bChapter /bb287 /b

Chris Jensen rubbed his temples, slumping back in his leather office chair. The evening had grosente, but his day was far from over. He reached for his phone and dialed a familiar number, putting it on speaker while massaging his neck.

“Hey,” Jade’s voice came through after two rings. fnfe41 The source of th?s content is find?novel/fnfe41

“Today went pretty well with Ss, Chris said, his voice betraying his exhaustion. Also quite smooth. We talked about his childhood. That car owner’s death is still a major trauma for him. We need to take it slow, can’t rush this.”

“It is. Jade said.

Chris sighed. “He has depression. Has had it since he was very young. I gave him some medication, but pills only treat the symptoms, not

the cause.”

He paused, then added, “I probably can’t help him much, but you, Jade–yes, you–you could help him more than I can.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“He likes you. You must have noticed. And now that you and Ethan Haxton have split, he sees hope.”

Chris yawned widely. “I’m fine, just tired. Been helping a friend with two patients these past couple days. I even fell asleep while talking to Ss today. Embarrassing as hell. Getting old, I guess. Body can’t keep up anymore.”

“Is that your way of saying you’re too tired to help him?” Jade’s voice sharpened.

“Not at all. But Jade, you’re at the perfect age for romance. Ss seems quite nice–good looking, decent personality.”

“What the fuck-”

“Why the profanity? You’re in the bloom of youth–why not date? Having a sweet romance with a handsome guy could please you and help his condition. Win–win.”

“You’re seriously suggesting I date a patient for therapeutic purposes?”

“He told me he stayed alive because of you. Would have done something stupid otherwise.”

Before Jade could respond, a knock interrupted them. The door opened slightly, and Ss Murphy appeared in the doorway,

“Sorry to interrupt,‘ he said quietly, looking between Chris and the phone on the desk. ‘I left my keys here.”

He gestured toward the chair where he had sat earlier. Sure enough, a set of keysy on the cushion.

“Want to join us for dinner? Chris asked politely as Ss retrieved his keys.

“No, thanks.” Ss pocketed the keys and left without another word. ol start="8"li8. /li/ol

Sep

That weekend, Ss walked the familiar path to Jade’s apartment, an elegant paper box containing pastries in his hand. His steps faltered when a sleek ck Maybach pulled alongside him, the tinted window rolling down to reveal Ethan Haxton’s cold stare.

“For her?” Ethan nodded at the box in Ss’s hand.

Ss didn’t bother answering the obvious question. I think she made herself perfectly clear to you fast time?

Ethan’s voice dropped dangerously low. “My rtionship with her is none of your business.

“My confidencees from het, Ss replied, holding Ethan’s gaze. She gave me that.”

Ethan’s jaw tightened. “In this city, making someone disappear is easier than crushing an ant beneath my shoe.”

The threat hung in the air between them.

She knew my brother long before she met you,” Ss said quietly.

“And that matters because…?” Ethan’s jawline tensed.

To her, I’m far more important than you.” Ss’s eyes hardened. “A man of your stature, Mr. Haxton–this desperate clinging is beneath you. Bing quite annoying. Don’t lose your dignity.”

Ethan’s knuckles whitened on the steering wheel, but before he could respond, movement at the building entrance caught their attention.

Jade emerged with a garbage bag, freezing when she spotted them. Her eyes darted between the two men, quickly assessing the situation.

“What did you say to him?” she demanded of Ethan, then turned to Ss. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Ss replied quietly.

Chapter Comments

Elizabethlilly

7 days ago

please don’t tell me that Ss is working for shadow organization

i2 /i

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