Chapter 9 – Scarlett POV
The warm scent of soy sauce and freshly steamed dumplings filled the air as Jason and I stepped into the restaurant. The place had a cozy, yet intimate feel—dim lighting, red lanterns hanging from the ceiling, intricate a big golden dragon patterns decorating the walls. Soft traditional Chinese music played in the background, blending perfectly with the low murmur of conversations and the occasional clinking of chopsticks against porcelain bowls.
Jason pulled out my chair like a gentleman before sitting across from me, his blue eyes scanning the menu with curiosity.
— What are you getting, babe you have an idea? he asked, glancing up at me with a smile.
I bit my lip, pretending to study the menu. I already knew what I wanted normally .
— Hmm… maybe Kung Pao Chicken or Peking Duck? I mused. Or oh—Mapo Tofu sounds interesting.
Jason chuckled. His laugh was deep, warm.
— Good choices. But I think I'll go for Sweet and Sour Pork. Or maybe Dim Sum? He tilted his head.
I shook my head.
— Then you have to try it, he grinned. It's the best.
We placed our orders, and as we waited, I took a deep breath, ready to bring up the real reason I had invited him out tonight.
— So… I didn't tell you i had an interview today.
Jason, who had been casually tapping his fingers against his glass, paused.
— Oh yeah? Where? when ?
— This morning Best Auto, I said, watching him carefully.
His fingers stopped moving.
— Best Auto… San Francisco huh ? His voice had changed. More serious now. You know the address?
I nodded and recited it.
That's when Jason froze. Completely...
— Letty… he started, his tone quieter now. You don't want to work there. It's better if you work in my company instead.that place is not for you ...
I frowned. His company? maybe if i hadn't a revenge plan i would accept this offer but no .
— Why? I asked. Do you know the owner of Best Auto?
Jason sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
— Yeah. I know them. They were my friends… or they used to be long time passed . But they're not good people, Letty. He met my gaze, his expression serious. Trust me. Work with me instead. It's safer.its better for everyone .
My chest tightened. Safer? He knew. Maybe not everything, but he knew they were monsters.
he don't even know that i literally live in the calloway home ...
He will have a heart attack ...
Also he wanted to protect me. I loved that.
Oh, Scarlett… please don't fall for this.
Wake up Girl your plan ...
I forced a reassuring smile.
— Don't worry about me, I said, reaching for his hand. I'm a grown woman. If anything happens, I'll tell you. Okay?
Jason exhaled slowly before nodding.
— I trust you, babe.
Then, he kissed my hand.
My heart skipped a beat.
Babe. I trust you.
Why was he so kind to me? Or had he always been kind, just hanging around the wrong people?
My plan for Jason had been clear: destroy his business career and break his heart.
But with moments like this…
With his smile ...
words ...
How He look at me ...
I didn't know why I was hesitating. He's one of them.
I cleared my throat and spoke again.
— Apparently, their old secretary vanished. Just quit the job, just like that.
Jason scoffed, shaking his head.
— She probably ran away from them.
I took a slow sip of my tea, hiding my smirk behind the cup.
Well, yes. She ran away.
But not from them.
And not even from me.
No worry madeleine is fine .
I just… helped her escape from a toxic situation.
With a little money, of course.
And she accepted.
Surprisingly ... well good for me !