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GRAND HILLS CLUB

Jade's heart thumped wildly against her chest as his gaze pierced into her eyes. He just looked at her in silence.

She couldn't make out why he kept staring at her silently. Maybe she had taken him by surprise, or perhaps he was angry; she couldn't tell.

She feared being rejected by him because she wouldn't know what to do if he did. From the bartender's words, he seemed to be the best. By best, she meant richest.

She had never thought a day like this would come when she would do something against her morals. But desperate times call for desperate measures, and right now, she was desperate.

She gazed at this man who was neatly casually dressed in a white shirt tucked over a black pair of trousers, which he wore with white sneakers. His dark-sleek hair was neatly combed, and a few stray strands pushed forward. She wouldn't be wrong to say he looked beautiful, but his beauty was the least of her problems now.

She watched as the others seated around made mocking gestures at her.

"She must be bold to have approached Jake, especially when he just returned. Isn't she being too overconfident?" A redhead girl at the table whispered to another girl seated by her side, but she was audible to Jade's hearing.

"No one has ever done something like this. I'm sure Jake will reject her." The other girl replied with an envious look in her eyes. They both eyed Jade angrily. They had both been sending body signals to Jake since he arrived, not minding their partners seated by their sides, but Jake hadn't cast a glance their way.

Jade heard all their snide remarks but chose to be unaffected by them.

She had a sole purpose for being there, and that was saving Cale. She'd be damned if she let him die. She had to do all she could to save him, even if it meant selling her body to this man before her.

She had never imagined giving up her innocence to any man other than Cale. She had always fantasised about her first time with Cale after getting married, where she would give herself freely and wholly to him. But that wouldn't be possible after tonight, but at least she knew this was all to save him.

If there had been better alternatives, she'd grasp it with both hands. She had only begun her internship at the company, so she couldn't request advance pay, especially when her salary was barely enough to cater for her mother and brother. And Helen, Cale's adoptive mom, wouldn't be able to do much.

Jade had always been sensitive and reciprocating towards people and their feelings.

She kept looking at him anxiously with her hands still stretched. Mixed emotions of fear and confusion enveloped her, but she refused to give in to cowardice.

She felt hopeful when Jake reached for the envelope in her hands and took out the result. He quickly looked at it before gazing at her again, making her bite her bottom lip nervously.

She suddenly noticed a passionate look in his eyes. His eyes lit up with passion, making her shudder, and her knees felt weak. His hazel eyes concealed a lot of emotions inside them, feelings that shook her to the core.

*********

Jake was hesitant about this. He felt like rejecting her, but his eyes wandered back to her. There was an internal war inside him every time he glanced at her. He earnestly desired to rest so he'd have a clear head by morning, but something in him also wanted her. He knew he wanted her more than anything.

Jake wasn't just successful and wealthy, but he was also a fascinating man who looked even more gorgeous than most women. It souns unreal, but one would see him and say this was true. In addition, he was smart, intelligent, passionate, and charismatic. Not just a few knew about it, but the whole country knew he was a playboy. He broke hearts in his wake and had no regard for women except to use them to curb his sexual appetite. However, that has never hindered his capabilities as a strategic visionary or his ability to make perfect decisions under pressure, bringing the company to its pinnacle of success.

He groaned inwardly when he saw her bite her nether lip. If Jake had been hesitant before, well, he wasn't anymore. That single action had awoken the sleeping beast in him.

He quickly looked at her, gulped down his drink, and jerked to his feet.

"Leave a car for me before you leave," He said to no one in particular as he kept looking at Jade.

He had spoken to Blake, who had been watching the spectacular scene unfold in surprise and with his mouth agape. He had for a moment there thought Jake might turn her down, but he also knew his brother too well. The guy would never say no to an opportunity of getting laid.

Jake suddenly pulled her by the hand and said, "Let's go," as he led her out of the club.