Mr. CEO, Your Wife Has Wanted a Divorce for a Long Time Novel

---- Chapter 496 Jason had indeed been in close talks with Archer Group recently, and they were planning to collaborate. He wasn't sure how Franklin knew about it, but it wasn't a secret. Since Franklin had taken the initiative to bring up the topic, Jason simply answered, "Yes." From there, the two men began talking about business. Meanwhile, Old Mrs. Wilson, Maggie, and Helen chatted about other topics. Franklin was multitasking, discussing business with Jason while also taking care of Isabella, peeling her shrimp and wiping her hands.

Isabella, however, had become particularly attached to Maggie recently. She wanted Maggie to take care of her instead. ---- When Franklin tried to roll up her sleeves, she pushed his hand away. "I want Mommy to do it." Franklin paused, then chuckled softly and glanced at Maggie. Seeing Isabella holding out her arms to her, Maggie had. no choice but to roll up Isabella's other sleeve. Only then did Isabella smile with satisfaction. The others found the scene unexpectedly harmonious. But even so, throughout the whole meal, Franklin and Maggie never spoke directly to each other.

The atmosphere overall was surprisingly pleasant. And in the end, despite Jason's invitation, Franklin insisted on paying the bill. Jason protested, "Mr. Wilson, I invited you. How can-" ---- Franklin replied, "It's fine. Mr. Miller can treat next time." Next time... Jason was stunned. Although Franklin had been unexpectedly cordial during dinner, Jason did not believe there would ever be a "next time." He assumed Franklin was merely being polite, especially with Old Mrs. Wilson present. Even if Franklin disliked the Miller family, he wouldn't show it in front of her. Maggie thought the same.

After dinner, the Miller family and Franklin's group parted ways. As Old Mrs. Miller's condition steadily improved, Maggie officially returned to work. Wilson Group and Cole had been collaborating extremely ---- smoothly, so to strengthen inter-company relations, they organized a joint team-building retreat that Friday night, held at Wilson Group's own hot spring hotel. Maggie, Mr. Claremont, and other project leads naturally couldn't skip it. To lighten the atmosphere, there was also a small cocktail party that evening.

When Maggie checked into the hotel and went downstairs, she unexpectedly ran into Sophia and Old Mrs. Green. The Wilson hot spring hotel was their usual vacation spot because of Franklin and Julia, so Sophia and the Green family showed up often. They did not expect to see Maggie there. Both sides were stunned for a moment before pretending not to see each other and turning away. ---- At the evening cocktail party, Maggie had been chatting cheerfully with Mr. Claremont and the others. She also had a little to drink. Her alcohol tolerance was low.

She hadn't consumed much, but the wine she drank was strong. Partway through the party, her head grew foggy, her vision blurred, and she could barely stay steady when she stood up. Mr. Claremont hadn't realized she was this poor at holding her liquor and was about to help her when- Someone moved faster. A strong arm wrapped around Maggie's waist, pulling her collapsing body smoothly into an embrace. Everyone turned in shock. "Mr. Wilson." Franklin nodded briefly. He lowered his head to glance at the dazed Maggie leaning into him.

Then, under everyone's stunned gaze- ---- He lifted her into his arms. "T'll take her upstairs to rest. You may all continue." He carried her out of the room, leaving behind a circle of astonished faces.