Lydia didn't sleep that night.
Every time she closed her eyes, Jaden's voice echoed in her head — "Effort doesn't change how things are meant to be."
But meant to be according to who?
She had given her all to the company… and to him, even if silently.
The next morning, she walked into the office early, determined to keep things professional. No more daydreams, no more heartache. But fate had other plans.
As she entered the elevator, the doors almost closed — until a hand stopped them.
It was Jaden.
He stepped in, his cologne filling the small space — warm, dark, and intoxicating. She tried not to look, but she could feel his eyes on her. The silence was heavy, only broken by the soft hum of the elevator.
"Lydia," he said quietly.
Her heart jumped. "Yes, sir?"
He hesitated — as though fighting himself. "About yesterday…"
She turned slightly, meeting his gaze. "You don't owe me an explanation, Mr. Steele."
He exhaled. "Maybe I do."
Just then, the elevator stopped. He stepped out, but instead of walking away, he turned to her. "Come to my office in ten minutes."
When Lydia entered his office later, Jaden stood by the window again — staring at the city skyline. He didn't look like the man who ruled finance; he looked… human. Tired.
"You've been wondering why I've been distant," he said, his tone low.
Lydia stayed silent.
He turned to face her. "There are things about me you don't know, Lydia. Things that could hurt you if you get too close."
Her brows drew together. "You're talking in riddles."
"I'm protecting you," he said firmly. "There are people who watch my every move. Being around me isn't safe."
Lydia took a step forward. "Then why did you make me care? Why did you make me feel something if you were going to walk away?"
Jaden's eyes darkened. "Because I couldn't stop myself."
The room went quiet.
His confession hung in the air — raw and heavy.
Lydia's heart ached, yet a small part of her felt relief. So it wasn't all in her head. He did care.
"Then don't protect me," she whispered. "Just be honest with me."
Jaden looked at her for a long time before he finally spoke — softly, almost brokenly.
"Honesty comes with a price, Lydia. And I don't want you paying for my past."
He walked past her, ending the conversation. But as she turned to leave, she noticed a file on his desk — marked Confidential: Project Phoenix.
Her instincts told her — this was what he
was hiding.
And somehow… she was already part of it.