But since they had come to the topic, there was no reason for Jane to avoid it. “I have considered your offer, and it would certainly have a significant impact on Star Entertainment. But I must ask, why do you trust me so much? You know about my history with your sister -”
Jane stopped speaking at this point, but she was sure that the man understood what she meant.
Peter only paused for a moment before responding with a smile tinged with apology. “Miss North, I know my sister has made many mistakes in the past and hurt you and Mr. Pansy. But my decision to approach you for this business deal has nothing to do with her. While Star Entertainment may be a relatively new company, there is no denying that your team is composed of elite professionals who have produced some of the most popular TV shows and movies in recent years. Why wouldn’t I choose to work with you?”
Jane nodded slightly in agreement; Peter’s reasoning was sound and logical. Although she had issues with Florence, there was no need for her to create more problems by refusing his offer.
“Since you have put it that way, if I were to decline, wouldn’t that be disrespectful?” Jane remarked.
Peter chuckled, “So, Miss North, do we have a deal?”
The two of them conversed and laughed, and once the food was served, they began to eat. However, neither of them noticed that Melissa happened to be outside, witnessing the scene of the two of them dining.
She watched the scene with resentment, yet there was also a sense of satisfaction in her eyes. Originally out shopping with friends, she coincidentally stumbled upon the restaurant and saw Jane entering with Peter.
[“Jane, even now, dare you claim your feelings for Patrick were genuine? This time, I’ve finally caught you red-handed!”]
Without hesitation, Melissa took out her phone, aimed it at Jane, and snapped a photo of her dining with Peter, swiftly sending it to Patrick.
Patrick had just finished his work when he heard his phone buzz; he picked it up absentmindedly only to see Melissa’s message containing photos of Jane dining out with Peter.
As he looked at the silhouette of the woman on his screen, Patrick’s expression darkened while he clenched his fingers around his phone tightly before finally turning off its display and slipping it into his pocket silently.
After having dinner with Peter, Jane went back to work and didn’t return home until 6 pm. As soon as she walked in the door, she saw Patrick sitting on the couch with a scowl on his face. Jane was confused and asked him what was wrong.
“What’s wrong? Why are you upset again?”
Patrick looked up at her, clearly not in a good mood. “What were you doing at the restaurant with Peter today?”
Jane was stunned. She didn’t know how Patrick found out about this, but it didn’t matter to her. She hung up her coat on the coat rack next to the entrance and said, “I went to Carl’s house today to see Nana. When I came out, I ran into Mr. Doyle who wanted to talk about work over dinner so we went there together.”
Jane spoke so much but as soon as Patrick heard Peter’s name he couldn’t take it anymore; he had a strong possessive nature especially since he had already told Jane before.
“It doesn’t matter how I know,” he said after Jane sat down next to him. “You can’t just go around hanging out with other guys like that without my permission! Do you understand? I’m jealous.”
Jane sighed helplessly and turned her head away even rolling her eyes. Why did Patrick always have to be like this?
Speechless… really speechless.
“I already told you nothing happened! We were just talking about work! Don’t try limiting my life!”
“I’m not trying to limit your life?” Patrick snorted disdainfully at this statement from Jane which made him very unhappy; after she finished speaking, he kissed her lips forcefully just like before.
After more than ten seconds of kissing each other passionately, they finally separated from each other; however, they continued their intimate embrace for some time afterwards until finally Jane broke free from his arms saying, “Okay okay let’s stop fooling around… the phone is ringing; let me answer it.”
As soon as she picked up the phone and said hello, Grandpa’s voice came through making Jane visibly excited, “Grandpa! Why did you only call me now? I’ve missed you so much!”
Grandpa laughed heartily on the other end of line, “I’ve been watching TV these past few days and saw that someone named…what’s his name…a big boss in town is going get engaged soon. He looks pretty good too! Since I have some free time lately plus feeling quite healthy recently, I want to come back for your engagement ceremony.”
“Really?” exclaimed an elated Jane whose tone overflowed with happiness. “Of course that would be great. When will you come back to Guavo? Let me pick you up!”
“In a few days, I will call you.”
Jane said with a smile. After speaking with her grandfather for a few more minutes, she hung up the phone and turned to Patrick. “My Grandpa just called and said he’ll come to our engagement ceremony in a few days. It’s great! I haven’t seen him in ages.”
Patrick smiled and put his hand on Jane’s shoulder, patting it gently. “Okay, let me know when your grandpa arrives in Guavo so we can go pick him up together.”
…
A week later, Maria was discharged from the hospital with Osborn helping her complete the paperwork.
As they walked out of the hospital doors, Osborn still had his arm around Maria’s waist. She looked down slightly and felt embarrassed as she spoke up, “Mr. Maltz, I really am okay now…”
“Maria!” Waylen called out from below the steps where he was waiting for them with a bouquet of lilies in hand.
“I knew you were getting discharged today so I came to pick you up! How are you feeling? Let me take you home.” Waylen approached Maria with open arms but she hesitated and grabbed onto Osborn’s sleeve instead, an obvious sign that she needed help.
Osborn furrowed his brow at Waylen’s presence; he didn’t hide his dislike for him at all, “What are you doing here again?”
Waylen rolled his eyes impatiently at Osborn before responding sarcastically, “You’re always lurking around like some kind of ghost! Are you trying to start something?”
Osborn retorted angrily while instinctively shielding Maria behind him, “I warned you not to mess with Maria or anyone else from our company! Looks like my words went right over your head!”