My Coldhearted Ex demands a Remarriage

Daxton, Elizabeth replied absentmindedly, still inspecting the pen in her hand.

He saved me at sea that time.

If I gave him a gift just for that, it might seem a bit deliberate.

But his birthday is coming up soon, so I figured Id pick something out while I had the time today.

Kristophers expression darkened instantly.

A cold smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm, His birthday? You seem to remember it quite well.

Elizabeth, oblivious to his shift in mood, continued focusing on the pen.

We havent seen each other in years.

How could I remember that? she said offhandedly.

The sudden brightness in Kristophers expression was hard to miss.

Nearby, Sandra leaned toward Elijah, her voice a conspiratorial whisper.

Does Kristopher enjoy being ignored? Back when Elizabeth used to cater to his every whim, he was always indifferent.

Now that she doesnt care about him, hes like a happy puppy… Look at him, getting excited over one little sentence.

Elijah, lost in his thoughts, muttered absently, Speaking of which, Daxtons some kind of distant relative of Elizabeths… He trailed off mid-sentence, realizing his blunder.

Snapping back to attention, he grabbed Sandras arm, dragging her toward the exit.

Kristopher, Elizabeth, we havent finished our movie yet.

Well leave you to it! Sandra blinked, confused by the sudden retreat, but Elijahs urgency left no room for protest.

Elizabeth stood still, stunned by Elijahs earlier comment.

Distant relative? she murmured.

Since when did the Campbell family have any distant relatives worth mentioning? Then it clicked.

Elijah wouldnt know anything about the Campbell familys genealogy, but he would know about the Norris family.

That meant Daxton wasnt her relativehe was Kristophers.

The pieces fell into place.

It explained how Daxton could use the Norris familys yacht and why he and Kristopher had engaged in a private conversation at the hot springs.

But then, why hadnt Kristopher formally introduced Daxton? Still, Elizabeth didnt linger on their relationship.

Instead, she latched onto a more pressing matter.

Turning to Kristopher, she asked, Since youre related, you must know his preferences.

Can you help me figure out if hed like this pen? Or does he have other hobbies? Its always best to pick a gift that suits the recipient.

She picked up a sleek black pen, tilting it under the light as she inspected it.

Kristophers face darkened further, his voice flat.

Were not close.

I havent been in touch with him in years.

Im not his father.

Hes a distant cousin, and I have hundreds of relatives.

How would I possibly know all their preferences? True.

Elizabeth nodded, putting the black pen down.

She turned her attention back to the white pen shed been eyeing earlier and handed it to the CEO.

Wrap this up, please.

The CEO signaled to the remaining young sales associate.

Go wrap it up for Mrs.

James.

The CEO, assuming the $30,000 white pen was the free gift, smiled ingratiatingly.

Would you like the other one wrapped as well? Elizabeth paused, thinking he meant the black pen.

She picked it up again and glanced at Kristopher.

What do you think? This one suits you.

Kristophers eyes flickered to the price tag$90,000, significantly more than the white one.

His lips curled in mock indifference.

Its nothing special.

Ive never used one this inexpensive before.

Elizabeth arched an eyebrow, suppressing a smile.

Without a word, she handed the black pen to the CEO and said, Consider this one a gift from you.

The CEOs polite smile froze.

A gift? he asked cautiously, his high emotional intelligence faltering.

Surely she couldnt mean that.

Elizabeth nodded, her expression calm but her tone playful.

Yes.

Ninety thousand is already quite expensive.

I cant possibly ask you to gift a $100,000 penthat would be embarrassing.

The CEO stared at her, momentarily speechless.

In all his years of dealing with audacious customers, this was a new level of boldness.

As a mercenary businessman, he thought he was already quite ruthless, but he was still no match for this woman.

Still holding out hope, the CEO turned to Kristopher.

Mr.

Norris, Ive heard you like the sapphire-limited edition.

We specially acquired it for you.

Would you like to take a look? Before Kristopher could respond, Elizabeth interjected smoothly, Which girlfriend of yours fought to get that for you? The CEO paled, realizing the misstep in his flattery.

Kristophers expression didnt waver.

I already have a similar one, he replied indifferently.

Plenty of people have seen it.

Elizabeth seized the moment, her smile turning sharper.

Well, since he already has one, he doesnt need it.

Well come back for new models in the future.

The underlying message was clear, and it wasnt lost on the CEO.

His attempts to cater to Kristopher had backfired spectacularly.

The sales associates earlier attitude, paired with the stores greed, had soured Elizabeth entirely.

The sales associates attitude spoke volumes about the stores management! She decided then and there that such behavior didnt deserve her business.

Kristopher, growing impatient, gestured dismissively.

Just wrap it up.

The CEO, thoroughly defeated, instructed the associate to quickly package the pens.

When the items were ready, Elizabeth took the two bags and handed one to Kristopher.

Kristopher raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a faint smirk.

Giving me a gift from the freebies? Youre really putting in the effort.

Elizabeth stepped out of the store, glancing back briefly at the CEOs darkened face before turning to Kristopher.

With a teasing smile, she said lightly, Who said I was giving it to you?