Jaden steadied his emotions and withdrew his gaze, walking back toward Jenny.
"What's going on? You were looking all around just now," Jenny asked curiously as Jaden sat down. She leaned slightly, glancing in the direction he had been peering at.
"Nothing…" Jaden replied calmly, keeping his sunglasses on.
"Oh really? Did you spot your clients' woman again?" Jenny teased with a playful grin.
"Hmm, something like that…" Jaden nodded, deciding there was no point in hiding it since she had already guessed.
"Then why not go over and say hi? Maintaining client relationships is part of the job, right? It's not like it's a big deal to bump into them here. Why do you look so tense?" Jenny asked, studying him closely.
"It's… not appropriate," Jaden quickly replied, his thoughts focused entirely on avoiding Sherry.
"What's inappropriate? How about I go with you? Women are easier to approach each other, and I might even help you land some business deals," Jenny suggested, lifting her wine glass as if ready to head toward Sherry.
"Don't…" Jaden grabbed Jenny's wrist instinctively, his sunglasses hiding the panic in his eyes.
"What's the matter? I knew it - you're way too nervous about this. Is there something going on between you two? Or is she not your client at all but someone with a… different kind of connection?" Jenny asked pointedly, her intuition tingling.
"You can't go! It's really not appropriate!" Jaden's voice tightened, and his grip on her wrist subconsciously strengthened.
"You're hurting me!" Jenny winced, frowning in discomfort.
"Sorry… I didn't mean to." Jaden immediately loosened his grip but still didn't let go entirely.
"You're acting so weird. I don't get you at all. But now I really want to go over and ask that woman if she knows a man named Jaden," Jenny quipped mischievously, her eyes gleaming.
"Don't! I'm warning you - don't do anything rash!" Jaden's tone became harsher, anger slipping into his voice.
"Oh? Are you mad now? You're so worried about me going to her. Fine, I won't go - but you need to come clean with me about your relationship! We agreed to be honest with each other, didn't we?" Jenny demanded firmly.
"It's not what you think… I really don't have anything with her. I just think it's inappropriate right now," Jaden said, racking his brain for an excuse. Then, as his gaze flicked to the men seated opposite Sherry, inspiration struck.
Taking a moment to compose himself, Jaden gestured for Jenny to sit back down. "Alright, sit down, and I'll explain."
Though skeptical, Jenny obliged.
"I do know her," Jaden admitted, "and I also know her husband. He's an important client of mine. That's why I don't want to approach them right now.
"Earlier, I noticed the man sitting across from her isn't her husband - my client. And they seemed… close. Do you think I could casually go over and say hello in this situation?"
"You're saying… that woman might be cheating?" Jenny asked, startled.
"Shh! Keep your voice down!" Jaden hushed her, glancing nervously in Sherry's direction.
The two were separated by over a hundred meters, with other diners in between, making it impossible for Sherry to hear anything. Still, Jaden's exaggerated caution effectively conveyed his "concern" to Jenny.
"Relax! She can't hear us from here," Jenny said, brushing his hand off.
Jaden, however, sniffed his fingers playfully, wearing a blissful expression. "Mmm… you smell nice," he teased.
"Ugh, stop being so indecent! You're always taking advantage of me when you can. But when it really matters, you're all bark and no bite," Jenny retorted with mock annoyance.
"That's called adding a little fun," Jaden quipped. Then, adopting a more serious tone, he continued, "I had to make sure it wasn't her husband sitting with her. If it had been, I wouldn't have hesitated to say hello and maybe even introduce you.
"But it's clear there's something odd between them. As an outsider, it's not my place to intervene. Besides, if she realizes I've seen her here, she might grow wary of me. That could complicate things with her husband - my client. If she whispers something to him later, my business might take a hit."
Jenny chuckled knowingly. "Funny, isn't it? You caught her red-handed, and yet you're the one afraid. Haven't you thought about using this leverage to your advantage? If she's guilty, she'd have to help you out in the future, wouldn't she?"
"Maybe, but I don't like to make things difficult for others," Jaden replied, shaking his head. "We've had a good relationship so far, and I'd rather not ruin it over this. For me, the best option is to stay invisible and pretend I didn't see anything. After all, we're leaving tomorrow."
"You're too upright for your own good. I thought businessmen were supposed to be scheming. With your attitude, someone might take advantage of you someday," Jenny warned with genuine concern.
"I'm not worried about that," Jaden said with a smile. "To me, making enough to live comfortably is enough. As long as I act with a clear conscience, I'm happy."
"Well said - acting with a clear conscience! I like your honesty. Come on, cheers to that!" Jenny raised her glass.
"Cheers!" Jaden echoed, clinking his glass against hers.
After taking a sip of wine, Jenny's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Jaden, when we get back tomorrow, will you still want to see me?"
"Of course! As long as you have time, I'd love to see you," Jaden replied without hesitation.
"That's good to hear. But once I'm back, I won't have as much freedom as I do here. You know why - because I'm still… Henry Lin's mistress," Jenny admitted nervously.
"I understand," Jaden said gravely. "But I really hope you'll resolve that situation soon. As a man, I can't stand the thought of the woman I care about being with someone else."
His expression grew stern as his gaze once again darted toward Sherry. His eyes narrowed slightly, and for a fleeting moment, a cold glint of determination shone through.