<b>Chapter </b><b>395 </b>


    67<i>%</i><i>1 </i>


    Edward’s authoritative and handsome face closed in on me, his intimidating aura making it hard to breathe. My breath <b>caught</b>, <b>and </b>my eyes went wide in shock.


    ‘Damn it, I’m in big trouble now,‘ I thought.


    “Mr. Jennings, I swear I won’t tell a soul what you said today,” I replied, desperate to save my own skin.


    “Ryan might be an adult, but he’s still sensitive and fragile. And since he’s fallen for you, every word you say could hurt him,” Edward said, sounding every bit like a lion fiercely protecting his cub.


    I froze for a second, then nodded almost on reflex. “Yeah, I know, I know he’s not really that mature. I promise, I won’t mess around


    with him.”


    Just then, Edward’s phone rang. He finally eased up on the pressure, stood up, and pulled out his phone to answer it.


    It sounded like work stuff. He nced back at me and motioned for me to leave.


    I felt like I’d just been given a second chance at life. I bolted for the door, practically flying out of there.


    The moment the cool breeze hit me, I realized my back was drenched in cold sweat. Panic and a tightness in my chest crashed over me all at once. I pressed my hand to my chest, trying to muffle the sound of my own racing heartbeat.


    “Who were you with in there?” Jared’s voice suddenly came from down the hall.


    I looked up and met his gaze. He took a few steps closer, his eyes fixed on my face. “What’s wrong? You look really pale.”


    I shook my head and started walking away.


    But Jared reached out and grabbed my arm. “Did someone bully you?”


    I looked at Jared. After facing Edward’s intimidation, Jared felt a lot more approachable.


    “I’m fine. Go back to your game. I’m just a bit thirsty,” I said, nning to get some water at the front desk.


    Jared said softly, “It’s fine. Amy’s with me, so you don’t have to worry about me.”


    I couldn’t be bothered to send him away again and just headed straight for the reception area.


    Jared followed and took a seat behind me. He kept ncing rhy way, the concern on his face in as day.


    I ordered a lemonade and a few sweets, then grabbed a seat by the window.


    Jared got himself a coffee and sat right across from me.


    “Did you actually listen when I told you not to work sote?” Jared asked, sipping his coffee with that usual elegance, watching me over the rim of his cup.


    I nodded. “Rx, I was scared out of my mind too. I’ll keep my guard up from now on.”


    Jared’s furrowed brow finally rxed, and he nodded. “So, have you thought about what I said before–about me protecting <b>you</b><b>?</b><b>” </b>


    I paused with my ss halfway to my lips and shot him a look. “If protecting a flower just means locking it up in a <b>greenhouse </b>


    <b>07:50 </b><b>Tue</b><b>, </b><b>26 </b><b>Aug </b>MT


    instead of letting it grow in the sun, isn’t that just hurting it in a different way?”


    Jared was caught off guard by my retort, but then heughed to himself. “You always know how to shut me down, Victoria. A rose with thorns is way more interesting.”


    But I just sat there, frowning, my mind weighed down with worries. Back then, whenever Jared said something, I’d always have my guard up, never missing a chance to give him a piece of my mind.


    But now, with bigger problems looming over me, I couldn’t even bring myself to talk back.


    I nibbled on some sweets, feeling a bit more rxed. Noticing Jared still hadn’t left, I asked, “How’s Yvonne doing these days?”


    “She’s settling into elementary school pretty well. Lately, she’s been practicing for a performance for National Day. Maybe you coulde back and see her for it?” Jared said in a low voice.


    I nodded. “Sure, I’lle back this Friday.”


    “Oh?” Jared’s eyes brightened. “Maybe we can take Yvonne out for dinner then?”


    I didn’t agree, but I didn’t refuse either. After all, things have a way of changing when you least expect it.


    Jared’s face fell when I didn’t answer. “You’re not going back to Hachester for Yvonne, are you? It’s for Nathan, isn’t it?”


    I froze, thrown off. ‘Why’s he bringing up Nathan out of nowhere?‘ I wondered.


    Jared was already jumping to conclusions, his expression getting <i>even </i>darker. “Weren’t


    you suddenly making your love life such a big deal?”


    you all about chasing your career? Why are


    I couldn’t help butugh. “That’s not how I see it. My career is what matters most <i>to </i>me right now. If love happens<i>, </i>it happens; if not, so be it.”


    “So, who are you really going back to Hachester to see this Friday?” Jared wouldn’t let it go.


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