My Divorced CEO Wife Is Begging for Me Back

Chapter 6

Conan returned to the hospital with a lunch box. After placing it on the side table, he pulled a chair beside Clara's bed. Her breathing was still weak, but the steady beeping of the monitors reassured him.

He checked her IV and pulled the blanket over her shoulder before settling down to wait.

Nearly an hour later, Clara stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked around until she spotted him.

"Conan?"

"I'm here, Mom."

Her gaze shifted toward the door. "Where's Rhea? Didn't she come?"

Conan paused. "Something urgent came up at the company. She couldn't make it."

"Even after hearing about my accident?"

"She's been quite busy lately."

Clara sighed. "You always find a way to defend that girl."

A faint smile crossed his face. "She's your daughter."

"And you're my son-in-law." She reached for his hand. "Sometimes I wonder how I ended up with such a wonderful son-in-law and a daughter who doesn't know how to appreciate him."

"Don't say that. You need to rest."

"I'm serious, Conan. You've looked after me more times than I can count. You've never made me feel like a burden, even when Rhea and I disagreed."

He gently squeezed her hand. "You're family, Mom. I don't need a reason to take care of you."

Her eyes softened. "If I could choose my son-in-law all over again, I'd still choose you."

His smile faltered. The divorce agreement was already signed. In three days, he and Rhea would be officially separated. He wanted to tell Clara, but after everything she'd been through, he couldn't bring himself to bother her with that information.

Instead, he reached for the lunch box.

"I brought you something. The doctor said you could have light food once you woke up."

Clara peered inside. "Is that your broth?"

"Who else's?"

She chuckled. "I was dreaming about this while I was unconscious. The nurses said I kept mumbling about your cooking."

"Then I hope it hasn't been overrated."

He poured some into a bowl and carefully helped her eat.

After a few spoonfuls, she asked, "How much did the hospital charge you?"

"Don't worry about it. Everything is settled."

"Did Rhea give you the money?"

His hand paused.

"Something like that."

Clara frowned. "What does that mean? Did she refuse to help?"

"Mom, please. Let's not discuss hospital bills. You need to focus on recovering."

"Conan, don't hide things from me."

"I'm not hiding anything. Now, finish your broth before it gets cold."

She gave him a doubtful look but accepted another spoonful.

He stayed with her throughout the afternoon, speaking with the doctor, confirming her medication schedule and arranging her follow-up care. By evening, Clara had drifted back to sleep, leaving him beside her bed.

He stepped outside her room and checked his phone. Rhea hadn't contacted him once to ask about her mother's condition.

He opened their conversation and typed:

You've already signed the divorce agreement. Three days from now, we'll complete the divorce procedures at the municipal office. I expect you to be there on time.

He sent it without a second of hesitation.

On his way out of the hospital reception, Conan noticed the television mounted above the waiting area.

A news report about Voss Sparkles Enterprises was playing.

"...Voss Sparkles Enterprises is facing an unprecedented crisis. The company's stock has plummeted, investors are withdrawing their funds, and several overseas distribution channels have reportedly been severed. Analysts are questioning the company's ability to maintain its current operations."

Conan stopped. The screen changed to a press interview. Rhea stood before a cluster of reporters, maintaining her composure despite the questions being thrown at her.

"Ms. Voss, can you confirm whether the company has lost its international distribution partners?"

"We're currently reviewing the situation."

"Is it true that a Major partner has withdrawn its support?"

Rhea's expression tightened slightly.

"No. However, I assure our investors that I will do everything possible to resolve this matter. I'm working on partnering with Ashworth Diamond Group."

"Does that mean you'll approach Ashworth Diamond Group's president personally?"

"If that's what it takes." Her chin lifted. "I'll find the president myself. Voss Sparkles Enterprises has overcome challenges before, and this will be no different."

Conan watched for another moment before turning away.

Three years ago, he would have immediately started making calls, doing everything within his power to resolve a problem for Rhea.

Now, he couldn't bring himself to care.

Her company was no longer his responsibility.

He stepped outside into the evening air. His phone buzzed almost immediately.

It was Kole.

"Sir, have you seen the latest developments?"

"I just did."

"Things are worse than we anticipated. Voss Sparkles Enterprises has already lost several major partners. Their executives are scrambling to contain the situation."

Conan leaned against the hospital's exterior wall.

"Let them handle it."

"Understood, sir." Kole paused before continuing. "May I ask when you'll be returning to the company? Everyone is waiting for your instructions."

Conan looked toward the road.

"Tomorrow morning."

Kole sounded relieved. "I'll make the necessary arrangements. The convoy and senior management team will be ready to receive you."

“I need you to run an investigation on someone. I'll forward you the name.”

“It'll be carried out immediately, Master.”

Conan ended the call and slipped his phone into his pocket. He reached into his jacket for a cigarette. 

He hadn't smoked since marrying Rhea. She had always complained about the smell, so he'd given it up to keep her happy.

He lit it and took a slow drag. He exhaled, watching the smoke drift into the evening air.

As he started toward the roadside, three black luxury cars pulled up nearby. Their polished exteriors and tinted windows drew curious looks from passersby, but Conan paid them little attention.

"Hey! You!"

A woman's voice stopped him.

He turned to find a young woman approaching, followed by two men who had stepped out of the cars. Her designer coat, diamond earrings and expensive handbag announced her wealth before she even spoke.

She looked him over with a confident smile.

"You're Conan, aren't you? Rhea Voss's ex-husband?"

"Who wants to know?"

"How rude! I'm Athena Dutcher."

Conan waited, unimpressed.

"Doesn't my name mean anything to you?"

"Should it?"

Her smile tightened. "You've probably been too busy playing househusband to keep up with the important people in Milan City."

Conan glanced at her outfit. "And you're one of them?"

"Of course! I'm one of the most sought-after women in this city. If there were a beauty ranking, I wouldn't settle for second place."

"Congratulations."

Athena stared at him, clearly expecting more. When none came, she stepped closer.

"Fine. I'll be direct. I've taken a liking to you. From today, you can consider me your future wife."

She opened her arms, moving in for an embrace. Conan stepped aside, leaving her hugging empty air.

Her smile vanished. "Why did you dodge me?"

"Because I don't know you."

"Do you have any idea how many men would jump at the chance to be with me?"

"Then pick one of them."

Her expression darkened. "I'm Athena Dutcher! I'm not inferior to Rhea Voss in any way. A man in your position should be grateful I've taken an interest in him."

"A man in my position?"

"Don't pretend you don't understand. You spent three years as a live-in son-in-law. Now that Rhea has agreed to divorce you, you should be glad someone like me is willing to give you another chance."

Conan let out a dry laugh. "You certainly have a high opinion of yourself."

Athena flushed. "Are you saying I'm not good enough?"

"I'm saying I'm not interested."

"Is it because of Rhea?"

"Rhea and I haven't even received our divorce certificate. And when we do, I have no intention of rushing into another marriage."

He looked at her calmly.

"Making the same mistake twice would be foolish."

Athena's mouth fell open.