Chapter 246
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Chapter 246:
It was flattery, but it was specific and well-researched. He spoke the language of the industry. He knew the software, the vendors, the headaches.
Jocelyn was tired. She was desperate for competence. And he had just demonstrated it precisely.
“You’re hired,” she said, closing the file. “Can you start tomorrow p>
“I can start now,” Branden smiled.
Later that evening, Branden stood in the lobby adjusting his tie, watching Jocelyn walk toward the elevators.
He pulled out his phone and texted Aspen.
I’m in.
Aspen showed the message to Kieran. “Done p>
“What’s the plan?” Kieran asked, swirling his drink.
“He’ll get close,” Aspen said, her voice low and deliberate. “He’ll find out the nature of their arrangement. And perhaps… compromise Jocelyn in the process p>
I𝗇𝘵𝘦𝗇s𝘦 𝘳om𝖺nce 𝗼𝘯 𝗀𝖺𝗅ոo𝘷𝖾𝗹ѕ.𝘤𝘰𝘮
Kieran’s expression tightened. “Don’t hurt her physically p>
“Of course not,” Aspen said. “Just emotionally. We need Gaston to cut her loose. If he thinks she’s cheating — or incompetent — he’ll drop her p>
Kieran looked down at his glass. He still wanted Jocelyn, in the twisted, possessive way of a man who couldn’t stand the thought of someone else having what he had discarded. He wanted her broken so he could be the one to put her back together.
“Just make sure Gaston dumps her,” Kieran said.
“Consider it done,” Aspen smiled.
Back at the hotel, Branden watched the elevator doors close behind Jocelyn.
Easy money, he thought.
The hospital corridor smelled of antiseptic and floor wax. Jocelyn hated it. It reminded her of the night she lost her father.
She had just finished visiting her grandmother. The doctors said her heart was stable, but stress was a killer.
She pressed the button for the elevator. The doors slid open — and she stepped back.
Aspen Schneider was standing inside.
She looked perfect, as always, but there was a tightness around her eyes.
“Jocelyn,” Aspen said. “Stalking me p>
“I have family here,” Jocelyn said, stepping into the car. “Unlike you, I visit them p>
Aspen followed her in and pressed the button for the lobby. “I’m here for a stress migraine. My doctor says I’m too sensitive p>
A beat of silence.
“I heard about your poker win,” Aspen said, her voice sharpening. “Beginner’s luck p>
“Skill,” Jocelyn corrected. “Kieran should learn it p>
Aspen laughed — a brittle sound. “Are you coming to the wedding? I sent an invitation to the hotel. I assumed you’d want to see what a real marriage looks like p>
“To the staff entrance?” Jocelyn guessed.
“Of course,” Aspen smiled sweetly. “Where you belong p>
The elevator reached the lobby. Jocelyn held the door open.
“I’ll be there, Aspen,” she said clearly. “Front row. With my husband p>
Aspen blinked. “Your husband? The Collins heir? Please. Everyone in this city knows that’s a contract, not a marriage. A PR stunt to secure a family merger p>
“You’ll see,” Jocelyn said. “He’s very protective p>
She released the door and walked out, leaving Aspen standing alone with a look of uneasy confusion.
Aspen pulled out her phone the moment the lobby doors closed behind Jocelyn.
“She claims she’s bringing her husband,” she hissed when Kieran picked up.