His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 315: Stock Tips and Fruit Slices

Martin never even managed to finish his sentence. In a sudden, fluid motion, Julian snatched a napkin and reached over to dab frantically at the front of Iris' blouse, right near her waist.

Iris flinched in surprise, looking down to see a splash of juice staining the fabric.

Julian scrubbed at it a few times, but the spot was stubborn. "It doesn't matter," he said dismissively. "We'll get you a new one. Don't worry about the shirt."

Twisting in his seat, he called out toward the house, "May, could you bring out a clean plate and a fork, please?"

Martin sat there, his mouth slightly open, staring blankly. He was thoroughly annoyed. He picked up his iced coffee, took a long swig, and let out a heavy, beleaguered sigh.

Iris had only managed two bites of the large peach she was holding when Julian gently confiscated it from her grip. "You can have some more in a little while."

Iris felt lost. She grabbed a fresh napkin and started blotting her shirt on her own.

When May arrived with the plate and fork, Julian took them. He meticulously sliced the fruit on the plate for her.

Over by the corner, Beatrice and the neighbor ladies had ceased their chatter. They simply watched Julian and Iris in silence, finding the interaction between them far more entertaining than their previous gossip.

Just as Iris moved to discard the soiled napkin in her hand, Julian slid the plate of fruit toward her and plucked the napkin from her fingers. "Give it here."

Iris handed it over, feeling utterly bewildered. She leaned back against her chair, quietly speared a piece of peach with her fork, and taking her time, placed it in her mouth.

Julian rose, walked over to dispose of the dirty napkin in the nearby bin, and returned to his seat. Martin immediately poured him a cup of coffee. "Here, Julian. Have some coffee."

We are trying to have a serious conversation here. Could you possibly pay attention?

Julian tapped the table twice with his knuckles in a gesture of thanks without saying a word.

After finishing her peach, Iris set the plate and fork down and reached for a napkin to wipe her mouth.

"There are some mixed nuts in the bowl. Would you like some?" Julian turned his head slightly, asking Iris in a low, solicitous tone.

Iris shook her head. "No, thank you. I didn't finish lunch that long ago, plus that huge piece of peach. I'm actually stuffed."

Julian pressed his lips together, paused for a beat, and then looked back at Martin, though his attention was clearly still drifting.

Martin was practically speechless. No one was listening to him. He sipped his coffee in solitude for a moment, before the obvious realization dawned on him. He immediately pivoted, fixing his gaze on Iris and adopting a fawning, ingratiating tone. "Say, Iris, do you play the stock market?"

"I don't trade stocks," Iris replied simply.

"Well, do you know what the hot trends are these days? Where the smart money is going?"

Beyond her pharmaceutical research, Iris never paid attention to business matters. She even hired executives to manage her own companies and factories. How would she possibly know anything about that?

"I really don't know," Iris said, forcing a polite, awkward smile.

Martin's voice turned syrupy sweet as he leaned in. "Do you think there's any future in tech stocks right now?"

Iris was baffled by the question. She shot a nervous glance at Julian.

It was only then that Julian offered Martin a shred of genuine attention. He explained, coolly and succinctly, that the recent market downturn was due to pressure from overseas sectors.

He gave enough information to tease but not satisfy, leaving Martin desperate for more. He turned back to Iris, pleading, "Iris, surely there are some stocks you're bullish on? Just recommend a few for me, come on. Help me out."

The shift in Martin's tone gave Iris goosebumps.

Since when did Julian's family feel the need to suck up to her?

Martin used to look down on her as well. His sudden obsequiousness caught her completely off guard, and the smile on her face grew increasingly stiff. "I honestly wouldn't know where to start."

"Of course you do," Martin insisted, pointing an accusing finger at Julian. "Your husband there is the kind of guy who could short the entire market if he felt like it. Just ask him for me, okay?"

My husband?

Iris felt the heat rise in her cheeks. She slowly turned to look at Julian.

Beneath Julian's composed exterior, his emotions were churning. He picked up his cup and took a slow, leisurely sip.

Iris felt a wave of awkwardness. She didn't know whether to correct Martin's assumption or to actually speak up and ask Julian on his behalf.

Who in the Everhart family didn't know that she was Julian's ex-wife?

There was really no need for her to correct him, but it felt strange.

Martin's tone grew even more desperate, sickly sweet. "Iris, I've lost a fortune in this market lately. Please, just ask Julian for me. Even a tiny hint would be fine. Even if I lose more money because of it, I'll take the risk. I certainly won't blame you two."

Iris knew the stock market was risky, but she couldn't stand Martin begging her like that.

She wasn't sure if her words carried any weight at all. She looked at Julian slowly, wanting to ask but lacking the courage. She hesitated.

Julian set his cup down, a faint smirk playing on his lips, and met Iris' anxious gaze. "I'm not a psychic. How would I know which specific stocks are going to rise?"

Iris pursed her lips and nodded in agreement.

Martin let out a disappointed sigh.

Julian flicked a glance at Martin and spoke unhurriedly, "I am, however, planning to shift fifty billion dollars into a major artificial intelligence firm next month."

Martin was stunned. A wide grin split his face, and he slapped his thigh in excitement. "A major AI company? Oh, I know exactly what stock to buy now!"

Beaming from ear to ear, he stood up, leaned halfway across the long table, grabbed Iris' hand, and shook it vigorously. "Iris, thank you! Thank you! I'm so grateful!"

Iris shook his hand stiffly, feeling completely unconvincing as a recipient of his gratitude.

She hadn't done a single thing. She hadn't said a word. Why was he thanking her?

Julian was the one who had dropped that insider tip. He should be the one thanking Julian.

Iris pulled her hand back, placing it in her lap, and offered a deeply embarrassed smile.

Julian remained silent. Without a word, he pulled a sanitary wipe from his pocket. He reached his hand beneath the table, gently took Iris' hand, pulled it onto his lap, and lowered his head to fastidiously wipe it clean.