Chapter 27 Juliette lifted her glass toward Clarinda , eyes bright with relief . " Clifton tells me you're divorcing . I think you're absolutely right . I believe you'll meet someone far better . " As they spoke , her gaze swept briefly over Rudolf . She had always thought the two of them made a good match , one gentle , the other kind . A perfect pair . Clarinda felt a sharp , mocking stare press down on her , but she acted as if she didn't notice . Smiling , she lifted her head . " Juliette , Clifton misunderstood . I already explained it to him on the way here . " " I never planned to divorce . " As the words left her lips and she turned her head , she unexpectedly met a pair of dark eyes . The man's gaze was deep , carrying a piercing curiosity . Yes . She refused to admit the divorce in front of him . Chapter 27 Juliette was stunned , then scolded her husband . " Something this big , and you didn't even tell me ? I already ordered a divorce cake .. " " Ahem , I just didn't get the chance . " Clifton didn't press , simply chiming in to support Clarinda . " Cake tastes good whether there's a divorce or not . As long as Clarinda is happy , that's what matters , right ? " Juliette sighed . " Well , that's true ." " Thank you , Juliette ." Clarinda lifted her glass , touched it lightly , and took a sip . The moment she set it down , the man across from her spoke in an unhurried , cold tone . " You've improved . Learned to swallow your pride . " That comment didn't surprise her at all . Back then , when she married , Ambrose had never agreed . She'd only been desperate to escape the Langdon family and wouldn't listen to a word . Besides , at the time , she truly believed Corbin was the right choice . He had objected , so she'd married out of spite . Chapter 27 And now , with her humiliation known to everyone , of course he would mock her . That statement she had released online might fool the public , but not those around her . Anyone with eyes could tell her from Adrienne . " You taught me well ." Clarinda shot back , her voice laced with sarcasm . She wanted to storm off , but couldn't bear to waste Juliette's hard - cooked meal . So she forced herself to stay put . Rudolf looked surprised . " You two know each other ? " " Not really . " " " More than just know ." Clarinda and Ambrose answered at the same time . The air froze . Ambrose's long fingers tapped idly on the base of his wine glass as he glanced lazily at Rudolf . " I'm her brother ." Something inside Clarinda burned hot . She drew a deep breath , fighting the tightness in her chest , her eyes stinging red at the corners . Chapter 27 She was about to speak when Clifton cut in . " Rudolf , you've eaten enough . Take Clara home ." " Clifton , Juliette ... " Clarinda turned apologetically to Juliette . Juliette patted her back gently . " It's fine , dear . Just do as your teacher says ." Rudolf was startled by Clarinda's connection to Ambrose , but he knew this wasn't the time to ask questions . He stood and guided her out . " Come on , I'll take you home ." " " Thank you , Rudolf ." Ambrose's dark eyes narrowed , his brow twitching ever so slightly . The sound grated in his ears . Once they'd left , Clifton turned back , his warmth gone . " If it weren't for you bringing Clara to me all those years ago , making her my student , you wouldn't have stepped foot in this house today ! " " I know you may have your reasons , but have you ever thought about what she's endured ? She's never gone a day without taking medicine to stop the bleeding and bruising . That's thanks to your family ! " Chapter 27 Juliette headed upstairs , leaving space for their conversation . Ambrose stilled , glancing toward the car rolling out of the driveway before withdrawing his gaze . His tight jaw gradually eased , but when he spoke , his voice was frigid . " Mr. Peterson , I came today to discuss a collaboration ." " Anything else , I'm not interested ." *** The car merged into the flow of traffic , city lights dispersing the night's heaviness . Clarinda hadn't spoken a word since getting in , leaning quietly against the seat , staring out at the blur of passing streetlights . In the four years he'd known her , Rudolf had seen her resilience - a toughness hidden beneath her gentle demeanor , like flowers blooming despite storm and wind . But tonight , she wasn't the same . She said nothing , yet Rudolf could sense her sadness . At a red light , he braked softly . " Are you okay ? " Truthfully , she wasn't . Chapter 27 Ambrose was so detached , as if none of it had ever happened . She was petty , the one clinging to old grudges , trapped in a past she couldn't escape . Still , Clarinda didn't like bearing her heart . She forced a smile . " I'm fine . " " Remember , if something's wrong , say it ." Rudolf didn't push further , just cautioned gently . " Clara , don't go head - to - head with Ambrose . You'll lose . " It was the plain truth . A knot of mixed emotions rose in Clarinda's chest . After a long pause , she whispered , " I know ! " She didn't even know why . Corbin's affair hadn't shaken her control . But with this , she lost it too easily . Later that night , back home , she mentioned it to Cecily . " Do you know why ? " Shoving aside the files on the coffee table , Cecily leaned back with the air of someone who had everything figured out . " Because you trusted Ambrose with your whole heart for nine Chapter 27 years . With Corbin , you only tried to trust him , and he let you down . " " You never got the chance to give yourself completely . He never accepted it . " She sipped her coffee , wagging her finger mysteriously before giving her verdict . " In the end , it's about emotional sunk cost . " Later , after her shower , Clarinda lay in bed replaying Cecily's words . *** Cloudspire Club . Unlike other members - only venues , this one wasn't open to just anyone with money . It was the haunt of politicians and business tycoons . 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.