Chapter 459
The truth was, she did have an ulterior motive-Niamh wanted to see if she could coax some useful information about the FZZL project out of
Jarrett.
First, Niamh called over the waiter and calmly ordered a cup of coffee. Only then did she turn to Jarrett and say, “I have both business and personal matters to discuss with you… for example… Lana.”
Jarrett glanced up, a smile playing at his lips. “Seems like you’re half my boss, not just on the project, but even in my personal life. Whether I get to marry Lana might just depend on your blessing.”
Niamh was taken aback by the word “marry”-she hadn’t realized things between Jarrett and Lana had gotten so serious.
“She’s my best friend, you know. Of course I have to look out for her happiness.”
‘You’re right about that,” Jarrett replied, propping his chin in his hands and squinting at her with a grin. “So, to make a good impression, ask away. What do you want to know about FZZL?”
“Nothing top secret,” Niamh said briskly, all business. “I’m just curious how the system operates, what challenges you’re facing, and-most importantly-what kind of returns we shareholders can expect after it launches.”
Her tone was perfectly professional, giving nothing else away.
Jarrett, naturally, was happy to oblige. As he explained the FZZL project to Niamh, his hand stayed hidden beneath the table, busy with his phone. Outside, dusk had fallen and city lights flickered to life. Traffic streamed past in luminous ribbons.
Lana arrived at The Purring Bean, practically skipping with excitement.
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Chapter 459
Before she could step inside, she spotted Niamh sitting by the window.
And across from her-Jarrett.
“What the-?”
Lana’s eyes went wide. Jarrett had invited her out tonight, and she’d taken the time to get dressed up, looking forward to a cozy evening for just the two of them. Who would have thought Niamh would beat her here?
No, no, no… Lana shook her head hard. There was no real connection between Niamh and Jarrett-she was probably reading too much into this. All she had to do was go in and ask, and the misunderstanding would vanish.
That’s what she told herself, but her feet refused to move. For some reason, she hesitated at the door, torn between marching in and turning
away.
Before she could make up her mind, Niamh emerged from the café with
Jarrett at her side.
On instinct, Lana pressed herself against the wall, hiding like a guilty child. Even she couldn’t say why.
After Niamh left, Jarrett lingered at the entrance, pretending to notice Lana for the first time.
“Lana? What are you doing out here?”
“Uh… I… I…”
She stammered, searching for words.
“Did you just get here?”
“Yeah…
“So did I.”
+
“What?” Lana’s eyes went round as saucers. She’d seen him inside with
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Lana shook her head, chiding herself. She shouldn’t doubt Jarrett-he probably just hadn’t mentioned Niamh to avoid giving her the wrong idea.
Still…
She followed Jarrett into the café. The more he tried to hide, the more uneasy she felt.
They shared a quick cup of coffee and split a slice of cake. Gradually, Lana’s doubts faded away.
She thought the evening would end there, but to her surprise, Jarrett took
her to a hotel afterward.
“‘Wait-hold on a second…” Lana stopped at the hotel entrance, her cheeks burning. “Just to be clear, the two of us… we’re dating now, right?”
‘Of course,” Jarrett answered, grinning. “Would you really get this close to a guy who isn’t your boyfriend?”
‘Of course not!” Lana nearly bit her tongue, terrified he’d get the wrong idea.
