ra had Jared pegged he was seriouslycking in backbone, getting swayed by Jeffree''s words so easily. It was obvious someone was pulling strings for him to be in his current position.


    She smirked a little, leaning back in her chair. "If you don''t believe me, why not just call Mr. Dn and ask him yourself?"


    Jeffree''s face went beet-red with anger, and she clung tighter to Jared''s arm. "Jared, let''s get out of here. You shouldn''t be dealing with her. You know how much you hate being talked about."


    Jared, who had been trying to keep it together, suddenly looked really ufortable and jumped to his feet. "Ms. ra, we''ll have to discuss this another time."


    Before ra could say a word, Jared snatched up his suit jacket and bolted out.


    Jeffree stayed behind just long enough to stick her tongue out at ra. "Serves you right, ra. I''ll make sure you don''t close a single deal. Just wait and see!"


    ra frowned, and once it was just her and Cole in the room, she asked, "What''s up with Jared? Why''s he so wishy-washy? What''s his deal with the Warren family?"


    Cole adjusted his sses. "Ms. Bradford, you know the Warren family is all about keeping up appearances. They''re big in politics, so no scandals, especially not about an illegitimate child. Jared''s probably someone''s secret kid, hidden away because of the family''s strict rules."


    These kinds of skeletons in the closet are prettymon among the elite. Jared''s low rank might just be a bone thrown his way by his supposed dad.


    And it''s clear he''s been living under some serious pressure-acting all timid and bringing someone like Jeffree to a negotiation. Total rookie move.


    ra took a deep breath, looking at Cole. "You think he''s connected to Richard, the Warren family heir?"


    Cole put a finger to his lips, signaling caution. Talking about this was risky.


    Richard had a ton of influence in the Warren family; if he wanted someone gone, they''d be out in a heartbeat.


    No wonder Jared was so timid, living under Richard''s shadow. Richard was like a sharp de-you could feel his intensity even from a distance.


    ra traced her finger around her ss, speaking softly, "Do you think Richard knows about this illegitimate child, Cole?"


    Cole, who had been with Johnny for years, had heard whispers but never let on, always staying out of trouble.


    "Ms. Bradford, we really can''t afford to mess with him. Mr. Dn might be forgiving, but Richard..."


    Even though the Warren family was strict, word was Richard had been sent to a rough border area when he was young.


    The border between the U.S. and Mexico isn''t exactly a pic. It''s tough for everyone there.


    This project was a big deal for the Bradford family. They''d lost a lot of partners recently, and their reputation had taken a hit. Teaming up with the government was their best shot at regaining some standing and smoothing out the road ahead.


    The project wasn''t too big or too small, which meant they didn''t have topete with the big yers.


    But working with someone as fickle as Jared could mean the project gets canned


    at the first hint of gossip, leading to a huge loss.


    ra drummed her fingers on the table, then smiled.


    "Let''s head back for now."


    Seeing her smile, Cole knew she had something up her sleeve.