowly pull back his gaze.

’So, the injured one is Walker Grant.’

Tsk...

...

Back at the hospital, her grandmother was watching a TV drama.

"Grandma."

She walked over, sat on the edge of the bed, and took her grandmother’s hand.

Her grandmother asked with concern, "What happened? Is everything taken care of?"

"Don’t worry." Chloe Reed gave her a small smile. "You’ve given me so much. I’d be pretty useless if I couldn’t do at least this much, wouldn’t I?"

But her grandmother just laughed kindly and stroked her head. "No matter what you do, the most important thing is to protect yourself."

"Mm, I know."

Chloe Reed leaned against her arm. After a moment, she spoke again, "Grandma, are you sad?"