The room was clearly soundproofed. Too private. Too intimate.
No. She wasn’t staying here alone with him.
“I… need to use the restroom first,” she said, looking away.“Just to freshen up.”
Jasper smiled, but didn’t comment.
She turned, reached for the door, and at that exact moment, it flew open, and she collided straight into someone’s chest.
She caught the sharp scent of tobacco mixed with expensive cologne.
Nina lifted her head.
Nolan stood right in front of her, grinning like nothing was out of place.
“Oh, Nina. You’re already here.”
She swallowed. Then his gaze slid past her shoulder, and she caught the flicker of surprise in his eyes.
So he hadn’t set this up after all. Looks likeJasper really had shown up uninvited.
“And what areyou doing here?” Nolan asked Jasper with a frown.
“I figured you chose a date over business,” Jasper replied coolly.“So I tracked you down. You always bring women here—it wasn’t hard to guess where to find you.”
Nolan chuckled, shook his head, but didn’t answer. Instead, he walked into the private room, closed the door behind them, and gestured for Nina to sit.
“Come on, Nina. Don’t stand in the doorway. Sit.”
She hesitated, then lowered herself into the chair. Crossed one leg over the other, leaned back.
Nolan turned to Jasper, who clearly had no intention of leaving.
“This isn’t a date—it’s a business meeting,” Nolan said lightly. Then he added with a smile,
“But if you’re curious about the details, feel free to stay. You’re kind of an interested party too, aren’t you?”
Jasper narrowed his eyes. Was Nolan implying something between her and Jasper? God, did he know about what had happened years ago?
No… if he did, he wouldn’t be joking like this.
“I’m not involved in this matter,” Jasper said flatly.“I’m here to continue the conversation we started yesterday.”
Nolan smirked and opened the menu, but Nina could feel his attention on her—watching, enjoying her growing discomfort.
She waited a beat, then sighed heavily and placed her hands on the table.
“Can we get to the point?” she asked evenly.“I don’t have much time, and I’d prefer any outsiders leave the room.”
Jasper raised an eyebrow slowly.
“Outsiders?”
She met his gaze directly.
“Yes. And I’m sorry, Jasper, but you’re not needed here.”
Nolan grinned and shook his head.
