CHAPTER 8

Why must you do this, Jasper?" she asked in a whisper, but one laced with defiance. "Why can't you simply leave me alone?"

Jasper smirked, unfazed. "Because, Skylar, I know what you're hiding. And for as long as I do, you're mine to keep in check.

Skylar shivered, her defiance trembling at the weight of his words. Yet forcing herself, she met his gaze-a small fire dancing in hers. "You may have control over my secrets, Jasper, but you do not own me."

Jasper's eyes narrowed, the glint of his smile faltering for just a moment. "We shall see about that."

One morning, she scrolled through job postings on her phone; with every qualification she didn't meet, she felt her heart shrink just that much more. With the bills piling up and the developing need to get free from Jasper's clutches, her options seemed agonizingly limited. She was about to give up when her phone buzzed with a message.

Congratulations, Ms. Skylar Raine. This mail is to inform you that you have been selected for a preliminary interview at J. Holdings. Please confirm whether you are available.

Skylar's eyes widened as J. Holdings was one of the most prestigious firms in town, the last place she'd thought she had any hope of working. A thread of hope rose within her. She had no recollection of applying there, but she was too grateful to question it. If only she could land this job, it would be a start-a way to step out from under Jasper's thumb.

Without a second's hesitation, she replied to confirm it-the heart racing at just the thought of an interview that could change everything.

---

Two days later, Skylar was standing in front of the glass doors at J. Holdings, a towering building bathed by sleek, modern architecture. Nerves quivered right under her professionally covered skin as she took a deep breath and stepped inside. Gleaming marble floors and refined decor mocked her insecurities about how small she felt within the grand scheme of things.

Skylar Raine?" A woman with a clipboard called out her name, and Skylar turned, flashing a polite smile.

"Yes, that's me."

"Follow me, please." The woman led her through a maze of corridors until they reached a smaller conference room. "Mr. Graham will be with you shortly. Please have a seat.

Skylar relaxed back into the plush leather chair, her breathing slowing. She had expected to feel intimidated but something about this place-a sense of fitting in or perhaps just an aura of professionalism-gave her strength. She was still telling herself this was all real when the door opened and a man in his early forties walked in.

Ms. Raine, nice to meet you," he greeted with an outstretched hand and a welcoming smile. "I'm Peter Graham, Senior Operations Manager."

Skylar shook his hand and felt a little more at ease. "Thank you for having me, Mr. Graham."

They plunged into the interview as Mr. Graham asked her about her experience, aspirations, and what she hoped to bring along with her. Skylar answered as confidently as she could, drawing on every ounce of composure she had. Surprisingly, Mr. Graham seemed impressed. He listened thoughtfully to her responses, his head nodding.

"Well, Ms. Raine," he said as the interview wrapped up, "we believe you could be a good fit for the team here. We'll finalize the details, but I'm happy to say that I'd like to offer the position to you."

Skylar felt a surge of relief and excitement. This was just what she needed: to rebuild her life.

She spoke with much gratitude in her voice. "I would not disappoint you, Mr. Graham."

He nodded, still smiling warmly at her. "I know you won't, which is why we'll have you start on Monday, and I'll instruct HR to send over the offer letter for your signature. Congratulations, Ms. Raine."

Skylar walked out of the building lighter than she'd felt in weeks. It was the first time in a long time she could say she wasn't walking in anyone's shadow. She was even smiling as she strolled down the street-until a figure stepped into her path.

Jasper.

But in her line of vision, the sight of him at once jolted her, and the smile vanished, replaced by a simmering anger and a touch of fear. "What are you doing here?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you the same thing?" he replied with an annoying smirk on his face. "J. Holdings… quite the ambitious choice."

Skylar swallowed as a small sinking feeling began to form in her stomach. "How did you know?

"Oh, I know a lot of things," he said smoothly. "Like how I knew you got that job because of me."

Her heart sank. Of course, it couldn't have been that simple. The opportunity she thought she'd earned on her own was nothing more than another of Jasper's manipulations.

"I don't need your help, Jasper," she said, her voice no more than a murmur, yet barely masking the frustration rising inside her. "I can take care of myself."

He laughed softly, his head shaking back and forth. "Can you? Look around, Skylar. You're standing here because of me. Every step you take, every door that opens for you—I control it. Remember that."

The fists of Skylar just clenched, and her mind was racing. How was she to get away from him when he had such a hold on her life?

"Why are you doing this?" she demanded, anger and desperation oozing from her voice. "What is it that you would conceivably have to gain by controlling me in this way?

The storm brewed in Jasper's gaze, his words tipping away something unsaid. "You'll understand in time," he said, his voice cold, spoken so calmly, yet with incredulous weight. "Meanwhile, just enjoy the fruits of your new position. I would hate to see it all go to waste.

He turned and walked away, leaving Skylar standing there, fuming with anger. She had been hopeful for a moment, and Jasper seemed to just destroy that in a split second. But she was not going to let him take this one away from her. She would go ahead and work in J. Holdings and prove that she was capable of standing on her own two feet even if Jasper wasn't sure about this fact.

Monday morning had come sooner than anticipated, and Skylar arrived at J. Holdings, both excited and determined. She was introduced to her team, and as the days settled into routine, she found she was enjoying the challenge. And despite Jasper's interfering ways, she was going to make this job hers.

But the first week wasn't without its own problems. She started noticing little things, coincidences, it seemed to say, Jasper was still lurking somewhere, still watching and waiting for her to slip up and give him an excuse. The little things counted, the emails arriving with uncanny appropriateness, her supervisor knowing just what she was working on at any given time; it was a delusion to think she was independent.

Yet Skylar held her head high and refused to make a life fraught with fear. She plunged headlong into her work, her confidence growing with each new task she mastered. Every accomplishment, no matter how small it was, counted for a victory; it reminded her that she wasn't just some pawn in Jasper's game.

On one very long day in the office, Skylar was busy packing up to leave when Julian showed up at the doorway.

"Skylar," he greeted, his face unreadable.

She turned to him in surprise. "Julian? What are you doing here?"

"I also work here," he returned softly. "I did not expect to see you here, though."

Skylar felt a mix of relief and anxiety at his presence. She had wanted to reach out to him, to apologize for the way she'd pushed him away, but hadn't had the courage to. Now, seeing him here, she felt that hope rekindle-maybe she hadn't lost him after all.

"Julian… about the other night," she started, her tone a little diffident. "I am sorry. There's so much going on that I can't explain and I never meant to hurt you."

Julian studied her a moment, his gaze softening. "I understand, Skylar. You don't owe me an explanation, but. I want you to know I'm here if you need me. Whatever you're going through, you don't have to face it alone.

Skylar's heart swelled at his words, and a flicker of hope flared inside her. Maybe, just maybe, despite everything, she could find someone to confide in-someone who would stand by her side, no matter the cost.

"Thank you, Julian," she whispered, her voice full of gratitude. "That means more to me than you know.".