Chapter 46
Jake let out a sharp exhale and pushed back his chair, his hand brushing over his jaw.
His mother’s schemes were advancing faster than he had anticipated. Helena wasn’t just here for a visit. She was a message, a reminder that his mother had no intention of backing down.
He couldn’t sit here surrounded by walls that seemed to hum with his mother’s schemes. He needed air. Space and more than anything, he needed to clarify things.
Deciding that, Jake grabbed his suit jacket from the back of his chair and shrugged it on with sharp, precise movements.
When he opened the door, Bella looked up from her desk, her pen pausing mid-stroke. Her brows knit slightly when she saw him.
She’d been wondering what they’d talked about for ages and if they were pretty close since Helena had wasted some time inside and had stepped out with a smile. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn.net
But seeing his face now, she doubted what she’d seen.
Jake looked at her and didn’t need anyone to tell him she’d seen it; the tightness in his jaw, the rigid set of his shoulders, the tension straining through his frame and she was probably wondering what was going on.
“Bella,” he said, his voice quieter than usual, but firm. “You can go home. I’m done for today p>
Her lips parted, surprise flashing across her face. Why did he want to go? Was everything okay?
“Sir? It’s still working hours p>
“I know.” He cut her off gently, his gaze softer this time. “Take the rest of the day off. I need to be somewhere p>
For a moment, she hesitated, searching his face, noting the flicker of strain he was trying so hard to hide.
She wanted to ask if he was alright, if something had happened, but the weight in his expression told her he wouldn’t answer even if she did.
So instead, she swallowed the questions and offered him the only thing she could. “Alright. Thank you, sir p>
He gave a brief nod and turned away before she could read too much in his eyes. His strides were long, purposeful, as though he were trying to outrun the storm pressing at his back.
Bella watched until the elevator doors closed behind him. Only then did she exhale, her chest tight with unease. Whatever it was, it wasn’t small.
And Jake Stones was the kind of man who carried his storms alone.
The Stones mansion loomed large against the early evening sky, its sprawling grounds drenched in the golden wash of fading sunlight. Jake drove up the winding path, each turn tightening the coil in his chest.
By the time he stepped through the carved oak doors, he had already straightened his shoulders and set his jaw; the armor for the battle he knew was coming.
The marble foyer gleamed, and the air smelled faintly of jasmine and polished wood. His mother sat in one of the sitting rooms, a porcelain teacup poised delicately between her fingers, her posture immaculate as always.
Her eyes flicked up the moment he entered. “Jake?” Her brows rose in elegant surprise. “What are you doing here at this hour? Shouldn’t you still be at the office p>
Jake walked closer, his hands sliding into his pockets. “I don’t have anything pressing at the moment. I thought I’d come talk to you p>
Her expression softened into a pleased smile. “Well, that’s a rare blessing. It’s not often I get my son in the middle of the day.” She gestured toward the armchair opposite her. “Sit. Join me p>
He didn’t sit. His voice cut through the calm, steady and direct. “You sent Helena p>
For the briefest moment, her hand stilled on the saucer. Then her smile returned, smoother this time. “Ah. So you saw her. I thought she wouldn’t come p>
“That’s why I’m here, mom,” he said, giving her a pointed look that she seemed to miss.
Her eyes brightened, misinterpreting his tone. “Then it must be good news. You’re here to tell me you’re interested in her, too p>
Jake’s jaw flexed, his tone unyielding. “No, mom. That’s not why I’m here. I’m here to tell you to stop meddling in my affairs. Especially when it comes to the woman I’ll spend my life with. I really don’t appreciate it p>
The smile faltered at last, replaced by a sharp inhale. “Jake, I’m only looking for what’s best for you p>
“No,” he said firmly, his voice rising just slightly. “I know what’s best for me. Better than anyone else. I’d appreciate it if you let me make that choice myself. Please p>
The porcelain cup clinked lightly against the saucer as she set it down, her composure slipping into something more raw. “Why, Jake? Why are you so against this? All I want is what’s best for you. Can’t you see it p>
“And I’m telling you,” Jake countered, stepping closer, “I know what’s best for me p>
For a moment, the air between them crackled with the sharpness of unspoken battles. She opened her mouth to argue again but before she could utter a word, a deep, rich laugh rolled down the staircase, interrupting them.
Charles Stones, descended slowly, his gray hair catching the light, his presence commanding without even trying. He had clearly caught enough of the conversation.
“Didn’t I tell you?” he said, amusement in his tone as he reached the bottom step. He turned to his wife, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “Didn’t I tell you Jake wouldn’t like it p>
Jake’s mother shot him a look, part frustration, part resignation. “You did,” she admitted reluctantly, pressing a hand to her temple.
Charles chuckled again, shaking his head. “You can’t strong-arm this boy. He’s too much like me. Stubborn as stone p>
Jake’s lips twitched faintly — the closest thing to a smile he could manage in the moment.
But his mother wasn’t done. She sighed, lifting her gaze back to her son, her voice edged with a quiet warning. “Alright, Jake. If you don’t want me meddling, then you’d better hurry and bring me someone yourself. Otherwise Her eyes sharpened. I’ll marry Helena off to you whether you like it or not p>