bChapter 213 /b

    Jordan wanted Ste to stay home instead of going to the office, but she was just too ambitious–no matter what he said, she refused band /binsisted on going in.

    Even though she could only stay at thepany for about three hours, that was exactly what Ste wanted.

    Jordan had no choice but to drive her to the office. He even made sure she stopped by the restroom before he finally feltfortable enough to leave.

    Of course, before heading out, he reminded N to keep an eye on Ste and take good care of her.

    Watching Jordan finally leave, Ste gave N a helpless look and said, “See? He acts just like a nagging mom.”

    N said with envy, “You and Mr. Erwin are rtionship goals for so many of us. Stop showing off already.”

    Ste looked exasperated. She asked, “Did I?”

    N said, “Totally. You have no idea what it’s like being single. I used to be a proud singledy, and now I’m just a sad single dogb./bb” /b

    Steughed and said, “N, you’re wonderful. Don’t worry–if I know someone suitable, I’ll introduce you.”

    “Alright, I’ll leave it to you,” N replied with a grin.

    N was genuinely worried about Ste, so she just set up shop in Ste’s office.

    Ste felt a headacheing on, but N just shrugged and said, “Mr. Erwin told me to watch over you, so I have to take it seriously.”

    “Hey, I’m the one signing your paychecks,” Ste reminded her.

    “Sorry, on this one, I only listen to Mr. Erwin,” N replied, totally unfazed.

    Ste could only sigh in defeat.

    With N working right there in her office, everything became so much more convenient for Ste–whatever she needed, N was on it in ba /b

    heartbeat.

    Three hours flew by, and Ste didn’t even leave her desk once.

    When it was time to leave, N suggested seeing her off, but Ste said, “It’s okay. I have a car–my driver will be here soon.”

    “Let me at least walk you to your car,” N insisted.

    Ste knew there was no changing N’s mind, so she just nodded in resignation. She said, “Alright, let’s gob./b”

    Every step Ste took hurt like hell, but she forced herself to keep going. She thought, ‘I can handle this. I have been through worse; this is

    nothing.‘

    N offered, “Want me to give you a piggyback ride?”

    Ste replied, “No, no, please don’t. I can walk by myself.”

    Seeing how stubborn Ste was, N could only stick by her side, a little helpless but not about to leave her alone.

    Thankfully, there was an elevator, so as long as Ste just stood still and didn’t have to move around, she’d be fine.

    b10:54 /bPT1, bTo /bbAug /b

    As they walked out, they saw Le standing right in front of them.

    Le shot N a nce, her brow furrowing as if trying to ce her, but then she turned her attention back to Ste. She said, b“/bI bnever /bthought you’d end up dating Jordan.”

    N recognized Le the moment she saw her. Seeing that Le didn’t seem to notice her, N rxed–nothing to worry aboutb. /bbShe /bopened her mouth, wanting to defend Ste.

    But Ste shot her a look that said, “Stop right there,” and N instantly mmed up.

    “Whatever’s going on between me and Jordan is none of your business,” Ste replied coolly.

    Le said, “Oh, I think it is. I’m interested in your boyfriend, iso /iwhy don’t you just hand him over?”

    In these circles, Ste didn’t know a ton of people herself, but Anna had filled her in on all the drama. Girls like Le were everywhere in bthis /bscene–it was simply Ste’s turn to be targeted today.

    Ste snapped, “Who do you think you are? Why should I hand over my man to you?”

    Le patted Ste’s shoulder and said, “Seriously? You don’t even know who I am? Whatever, let me introduce myself. I’m Le Díaz, and my dad is the mayor. I can give Jordan all kinds of favors, resources, and perks–can youpete with that?

    “Ste, I did my homework on you. Three years ago, you got kidnapped and sold off to Middle–South Yaria. You managed to escapeb, /bbut not before they stole your kidney.

    “Then, when you tried to make it home, some so–called ‘good Samaritan‘ ended up dumping you in some Dusty Pines. You’re pretty toughb, /bI’ll give you that–figured your way out all by yourself.

    “But let’s be real, your health is a mess. Who knows how long you’ll evenst? And your family? Sure, that supermarket business is keeping you afloat for now, but I heard Jordan’s been throwing a ton of cash your way.

    “Your family’s business is hanging by a thread. It could copse any day. Are you nning to drag Jordan down with you?”

    She paused before adding in a confident tone, “But I’m not like you. Jordan’s got shaky roots in this city, and you know it better than anyone.

    “If he’s with me, he bes the mayor’s son–inw. Being the mayor’s son–inw is a big deal, you know?”

    Ste didn’t reply.

    Getting anxious, N started to think about messaging Jordan about this.

    Le might be super arrogant, but honestly, she wasn’t just talking nonsense.

    Back when things were rough, N had thought about helping Ste out, but if she did, her family would drag her back in a heartbeat. But this time, if Le tried to mess with Ste, N wouldn’t hesitate to step in.

    Just as N was about to say something, Ste suddenly startedughing.

    Ste then said, “You know, your offer does sound tempting, and your analysis is pretty sharp. Compared to you, I really can’t give bJordan /b

    more. But do you think Jordan’s stupid?

    b“/bbIf /bhe ever wanted you, why do you think he never even considered you before me?”

    N’s eyes sparkled, and she thought, Yep, that’s my idol for you.’

    Ste continued, “You think Jordan doesn’t know you are still single? Even if you’re living abroad, if he wanted to use you and byour /bbdad/bb, /bbhe /b

    bTU/b:b54 /bMIN 15 bAug /b

    would’ve tracked you down overseas long ago. Why would he bother being with me instead?

    “Sure, maybe he’s been with other women just to kill time, but with me? What else could it be but real loveb?/bb” /b

    Le looked like she’d just been pped in the face–it was probably the first time anyone had ever dared to talk back to her.

    She shot back, “Who cares about true love? How much is that even worth? There’s a big projecting up for bidding, and if he’s with mei, /ithat project is as good as his.”

    Ste replied, “You’re right, Ms. Diaz. No matter how you look at it, you’ve got the upper hand. But let me tell you–Jordan didn’t pick you because he knows you two would neverst, let alone get married.

    “Everyone knows how you operate: you’re with whoever catches your eye, and when you’re done, you kick them to the curb. Jordan’s not that kind of guy. He’s gotten where he is by relying on himself.

    “Why would he want to bet everything on someone as unpredictable as you? Count on a mountain, it’ll crumble; count on people, they’ll bail. Just for one project? Not worth the risk.

    “Of course, that’s just how I see it–but what do you think Jordan would say?”

    N was totally in awe–Ste handled it like a pro, cool as ever, not even breaking a sweat. She was seriously unshakable.

    Le was so pissed that she was leftpletely speechless.

    Ste added, “Honestly, Ms. Diaz, I think you’re just interested in Jordan on a whim. Why not set your sights on someone else? There are plenty of people out there who’d love to have your attention.

    “And I seriously doubt that getting on your bad side is going to keep us from winning that project bid.”

    AD