y a decade, witnessed his rise to power, and understood him better than anyone else. He was rut

messages on his phone, an unmistakable smirk playing on his lips. She knew that look

se days," Jasmine said casua

ed up. "I wasn't awa

on the polished mahogany desk. "It's

musement flickering in his sharp

her arms. "Sh

in his expression-something guarded. He put down his

. "She's beautiful. Charming. Mys

urned. "You say that

doesn't exist. And when someone seems

haking his head. "Y

Jasmine corrected. "

he way he did when he was assessin

e's out to get you. But you attract a certain

y. "Let me guess. You th

he wouldn't be the first. But s

would have been charming if it didn't make

he said. "She'

n't kno

d

aid firmly. "Yo

a long moment. "You don

ze without hesitation. "Can you honestly say

le

s temple as if she were exhaustin

g exactly the wa

. "And what would

" she said witho

head. "I appreciate the concern, Jas

long to argue when he had already made up his mind. He was stubborn to a fault,

sing one leg over the other. "Fine

mirked. "D

but deep down, her unease remained.

n't about t

t exclusive restaurants in Velmont City, watching as Anders

good togethe

black dress, moved with a grace that made it easy to understand why he was so taken with her. She played her part well

tightened on th

always beautiful, always charming, and always after something. But Shantel...

t sure what s

sure she was go

r phone, she d

ine connected. "I need a b

alked into Anderson's offic

s desk, eyebrow raise

pping the folder in f

ugh the pages, his expression remained unreadable-un

her arms. "Inter

nd looked up at her. "

ve my

tapping his fingers against the d

out for you," J

here's nothing here

e said. "But

long moment. Then, fina

said, cutting him off.

dded slowly

ne wasn't

Coleman never lis

it might cost