Abby chuckled, "Probably someone here for an interview."


    She turned, but the smile froze on her lips when she saw who had just entered


    the room.


    The neers didn''t seem to notice Abby''s stare. Instead, they were busy surveying their surroundings.


    "This ce is nicely renovated," Rachel said softly, her voice gentle. "It''s a bit out of the way, but the area''s so peaceful. And there''s ake out back. It''s really quite lovely."


    Jasper grinned, brimming with pride. "Not worse than yourst studio, right? Thendlord told me this used to be a music studio, too. Should be just right for you." For the first time in days, Rachel finally smiled. "Then let''s go with this one."


    Ever since the incident at her old studio, Rachel hadn''t cracked a smile. But now, atst, she did, and seeing it filled Jasper with a sense of aplishment he''d rarely felt before.


    "Alright, I''ll go talk to thendlord-"


    At that, Abby couldn''t hold back any longer.


    "Hey! Who gave you permission to barge in here? Don''t you know it''s illegal to enter someone else''s property without asking?"


    Jasper caught sight of Abby and Ste, his eyes widening in surprise.


    "You two?!"


    Arms crossed, Abby shot him a re. "That''s my line. What are you even doing here?"


    Jasper''s gaze wandered around the room andnded on Foreman, who stood quietly by the window.


    His jaw dropped. "Foreman? What are you doing here?!"


    The moment Jasper spotted Foreman, both Ste and Abby''s expressions shifted ever so slightly.


    None of them had expected Jasper to show up now, of all times.


    Foreman had been secretly passing information to them. If Jasper found out... their friendship would be over in an instant.


    Honestly, Abby figured that Jasper and Haynes weren''t exactly worth keeping as friends. But even she had to admit Foreman was a decent guy. She didn''t want to see him fall out with his friends because of this.


    Foreman''s eyes flickered with indecision. He opened his mouth to speak, but Ste beat him to it.


    "Whatever reason you''re here for, Mr. Richards is here for the same reason," she said coolly.


    Jasper perked up, suddenly understanding. "Foreman, you think this ce is perfect for Rachel too, don''t you?"


    He turned to Rachel, "See? I told you, Foreman always has the best info."


    Ste''s words didn''t seem to raise Jasper''s suspicion. After all, he''d just mentioned this idea to Foreman a few days ago.


    Foreman shot Ste a subtle nce but said nothing.


    After the initial surprise, Jasper


    quickly regained hisposure. He looked straight at Ste, his tone icy. "We''re taking this studio. I''ll pay the penalty for breaking your lease and you have three days to move out. Otherwise, don''t me me for being unpleasant."


    Abby shot right back, her voice sharp. "Oh, really? Acting like you own the ce! We''ve rented this studio for five years, spent months renovating it, and you think you can just waltz in and take it? Have you no shame?"


    Jasper looked at her dismissively. "Didn''t I say? I''ll pay the penalty. With that much money, you can rent somewhere even better."


    Abby snorted. "If it''s so easy to find a better ce, why don''t you go rent one? Why steal ours?"


    Jasper replied with infuriating self-assurance, "Money can''t buy Rachel''s approval. You should feel honored she likes your studio. Hand it over now, and I''ll still pay your penalty."