Chapter 542: Chapter 542

They walked up to the table, both calm like this was just another casual meeting. I pushed my chair back and got up, extending my hand first to Carrie, then to Jack. Carrie’s grip was firm and brief, her expression unreadable as always. Jack’s handshake lingered a second longer than it should have, his fingers light but deliberate, like he was testing something.

He pulled out the chair for Carrie with a small, almost theatrical gesture. She sat down without a word, and he took his seat right after. I lowered myself back into mine, keeping my eyes on him.

A waiter started approaching, probably to take orders, but I raised a hand slightly without even looking at him. He understood the gesture immediately, gave a small nod, and walked away.

“I’ll keep it simple,” I said, voice steady. “Delete the videos, Jack.”

He tilted his head slightly, lips curling into a faint smile. “Straight to business. I like that about him, Carrie.”

“Nala isn’t sending you anything,” I went on, not taking my eyes off him. “So drop it and leave her alone.”

Jack leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other, completely at ease. “And why would I do that? I have a perfect opportunity here, Mr. Marlowe. It would be a waste not to use it.”

“Because it’s wrong?” I replied, my tone flat. “What kind of answer were you expecting?”

Carrie stepped in before he could respond. “Jack, why Nala?”

He let out a quiet chuckle, tapping his fingers lightly against the table. “It’s not really about why. It’s more like… why not. Because I can. Because I like her.”

I frowned slightly. “So this is how you treat people you like?”

He gave a small shrug. “Sometimes, when the opportunity presents itself.”

“Let it go, Jack,” I said, leaning forward a bit. “I’m not going to repeat myself.”

Carrie spoke again, her tone a little sharper this time. “He took down Guy, in case you didn’t know. And he almost turned me into public enemy number one after that.”

Jack let out a soft, mocking sound, something between a laugh and a scoff. “Oh, that’s terrifying. Really. I’m shaking.” He leaned forward then, resting his elbow on the table, bringing his face closer to mine. “But I think I’ll take my chances, Mr. Marlowe.”

“Are you sure about that?” I asked, holding his gaze. “You really want to go down that road?”

“I’m very sure,” he replied without hesitation. His eyes didn’t leave mine. “The real question is, are you?”

I held his stare for another second, then pushed my chair back and stood up.

“You’ll find out,” I said.

Neither of them stopped me.

I turned and walked straight toward the elevator, my steps steady even though my mind was already racing ahead. I didn’t wait for a worker this time. I pressed the button myself, the doors sliding open with a quiet mechanical hum.

I stepped inside and hit the ground floor. As the doors began to close, I caught one last glimpse of them still sitting there, completely unbothered.

The doors shut, and I exhaled slowly, running a hand through my hair.

This wasn’t something I could avoid anymore. It had already gone too far for that. Brok was one problem, and now Jack was another, and neither of them looked like they were going to back off on their own.

I leaned back against the wall of the elevator, staring at my reflection in the metal surface.

“Shit…” I muttered under my breath.

The doors opened a moment later, and I stepped out into the lobby, my jaw tightening as the weight of everything settled in. Damn, I was collecting enemies like fucking Pokemons.

Two idiots, one after the other.

I rolled my shoulders slightly and started walking toward the exit.

“Fine,” I muttered, voice low but steady. “Let’s see how far you want to take this.”

⟁ ⟁ ⟁

Another day, another stretch of time stuck at home with nothing to do. I couldn’t even pretend I hated it. Not working, not dealing with people, just lying around all day had its charm. It was comfortable in a lazy, dangerous way, the kind that slowly pulls you in before you even notice. Still, my brain wouldn’t shut up. It kept circling the same things over and over again. Jack. Nala. Brok. That whole mess refused to leave me alone, and lying in bed, turning left and right like an idiot, wasn’t helping one bit.

I let out a long breath and pushed myself up from the bed. “Yeah… this isn’t working.”

I walked into the bathroom and flicked the light on. The sudden brightness made me squint for a second. I grabbed my phone from the counter and checked the time. Ten in the morning. The girls were already gone for work, of course. Meanwhile, I was here doing absolutely nothing. Great.

I turned on the sink and leaned forward, splashing cold water onto my face a few times. It helped a little, enough to wake me up properly. Droplets ran down my cheeks and chin before I shut the water off and reached for a towel. I dried my face slowly, staring at my reflection for a second longer than I needed to. I looked tired. Not just sleepy, but worn out in that annoying way where your mind refuses to rest.

I stepped back into the bedroom and walked over to the window. Rain hammered against the glass, heavy and relentless. The sky was completely covered in dark clouds, the sun nowhere to be seen. The whole city looked washed out, gray and dull.

“Damn,” I muttered.

Perfect weather to stay inside and rot.

I turned away from the window and walked out of the room, closing the door behind me with a soft click. The smell of food hit me almost immediately. Minne stood behind the kitchen counter with her back to me, focused on what she was doing. She was slicing cucumbers carefully, each piece neat and even. The TV in the living room was on, some weather report playing loudly enough to fill the space.

Mik was sprawled out on the single couch, completely still. Her eyes were closed, tail tucked close to her body, looking like she had zero intentions of moving anytime soon. Her food tray sat nearby, empty. Tessa’s strict diet plan was clearly in effect. Honestly, it seemed to be working. Mik looked… better. Less like a walking blob and more like an actual animal. Good for her.

“Morning, Minne.”

She flinched slightly, shoulders jumping as she turned around. “Oh! Sorry, you scared me, Master. Good morning!”

“Didn’t mean to,” I said as I walked toward the couches, glancing at the TV for a second before losing interest. “What are you making?”

“Chicken salad,” she replied, turning back to the counter. “Mrs. Tessa wanted it, Master.”

“Of course she did,” I murmured.

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