Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband? novel Chapter 261

“Mr. Whitmore, it’s a pleasure. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Giselle smiled warmly at the elegant, striking man in front of her, her eyes glimmering with a mischievous spark.

“Nice to meet you,” Forrest replied, his smile polite. He shook her hand briefly before letting go.

After a round of pleasantries, Forrest fell quiet. He didn’t ask for her name, prompting Giselle to introduce herself.

“I’m Giselle Harvey, CEO of Falcon Technologies.”

He nodded. “Mm.”

Before coming tonight, Giselle had done her homework. She knew Forrest Whitmore was a brilliant but reclusive AI prodigy. According to people who’d known him in college, he could be summed up in a handful of words: genius, quiet, handsome, gentle, and distant.

So his reserved manner now didn’t bother her in the least. Geniuses always had their quirks—she could handle that.

Giselle tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her movements graceful, her smile unwavering.

“Mr. Whitmore, you’re from Northpoint University, right? What a coincidence. When I was in college, I was just across the street at Ivy League Institute. During a joint university celebration, some Northpoint friends mentioned you have quite the talent for piano.”

Forrest replied, modest as ever, “I wouldn’t say that.”

Giselle’s smile widened. “You’re too humble, Mr. Whitmore.”

“I couldn’t compare to your expertise in AI—not even close. We’re in different fields, after all. But I’m fairly well-known in the music world myself. I play the harp, though I’m not too familiar with the piano. If you have time later, perhaps you could give me some pointers?”

Forrest’s expression didn’t change; his tone stayed gentle, but there was a subtle distance in his voice. “Sorry. I haven’t played in years—I’m out of practice.”

Giselle was about to press further when she noticed a sudden chill in his demeanor, his words turning unexpectedly curt.

“And besides, Ms. Harvey, this isn’t a recital.”

“Nathaniel, I’ve been picking Adrian up from school lately, but I haven’t seen Julian. Adrian said he’s on leave. Is he alright?”

Giselle asked with genuine concern.

“He’s fine.”

Nathaniel didn’t want to discuss Julian, so he changed the subject. “So you’ve been taking Adrian to and from school lately?”

“That’s right.” Giselle nodded, smiling. “You know how things are—Lysander’s not exactly available these days, and Adrian’s fond of me. It puts Lysander at ease knowing I’m looking after him.”

Nathaniel frowned, glancing at Leonard—who stood by Giselle’s side, stone-faced and cold as ice. Nathaniel wanted to say something but held his tongue. This wasn’t the time or place to discuss family matters.

Still, something about the situation just felt… off.

As he mulled it over, he caught sight of Mila across the room. She answered a call, her expression suddenly tense, and then slipped quietly out of the ballroom.