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Chapter 11

At the crossroads of the garden paths, Annie lifted her skirt, ready to leave when Jeremy blocked her way. Standing before her, he spoke sincerely, “Sorry for the trouble just now.”

Annie paused, then a hint of mockery played on her lips. “No need to apologize to me, Mr. Chandler. I’m not anyone special to you. If you’ve got a moment, check up on Jessica. She’s caught a chill and needs some comforting.”

Jeremy explained. “I’m just a friend of hers.”

“A friend?‘ Annie beamed at him. “Of course, I believe you.” After all, it was her father who held shares in the Chandler Group. She knew Jeremy too well. Jessica would never be his top priority in this life or any other.

She furrowed her brows, looking somewhat troubled. “But it wouldn’t look good if rumors spread about families fighting over a guy, right?”

“Jeremy’s eyes shifted as he caught her drift.

Annie glanced in Jessica’s direction. “Looks like Jessica’s on her way here. I better get going.”

Jeremy stood in place, watching her walk away, his gaze subtly shifting.

“Mr. Chandler. Jessica rushed over, her eyes sparkling with longing.

Jeremy politely advised, “Your clothes are still wet. You should change. It’s late, and I need to get going too.”

“Mr. Chandler!” Jessica tensed up. “Leaving already?

“I’ve got some things to take care of.” Jeremy’s response was courteous, but there was an evident distance in his tone.

Seeing Jeremy walk off without a second thought, Jessica’s anger bubbled over, causing her to faint on the spot.

The garden sprawled wide, with the front area by the pool turned into a lively party spot, while the winding paths in the back garden offered a peaceful hideaway, alive with chirping birds and buzzing bugs.

Annie searched everywhere, but found no sign of Jackson. She scoffed, “Am I out of my calls, I come?”

mind? Ho

Back in her previous life upon entering Clusia, she was clueless about people’s deceitful ways and often fell into Jessica and the crew’s traps. Despite the tough lessons learned, Annie found herself falling for the same scheme again. Irritation prickled through her as she turned to leave, yet unexpectedly collided into a warm, sturdy figure.

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Thi Aug

“Took you long enough. Quite slow, huh?” Jackson’s voice sounded from above.

Annic nursed her throbbing head and took a couple of steps back, eyeing Jackson warily. “Why did you ask me here?”

“What’s your best guess?” Jackson’s lips curved slightly, his gaze cold.

Annie cautiously retreated two steps more. However, each backward move was countered by Jackson advancing, until she found herself cornered under a tree. Her back grazed against the rough tree bark, prompting a wince of discomfort. Frowning, she demanded, “Just spit it out, Mr. Hudson!”

With one hand propped above her head, Jackson’s other hand hovered close to her lips, his cool fingers tracing lightly over her soft, red pout. His voice floated gently, “Ms. Sanders, you’re not quite what the rumors make you out to be.”

Annie smirked, arching an eyebrow. “And are you everything the rumors claim you to be?”

Jackson, known as the top playboy in Betrico, was actually a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Jeremy managed to lock down the Chandler family inheritance with some slick moves, but when it came to Jackson, he couldn’t even put up a fight. Who would believe that a guy like Jackson was all about eating, drinking, and having fun?

The moonlight softly bathed the scene, casting a delicate glow around the two. Their breaths mingled closely, yet amidst this ambiguous setting lay a sinister crisis.

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Jackson narrowed his gaze, seeming to up Annie. After a moment, he curved his lips into a smirk and said, “You mentioned repayment in the Hallway, and I obliged. Then at the pool, I did you a favor. So, we’re even now.”

just

Withdrawing his hand that had azed Annie’s lips, he tapped his own. he teased, his voice

alluring yet his gaze chilling as ice.

‘He placed the same fingers that touched my lips on his. Isn’t that an indirect kiss?” Annie clenched her teeth, her cheeks sore from the tension. “Well, thanks a bunch, Mr. Hudson!”

“Not a big deal. Jackson sauntered off casually, vanishing into the shadows.

“What’s wrong with him?” Annie thought Jackson must be off his rocker to summon her only to babble nonsense.

Returning to the living room, Annie found it quite late. Most guests had left, but a full house of servants and security lingered, the room heavy with a somber mood as if something crucial had transpired.

On the sofa, a middle–aged man looked up at Annie with a stern face. “Where did you go just now?”

O