Chapter 20 Rowena had smiled as she said , " Ambi has always been moody . When he's in good spirits , keeping a pet around is natural . But when he grows tired , tossing it aside like garbage is even more natural ." " Only someone as pitifully alone as you would mistake him for salvation . " " Have you learned your lesson now ? " Clarinda could hardly remember what she had said in reply , dazed and faint . She only remembered the burning sun overhead , the way she fainted from the heat , then being jolted awake with a bucket of ice water . But through all the years that followed , she reminded herself relentlessly . Never again depend on anyone , never again be someone's burden . She walked carefully , calculating each step , inching her way forward in life . *** Chapter 20 The next night , Clarinda and Rudolf landed in Veyton , where Cecily Kerr was waiting at the arrivals gate . Seeing someone there to pick her up , Rudolf left her with peace of mind and returned to the clinic . Once in the car , Cecily glanced at the luggage in the back and arched a brow . " So , are you coming to my place or what ? " " Take me to Veridian Villa first . " That so - called " home " she shared with Corby was there , in Veridian Villa . Veyton's most exclusive neighborhood . Cecily nodded , then couldn't help asking , " Still no word from Corby these past few days ? " " None . " " What's his deal ? Busy mourning his mistress or something ? " Her lawyer's tongue was as sharp as ever . Clarinda didn't know either , which was why she intended to go back and face him directly about the divorce . When she got out of the car , she left her luggage behind . " Take this to your place for me , alright ? Saves me from having to Chapter 20 move it again later . " She hadn't packed much , just the clothes she wore most often . Plenty was still left behind at Veridian Villa , things she didn't want but could wear for now . Close to midnight , the villa still glowed with its customary light at the entryway . At the sound of the door , Sarah appeared , surprised . " Madam , you're back . Shall I make you something to eat ? " " No need . " Clarinda shook her head , cutting straight to the point . " Is Corby home ? " Sarah's expression flickered with discomfort , but she still answered honestly , " No , he hasn't been back these past few days ." As she spoke , she quickly added in Corbin's defense , " He's always busy . Don't let your thoughts run wild . " Clarinda smiled faintly . " Alright , don't worry ." She had no energy to waste guessing where her soon - to - be ex- husband might be . Chapter 20 After several sleepless nights , she thought the comfort of her familiar bed would finally give her rest . But instead of sleeping through till morning , she lay wide awake . This place no longer felt safe . The same room , the same bed . Nothing had changed , yet everything had . Clarinda reached for her phone on the nightstand and mindlessly scrolled through Instagram . Cecily posted , " Sent off my best girlfriend , now back to drowning in case files ." Clarinda's lips curved , and she tapped the like button . She kept scrolling until her hand suddenly froze . Adrienne posted , " You really meant what you said , always protecting me , never leaving me when I need you most . " " The photo showed her lying in a hospital bed , someone feeding her fruit . Only a hand was visible . But the long , defined fingers and the tiny red mole at the wrist gave him away instantly . Chapte Clarinda recognized it at once . The man in Adrienne's post was Corbin . She took a screenshot , then sent it to him with a message . " You're still at the hospital , right ? I need to talk to you . Can I come tomorrow ? " He hadn't come home . She didn't mind being the one to take the initiative . After all , divorce would be a relief for them both . At Veyton Airport . Once his flight landed , Corbin got into the car and leaned back , rubbing his temples in exhaustion . The Maybach cruised steadily through the quiet night . Streetlights flickered across his chiseled profile , giving the usually refined man an edge of cold detachment . His assistant , Warner , spoke softly , " Mr. Alden , to the office or Veridian Villa ? " " To the office first ." On the day Clarinda was discharged , a major project at the Thrydon Branch of the Alden Group had gone wrong , costing Chapter 20 someone their life . Corbin had flown out immediately to suppress the news , working nonstop until the matter was contained . Meanwhile , work piled up at headquarters . Corbin spent the night clearing it so his team could continue in the morning . The entire weight of the Alden Group rested on his shoulders . He couldn't afford to slack . Beside him , his phone lit up . Seeing Clarinda's name , Corbin unconsciously exhaled in relief . The last time he texted her , she hadn't replied . He thought she was still angry and planned to coax her once things settled down . He opened the message , frowning slightly . Instead of replying , he dialed Adrienne's number . " When was that photo taken ? " Adrienne was drinking at a bar . She ducked into a quieter spot , puzzled . " What photo ? " Corbin cut straight to the point , his voice edged with fatigue . " The photo you just posted on Instagram ." Chapter 30 Adrienne froze . That post was set so only Clarinda could see it . She had wanted Clarinda to see . She'd carefully organized the privacy groups . How had Corbin found out ? Her silence told him everything . His tone hardened . " You didn't need to do that . Clarinda is straightforward . She doesn't play games . " " What's that supposed to mean ? " " That's what I should be asking you ," Corbin shot back . " Fine , I'll say it ! " Adrienne's voice broke as she raised it over the bar's noise . " I wanted her to know . That the one you love , the one you care about , is me ! Me ! I'm terrified that if you two don't divorce , you'll eventually fall for her ... " Title: ReelTalk EP 40 - Contract Lovers & Heartbreak CrushReel's ongoing romance series, Miss You After Goodbye, continues to captivate on the latest ReelTalk episode. Haley Lohrli dives into her daring new character, while Ben and Josh share insights into their own memorable roles, promising a blend of laughter and heartwarming moments. Exploring themes of love, loss, and unexpected connections, this episode delves deep into the intricate relationships that drive the narrative forward. As the stars reveal their on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie, viewers are in for a treat with each unfolding scene. What sets this episode apart is its ability to balance humor with poignant storytelling, offering a refreshing take on modern romance dynamics. Dive into the world of Contract Lovers & Heartbreak, available to read at CrushReel for a journey that promises both entertainment and emotional resonance.