After exposing my genius identity, husband regretted divorcing

Chapter 3 Outside His World

On the afternoon of NexMind's fundraising gala, Eleanor handed me a packed lunch.

She knew I had no desire to visit the company, but Keller's stomach condition had flared up again, and she was worried. In the end, I could not refuse her.

The receptionist's expression changed when I gave her my name.

"Mr. Thorne isn't seeing personal visitors today."

I was about to leave the lunch with her when the elevator doors opened.

Keller stepped out with a group of executives. Surprise crossed his face at the sight of me, followed by a faint smile.

"What are you doing here?" He took the lunch and used his key card to let me into the private elevator. "Wait for me upstairs. Don't leave."

Half an hour later, he returned with a cup of hot chocolate and asked me to stay for the gala.

The unexpected warmth reminded me of what he had said at the hospital.

"I thought you didn't want me here."

Keller looked away. For once, he seemed embarrassed.

"I changed my mind."

Before he could say anything else, the office door opened.

Sienna entered in a silver gown. Beside Keller, she looked as polished as the cover of a technology magazine.

"Is this the new assistant?" Her gaze traveled over my white dress, a slight smile on her lips.

Keller said nothing.

So I introduced myself.

"Evelyn Gray."

Several people had stopped in the hall. Sienna appeared to recognize me at last, and her voice grew louder.

"Of course. Mrs. Thorne. I heard you never went to college, but you're fascinated by Keller's work. That takes confidence."

A few people laughed under their breath.

An investor approached, drink in hand, and looked me over without bothering to hide it.

"Careful, Thorne. This room is full of experts. Are you sure your wife won't embarrass herself?"

I ignored him and looked at Keller.

10 minutes earlier, he had told me not to leave. I waited for him to say one simple thing: She is my wife. You will treat her with respect.

Keller's eyes shifted from me to Sienna's hand on his arm. The warmth disappeared from his face.

"Evelyn, have the driver take you home. This isn't your kind of event."

The hot chocolate was still in my hand, but it had already gone cold.

Whatever tenderness Keller had shown at the hospital, it was not enough for him to choose me when anyone else was watching.

"All right."

I set the cup on the table and walked away.

The glass wall reflected Keller and Sienna standing side by side. It reflected me walking alone toward the elevator.

The investor followed and put out a hand to block the doors.

"This elevator is for VIP guests. The service elevator is around the corner."

Another hand closed around his wrist.

"Move."

The man wore a charcoal suit. A silver badge on his lapel identified him as counsel for the Federal Technology Safety Commission.

The investor immediately stepped back.

"Mr. Reed, I was only joking."

"Apologize to her."

After the investor muttered an apology and left, Adrian Reed held the elevator for me.

"Would you like me to arrange a car?"

"No, thank you."

As the doors began to close, he noticed the silver Möbius pin at my collar.

It was the only keepsake awarded to the members of my classified research group.

Adrian went still.

In a voice meant for me alone, he asked, "What is the safest model?"

It was the question A.G. had written at the end of every private guidance letter.

I met his eyes.

"The one that knows when to remain silent."

Disbelief broke through his composure.

"Dr. Gray?"