ra had ns to meet Kaitlyn today, but Jackson had insisted oning along, making it clear he wouldn''t take no for an answer. Begrudgingly, she called him, and to her surprise, he was unusually enthusiastic, showing up outside her apartment building in less than thirty minutes.


    With her car still in the shop, she had no option but to tap on his car window. "Hey, Jackson, mind giving me a lift?"


    Maybe it was just her imagination, but Jackson seemed to have put some effort into looking sharp today. He gave a short, mockingugh and gestured for her to hop in.


    Choosing wisely, ra slid into the backseat instead of the front. The car suddenly lurched forward, nearly sending her face into the back of the front seat.


    Jackson smirked, "Try not to leave your makeup all over my car."


    ra felt her frustration boiling over. She could only dream of a day when Jackson would fall hopelessly in love, turning from the arrogant CEO into a lovesick puppy—that would be just perfect! The thought alone made her chuckle.


    Jackson, who had mmed the brakes earlier just to mess with her, was puzzled by herughter. "What''s so funny?"


    "Nothing," ra quickly hid her smile.


    They finally reached the café where she was supposed to meet Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn was already there by the window, looking surprised to see them together.


    Jackson raised an eyebrow and sat across from Kaitlyn. "What a surprise."


    He expected her to show some difort, but Kaitlyn only shed a brief look of surprise before putting on a polite smile. "Hello, Jackson."


    The formal tone made Jackson''s temper re.


    ra sat beside him, exchanged a few pleasantries with Kaitlyn, and then started discussing her uing investment ns. With Jackson around, she couldn''t go into too much detail, until Kaitlyn chimed in.


    "Both artists are here, ra. Want toe take a look? They seem promising."


    ra nodded and stood up, ncing at the silent Jackson. "Maybe you should head back, Jackson?"


    No way was Jackson leaving now, not when he was so close to discovering where Kaitlyn worked.


    Kaitlyn turned to him, still courteous. "Are you interested ining too, Jackson?" Jackson tilted his chin. "Maybe there''s someone at your studio I''d fancy."


    He emphasized "fancy" with a yful undertone, but Kaitlyn just smiled. "Well, that would be their good fortune."


    Jackson''s mood soured, and he fell silent.


    As the three headed outside, ra felt the odd tension in the air-Kaitlyn seemed to be the only one unfazed.


    Kaitlyn opened her car door. "ra, ride with me."


    ra nodded, about to get in when Jackson pulled her back, not gently at all. He tossed his luxury car keys into her hands. "You drive my car."


    ra stared at the keys, momentarily shocked.


    Jackson was already in Kaitlyn''s passenger seat, shutting the door with a swift motion. ra nced at Kaitlyn.


    Kaitlyn remained calm, giving her a reassuring smile. "I''ll send you the address. See you there."


    ra nodded, her mind racing about whatever was going on between those two.


    Once inside the car, Kaitlyn''s demeanor instantly cooled. "Did youe here for me today, Jackson?"


    Seated next to her, Jackson let out a cold chuckle. "Don''t tter yourself. Didn''t you say we were done? I''m here for ra."


    For ra?


    Kaitlyn''s eyes widened, then she regained herposure. "So, Jackson''s interested in ra?"


    The thought made Jackson cringe. His family had bad blood with ra''s; he''d rather be interested in a beggar. But to annoy Kaitlyn, he let her believe it.


    Kaitlyn started the engine, about to drive off when Jackson''s voice stopped her.


    "Kaitlyn, the entertainment industry''s tough. Sometimes it''s better to have someone to lean on. Ever thought about that?"


    She frowned, studying his face. "What are you suggesting, Jackson?"


    His throat tightened with frustration at her indifferent expression. The fact that she


    was unfazed by him being here for ra was irksome.


    How could she be so calm after all they''d been through? Was he not enough for her?


    Jackson had never faced such an ego hit and it made him stubbornly persistent.


    "When you call me Jackson, do you really know who I am?"


    In this city, not everyone could just call him by his name.


    Kaitlyn started driving, her tone steady. "No, and I don''t need to. That was our agreement from the start."


    Jackson felt a surge of frustration, cursing himself for those initial ground rules. He hadn''t thought she''d stick to them so well, leaving him simmering with anger.