Chapter: The Confrontation
POV: Jared
It was a quiet morning in the office, the kind where everything felt routine. The hum of my computer filled the room as I worked through an endless string of emails. I liked mornings like this—structured, predictable. But the peace shattered in an instant.
The door to my office slammed open so hard it hit the wall. I looked up, startled, as Xaden stormed in like a man on fire. His face was twisted with fury, his eyes sharp and blazing.
"Jared!" he snapped, his voice loud enough to carry through the entire floor.
My assistant, Sarah, appeared behind him, looking flustered and apologetic. "I tried to stop him, Mr. Jared, but he—"
"It's fine," I interrupted, holding up a hand. "Close the door, Sarah. I'll handle this."
She hesitated for a moment, clearly unsure if she should leave me alone with him. I gave her a reassuring nod, and she finally backed out, shutting the door softly behind her.