After the CEO Divorced Me, He Wants Me Back (Aveline and Lucas)

Maria's gaze lingered on Sidney like someone eyeing their favorite toy.

His expression grew colder as he looked at her and asked, "Can we talk now?"

"Here?" Maria smirked, "I'm not really fond of standing in doorways. It's exhausting." Sidney remained silent, unmoving.

With a casual smile, Maria unlocked the door with her fingerprint and stepped inside. Sidney followed her in, and as the lights gradually brightened, Maria stopped, her back to him.

Sidney stood near the entrance, quietly watching her.

Without turning around, Maria spoke. "Miss Powell came to see me today. She wanted to know why I stopped you two from getting married."

She chuckled, finally turning to face him. "Sidney, you didn't handle things well. Now I've got this mess, and she's blaming me for everything. I'm not exactly pleased what do you suggest we do about that?" Sidney frowned, his tone apologetic. "I didn't know she would go to you. I'm sorry."

Maria raised an eyebrow. "Why are you apologizing?"

"I'm apologizing on her behalf," Sidney replied.

"Oh?" Maria's brow lifted. "And what are you to her, that you feel the need to apologize on her behalf?"

Sidney's frown deepened. "Isn't that why you brought it up? To hold me accountable?"

This woman-her moods changed so unpredictably.

Maria stared at him quietly for a moment before speaking again. "I don't need your apology. You and she have nothing to do with each other. If anyone's involved with you, it's me."

Sidney's lips tightened into a thin line. "I'm here to discuss the studio. You're planning to transfer it, and I'm interested in taking it over. What's your price?"

Maria looked at him with curiosity. "Why do you want to take over my studio?"

Sidney replied, "I want to start my own business and create something of greater value."

"Do you like me?" Maria asked, her question completely out of left field, her eyes fixed intently on him.

Sidney froze for a moment, then

quickly responded, "You're overthinking it. I only had the idea after knowing you want to transfer the studio."

Maria took a step closer, standing right in front of him. "There are plenty of other businesses up for

sale Why are you so set on mine?"

She reached out and grabbed his collar, pulling him closer. "Admit it, you like me."

With that, she stood on her tiptoes, leaning in to kiss him.

But Sidney firmly gripped her shoulders, stopping her from getting any closer. "Maria, we're here to talk business." Maria blinked, her gaze locked on his lips, soft and pale pink-she knew how they felt, and she liked them.

"I am talking business."

Sidney gave her a cold stare. "Is this how you handle business with everyone?"

Maria laughed softly, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Are you jealous?" Sidney frowned. "What?"

Jealous? Over her? That made no sense.

Maria released her hold on him, a pleased smile playing on her lips. "Still think you don't like me? You're jealous." Sidney sighed, lowering his eyes for a moment before asking, "So, how much are you selling the studio for?"

Maria held up her hand, showing him a number.

"Six hundred thousand dollars?" Sidney guessed.

"Mhm." Maria nodded. "That's my lowest price. The studio may be small now, but it has a stable client base and is growing. It's only a matter of time before it turns into something much bigger."

Sidney fell silent, thinking it over.

Six hundred thousand dollars... there was no way he had that kind of money.

"But..." Maria suddenly shifted her tone, her eyes back on him with a mischievous glint.