?Chapter 1109:


    So she untied her apron and said gently, “How about a cup of tea? It’s been a slow day anyway, and I’m almost done here.”


    They moved to the small resting corner in the back, and she brewed a pot of jasmine tea.


    Ian sat quietly, staring into the cup. The silence between them felt heavier than usual.


    “How’s your mother?” she asked softly.


    She already knew how much he worried about her, and from the look on his face, it couldn’t be good news.


    His fingers tightened slightly around the cup. “The doctor says it could be any day now.”


    Jasmine didn’t know what to say. She poured him more tea, hoping the warmth would help somehow.


    After a long pause, Ian looked up. His voice was quiet, sincere. “Jasmine, thank you. Talking to you—it’s been the only thing that keeps me groundedtely.”


    The way he looked at her made her pulse skip. “I didn’t really do anything.”


    All she did was wrap flowers for him every day—something anyone could do.


    “All the same,” he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Your smile feels like fresh flowers. Calming. It helps me forget things for a while.”


    Jasmine’s heart thudded faster. She hadn’t felt that flutter—not since she’d finally cut Jake out of her life.


    Just then, the doorbell chimed. Ste walked in, calling out as she entered, “Jasmine, I was passing by. How’s business?” Her gaze flicked toward Ian, one eyebrow arching slightly.


    Jasmine quickly stood. “Ste, this is Ian Hayes—he’s a regr customer. Mr. Hayes, this is my sister, Ste Russell.”


    Ever since that g, Jasmine had been introducing Ste as her sister to everyone.


    Ian rose with quiet confidence and offered his hand to Ste. “Ms. Russell, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve read some of your articles in tech magazines.”


    Ste shook his hand, her eyes flicking briefly to his right hand—clean, unmarked, not a hint of a tattoo.


    She smiled lightly and moved to the counter to stand beside Jasmine. “Oh? Mr. Hayes, you’ve read my work? Didn’t think we’d have ovepping interests.”


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    Ian smiled back, polite as ever. “Ah, you misunderstand, Ms. Russell. I’m in consulting—risk assessment and management, mostly for corporations.”


    His tone stayed even, smooth as water. “Actually, our firm once tried to invite you for a lecture, but we couldn’t reach you.”


    Ste nodded, her smile faint. “I’ve been busytely. Jasmine, I hope I’m not interrupting anything?”


    “Not at all,” Jasmine said quickly, pouring Ste another cup of tea.


    Still, the air had shifted. Something beneath the polite chatter didn’t feel quite so simple anymore.


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