Chapter 210 Shawn Comes
“Oh, looks like you’re pretty sensible, I said with a soft chuckle.
Finished
Jace gave a shrug, a little self–deprecating. “I grew up with my grandpa. My mom was always working, so I had to grow up t Learned how to take care of myself pretty early.”
“Alright then,” I said. “How about you come downstairs for a late–night snack?
“Sure.” His eyes lit up. like a child promised a treat.
fast
I grabbed the keys and led him downstairs. The neighborhood was well–developed, with bustling shops lining the streets. We settled into a cozy tea house. After ordering. Jace seemed almost too eager. He kept sneaking glances at my face, like he was still unsure if I was mad at him
“So, you took time off just to visit Craneport?” I asked, curious.
He nodded, his gaze steady, “Yeah, just here for a few days with some friends. By the way, will you still be here tomorrow! Id like to introduce you to one of my friends.”
“No.” I replied, shaking my head. “Your friends are probably too y
young.
Jace’s smile faltered, but he quickly recovered. “The girl in the pink dress earlier? She’s my childhood friend, also from Zleson. Don’t get the wrong idea, though. We’re just friends”
I smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, I wond
jump to conclusions.”
Jace blinked at me, suddenly serious, “In your eyes, am I really just a little brother?”
I nodded, letting out a soft sigh. “I have a real younger brother, about your age. He’s also at Zleson.
“Really?” Jace grinned. “Can I meet him sometime?”
I shook my head, amused by his curiosity. “Don’t. He’s not from your world. There was something about Jace. He wasn’t the usual rich kid. He had an innocence, a kind of purity that came from being kept sheltered by wealth. Protected, safe from the harshness of life.
“Are you still mad at me?” he asked, his lips pressing together in a subtle frown.
His lips were full, red, and perfect, like a rose blooming at its peak. For a moment, I couldn’t help but stare. He had that look
aa effortless charm. Leaning back, I let myself just enjoy the view.
His lips were like petals kissed by rain, soft and smooth. His skin, once pale, now had a healthier glow. The last month of working outdoors had left him looking more natural–less pristine, but better that way.
“Tiff, have you had enough of me?” Jace caught my gaze, his cheeks flushing slightly.
I realized I’d been staring at him for longer than Ed meant to. I quickly broke the trance, laughing awkwardly. “Sorry, I just can’t figure out why you came to Hanzora for work”
Jave lowered his gaze, lost in thought for a moment before speaking again. After we parted at Craneport, I kept waiting for you to reach out You said you were in Hanzora, so I thought we weren’t far apart. But then, nothing. No word. So, I used
I didn’t mean to investigate you?
“You didn’t come to the hotel by accident?” I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued.
“Yeah, I purposely came here to find you,” Jace said, his lips curling into a sly smile “When I saw you, I couldn’t help but get rated unide, but I tried not to show it.”
Torked eyes with him, my gaze sharp “So, when you found out I was married with kids, you were disappointed
5:17 PM
Chapter 210 Shawn Comes:
A flicker of anger rose within me. So, did you dig into my entire family history too?”
Jace let out a soft chuckle, but the warmth in his voice did little to cool the irritation that simmered inside me.
“Not exactly. Don’t worry, I’m not some creepy stalker. I just want to take things slow. Maybe start as friends?”
#Finished
The food arrived, and we ate as we talked. I couldn’t shake the disbelief. Jace had actually traveled all the way to Hanzora to und me.
“Tiff, when you said you were worried about me, was that for real?” Jace asked suddenly, his eyes meeting mine with a soft, sincere smile.
I didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, I was worried you might get caught up with some debt collectors. I even had the cops keep an eye on
you”
His face lit up
p with a grateful smile. Thanks for looking out for me. But don’t worry, Fim fine”
I set my fork down, my tone serious. “You’re not allowed to lie to me again. If I catch you being dishonest, I’ll fire you. No second chances.”
“I got it,” Jace nodded. his expression solemn.
Just then, my phone buzzed on the table. I glanced at the screen.
It was a message from Shawn. He asked who the guy was I was with earlier and if I came to Craneport for him.
I didn’t respond. After all, he’d been shady with Queena before, and he didn’t even bother to check in with me.
After finishing our late–night snack, Jace walked me to the elevator. He was heading back to his place.
The next morning, I slept in. I was still groggy when I heard a knock at the door.
Thinking it was Jace, I quickly got up, ran a hand through my long hair to pull it into a messy bun, washed up, and slipped into my robe before heading to the door.
I opened it, and the sight of Shawn standing there shocked me.
“You?” I stared at him, stunned.
Without a word, Shawn pushed the door open and started scanning the room, his eyes darting around like he was searching for something.
