“Nolan here?” Jasper asked curtly. He didn’t have time to wait. He needed answers now—before Frank pulled another stunt.
The guy visibly flinched. He knew who Jasper was, but right now clearly wished he hadn’t seen him at all. That struck Jasper as strange.
“Uh… just a minute, let me warn the boss,” the guy mumbled, snapping his laptop shut.
“No need to warn anyone,” Jasper said with a dismissive wave.“I know the way.”
He headed toward the door barely visible from the entrance.
“Hey, wait!” the clerk stepped after him, but Jasper didn’t even look back.
“I have to warn Nolan. Even for you. Those are the rules,” the guy tried again, but Jasper was already in the hallway.
“To hell with the rules. I’m not in the mood today. Just leave me alone. Bring us something to drink instead,” he threw over his shoulder.
He reached the right door.Didn’t knock. Just pushed it openand froze.
He blinked several times, convinced his eyes were lying to him. Because how else could he explain what he was seeing?
Nolan stood there, pinning his daughter against the wall.
Jasper's daughter.
He had his hands on her waist. Her fingers were tangled in his hair. They were kissing—too intensely, too surely, for it to be written off as a mistake.
Jasper couldn’t believe it.
A heartbeat later, fury erupted through him like an explosion.
“What the hell is going on here?!” he roared.
Nolan jerked back. Lynn jumped away, eyes wide, hands shaking as she tugged her sweater straight.
Jasper stood in the doorway. His heart hammered in his chest. His fists clenched on their own.
Nolan looked at him, not even trying to defend himself. He only exhaled and closed his eyes for a moment.
In that split second, Jasper knew: he either broke Nolan’s nose right now, or he waited for an explanation impressive enough to make this look like a twisted joke.
Lynn pressed herself against the wall—flushed, hair mussed, her gaze darting between them.
“Dad…” she whispered hoarsely.
Her voice trembled.
Jasper stepped forward. Slowly. Like a wounded animal backed into a corner.
Nolan slid sideways, palms raised defensively.
“Jasper,” he said—too calmly for the situation.“Let me explain.”
“Explain?”Jasper’s voice was so even it frightened him.“What exactly are you going to explain, Nolan? How you’re making out with my daughter in your office?”
Lynn flinched as though he’d slapped her. Her cheeks burned, her eyes glistened with tears.
“Dad, please…” she sobbed.
But Jasper didn’t hear her. He moved closer to Nolan. Nolan tensed, understanding full well that every passing second mattered.
