Chapter 13
The sprawling room, just Linda and Jasper now, felt heavy
with tension.
The air in the massive space turned heavy, almost suffocating.
Linda leaned against the door, her eyes locked on Jasper’s tall, rigid back.
Her delicate face showed no trace of feeling.
Last time I saw him was like… forever ago, she thought.
So long, she’d forgotten what he looked like.
Now, face–to–face again, she felt nothing.
No love, no hate. Just empty.
Jasper turned, his icy face softening for a moment when he saw her, a are smile pulling at his lips.
His usually cold eyes warmed slightly.
Even without expression, his face was strikingly handsome.
With that hint of a smile, he was almost too perfect.
Jasper studied her.
Pink hoodie, cropped jeans, canvas sneakers, black hair tossed into a messy bun, her smooth forehead bare.
She looked like a high school kid.
In the entertainment industry, Linda had always played the sultry femme fatale, her stunning looks and sparkling eyes stealing every scene.
But now, even with no expression, Jasper found her charming.
‘My girl’s all grown up, he thought. ‘Legal marriage age already.”
“Come here,” he said, his voice calm, a touch of warmth slipping in.
“Mr. Vaughn,” Linda said, staying put, her tone cold, “I’m here to tell you why I’m calling off the engagement-”
“You’re too perfect. I’m not good enough,” she continued.
Jasper went silent.
“I’m done. See you,” she said.
He still didn’t speak.
“Actually, no–no ‘see you. Let’s not see each other again,” she added.
As Linda turned to leave, his voice sliced through, sharp as ice: “Stop right there.”
She paused but didn’t look back. “Something else, Mr. Vaughn?”
“Flirt and run, Linda? That’s pretty low,” Jasper said.
The faint smile faded, his face darkening.
‘Elaine was right, he thought. ‘She’s really trying to ditch me,
Linda raised an eyebrow, her expression sharp with mockery.
‘Low? Shouldn’t I be the one throwing that at him?‘ she thought.
She scoffed. “That’s hilarious.
Jasper’s eyes narrowed, his steps closing the distance. “You think you can play me without my say–so?”
His long legs brought him closer, the air growing colder around them, as if it was going to freeze the next second.
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Chapter 13
Even Miles would’ve been trembling.
Linda didn’t budge. “Mr. Vaughn, watch your words.”
He stopped, less than inches away, looming over her.
A full head taller, his gaze felt like a king judging his subject.
The pressure hit her like a wall.
His familiar scent, faint, unsettling, reached her. Familiar enough to make her stomach churn.
And that infuriatingly perfect face, so close she could slap it and run.
‘Jerk, she thought. ‘Wasted on that face.
Jasper pulled out his phone, giving her a cool glance, a playful glint creeping into his expression.
His lips parted, and he read aloud, voice low.
Linda: [Mr. Vaughn, you looked so hot in that white shirt today. It’s chilly, though–don’t catch a cold!]
Linda: [Mr. Vaughn, that pinstripe tie was fire. Can you wear it again tomorrow?]
Linda: [Mr. Vaughn, I like you so, so much. Why don’t you ever reply?]
Linda: [Mr. Vaughn, are you even seeing these?]:
Linda: [Mr. Vaughn, you don’t even know who I am, do you? I’m so sad.]
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