Eventually, Jade exhaled softly and gave a small nod. "Okay," she said, her tone calm, composed.
There was no smile, no hint of playfulness in her voice — just a businesslike acceptance. Still, that was a victory in itself.
She wasn't pushing him away. She was keeping him close, if only just enough to remind him that she wasn't someone to underestimate.
"I figured you'd see the value in that," Thomas said, lips curving into a self-assured grin.
Jade turned away from him without answering and picked up the office phone. She pressed a button, waited a beat, and then spoke.
"Call Brandon up. I'm going to need his services today."
Thomas tilted his head slightly, intrigued by the name. Brandon?
She hung up and sat back, meeting his eyes with a faint, unreadable smile.
"Bringing backup?" he asked casually, his curiosity piqued.
"Let's just say," Jade replied, her voice cool as glass, "I prefer not to drink alone with men who bring billion-dollar deals and hidden intentions."
