By the time Mr. Ainsworth stepped out, Jade had grateful and sufficiently humbled. Intuitively, she leaned back in her chair, a breath of relief escaping her lips in the process. Slightly, she tilted her head toward the ceiling. Her eyes closed for a second longer than usual. The hour had dragged more than she had anticipated— not from difficulty, but from sheer emotional labor.
On an impulse, she checked her watch.
5:56 p.m.
Almost time.
Without a second delay, she gathered the necessary files into her leather tote. And powered down her laptop with a few precise taps. She slipped on her blazer with one smooth motion, her fingers adjusting the sleeves as she prepared to finally leave for the evening.
Just then, the door swung open and Eliana walked in, tablet in hand. And her usual bright presence tailored back into a quiet focus.
Jade exhaled with soft relief, turning toward her. "Thank God you're here," she said, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm done for today. Finish up for me?"
Eliana blinked, then a smile spread across her face. "Of course. Anything specific? ayou know I can handle anything."
"The intake logs— just the red file. And the Thursday reviews need to be in the system before morning," Jade said, already reaching for her keys and slipping her phone into her bag. "Think you can handle it?"
Eliana nodded euthusiastically, her eyes gleaming. "You know where everything is." Jade added.
"Got it. I'll make sure it's all taken care of."
Jade paused briefly at the door, her hand on the frame as she looked back. "You're a lifesaver, Eli."
Eliana gave her a playful wink. "Only because you trained me within an inch of my life."
They shared a small laugh— an exchange built on years of trust.
"Don't stay too long," Jade added as she turned on her heels.
"sure, I won't. Go before Sienna comes in here to drag you out herself."
That earned a quiet smirk from Jade. "I'm going."
"Sure, " Eliana smiled. "Have fun tonight. And dont make your usual ten- minutes exit.
Jade raised an eyebrow, "I make no promises."
"You sure don't," Eliana uttered as if giving it a thought. " But seriously, you should get some rest. An escape from your usual routine."
Their gaze lingered, a subtle exchange of mutual respect. And as if communicating with their eyes, Jade nodded. "I will," She answered, and was out the door the next minute.
She moved quickly down the corridor. Her heels striking clean notes against the polished floors. The air outside had cooled slightly, a welcome breeze cutting through the last stretch of sunlight as she stepped out.
Her body felt like it was finally catching up to the fatigue in her bones by the time she slid into her Audi and started the engine. Catching herself up, she eased out of the lot and turned toward the city. Her hand firm on the wheel, posture still composed though her eyes showed a touch of wear.
She had barely made it out of the garage when her phone buzzed against the dash.
Incoming Call: Mom
Jade's jaw tightened slightly at the sight of her mother's incoming call. But pressed the button to answer anyways.
"Hey, Mom." She said.
"You sound like you just got off work."
"I did," Jade replied, steering onto the main road. Her gaze fixed ahead.
Still pushing it too hard, I see." Her mother's voice came through, warm and familiar.
"You'd I rather slack off and let my clients spiral?" She joked, her face lightened up.
"No," her mother said, with a soft huff. "But I would like you to rest occasionally."
"I'm on my way out now, Mom. Pub plans. Sienna's dragging me." She snapped, her expression clearly saying happy now?
"Good. Tell her I said thank you." There was a brief silence. "You're still coming this weekend, right? Your father swears the garden looks its best."
"I'll try, no promises. Whatever be the case, I'll call before Friday." Jade assured.
"You always say that, honey."
"And sometimes I mean it," Jade deadpanned.
Her mother laughed lightly. "Alright. Go. Have fun. And don't let that fire of yours burn too hot tonight."
"As I always say, can't promise anything." Jade said, a smile tugging faintly at her lips as the city lights began to rise around her.
·
·
·
Asher's Pov
The day had been a spectacular mess. Back-to-back meetings, a stubborn board member who couldn't shut up, and a PR email leak that nearly lit social media on fire. Not to talk of his session with Dr. Sinclair and his encounter with the most provocative person in his life- his Dad.
Asher leaned back in the driver's seat of his matte-black McLaren, fingers flexing briefly over the steering wheel.
He needed an escape.
A reset.
And there was only one place that could off him the very thing he craved. Velvet Sanctum.
Tucked away on a discreet block in the upper part of the city. It didn't need neon signs or online buzz. It existed off the radar— exclusive, luxurious, and tailored for the elite who needed more than a drink to forget the day.
After what long like a thirty minutes drive, he pulled up to the private entrance. The valet immediately stepped forward without needing instruction. With a flick of his wrist, Asher tossed him the keys as he stepped inside, the weight of the world already sliding off his shoulders.
Low lighting. Dark marble floors. Scents of sandalwood and leather. Even the air here felt different— thicker, intentional.
"Mr. Cross," came the smooth, rehearsed voice of Renzo, the floor manager, appearing seemingly out of nowhere. Renzo had always looked like he stepped out of a fashion shoot— tailored vest, pocket square, and no smile.
"Everything is prepared," he said, falling into step beside Asher as they approached the elevator at the far end of the hallway. "Just the way you like it. Clean linens. Red lighting. Jazz low in the background. She'll be in shortly."
Asher didn't speak. He didn't have to. A simple nod was enough.
At the elevator, Renzo pressed the button and turned to face him once more. "Third floor is secured. No disturbances. No cameras. You'll be attended to immediately."
The elevator chimed softly, and the doors slid open. Renzo was escorting him all the way up anyways. He stepped back, holding the door. "Enjoy your evening, Mr. Cross."
Asher gave one last glance over his shoulder, not out of paranoia— but calculation. Then stepped in. The doors slid shut in perfect silence, leaving his escort behind.
While the elevator ascended toward the VVIP suite on the third floor, Asher leaned against the wall, watching the soft flicker of light panels overhead.
Intuitively, he exhaled as if he had been holding his breath all along, finally.
This was his escape.
And tonight, he'd make damn sure the world stayed out of it.