“My husband tricked me into signing away all my shares and all my assets. I doubt I’ll ever get them back, but Ican make sure he doesn’t profit from any of it.”
Jasper let out a short, humorless laugh.
“And for that, you chose to come to me?”
“Why not?” Nina tilted her head slightly, observing him.“You’re hardly a small figure in this world.”
His smile deepened, edged with disbelief. He shook his head.
“And why exactly do you think I have that kind of influence?” he asked, amused.“I’m just a surgeon, Nina. In case you forgot what I actually do. You’re giving me too much credit.”
She pressed her lips together.
“You’re notjust a surgeon. You’re the heir to a multimillion-dollar medical group. And I know what goes on at your clinic on Larkin Drive. You’re connected to people who can build — and crush — corporations. I did my research on you, Jasper. I know you have the right connections.”
He looked at her with outright skepticism, but the smile stayed.
“You really do surprise me, Nina.”
She said nothing.
Jasper took a slow breath, exhaling with a hint of something thoughtful, calculating. His eyes narrowed slightly as though trying to measure her limits.
“Are you sure that’s what you want?” His voice remained low and controlled, but now there was unmistakable interest beneath it.
“I am. Nobody wants to take my case. I know I’ll lose in court. Frank is power. And I’m… no one.”
He nodded once — small, but deliberate.
“Then I have a different suggestion.”
Nina stiffened instantly. Something cold coiled inside her.
“What kind of suggestion?”
His gaze drifted across her face, assessing every flicker, every inhale.
“You want bankruptcy,” he said after a brief pause, the air between them tightening. Hard to believe they were standing this close, discussing revenge like business partners.“But there’s a better option.”
She waited.
“I’ll give you the contact of someone who specializes in… complicated legal situations.”Jasper’s tone shifted, darker, implying much more than legal aid.“And he doesn’t always play clean.”
Nina’s breath caught.
“What do you mean by that?”
Jasper tilted his head slightly, watching how the words settled on her.
“This man knows how to squeeze everything possible out of a person.”
A chill swept across her arms.
“You’re offering me a lawyer? Or someone else entirely?”
He smiled again — slow, knowing.
“Not exactly a lawyer. More like… a professional in dismantling legal strategies.”
