The car slowed to a stop two blocks from Jeslyne's home, the quiet hum of the engine fading into the still night. Jeslyne opened the door and stepped out, letting the cool air wash over her. She paused briefly, glancing back at Rolland.
"This is good. Thanks for the ride," she said, her tone casual but her guard still up.
Rolland raised an eyebrow as he climbed out of the car after her. His dark eyes scanned their surroundings, taking in the empty street with its flickering streetlamps and closed storefronts. "You live here?" he asked, his gaze returning to her.
Jeslyne hesitated, crossing her arms defensively. "Do you think I'd just blindly lead someone to my doorstep?" she countered, her tone edged with sarcasm, though she wasn't entirely joking.
Rolland smirked faintly. "Somewhat ironic, considering you got into my car without much thought."
His words hung in the air, a teasing reminder of her earlier blunder. Jeslyne's cheeks flushed, but before she could respond, the sound of shuffling footsteps interrupted them.
A man appeared from the shadows, his gait uneven, the faint smell of alcohol preceding him. His face was worn, his expression a mix of annoyance and concern as he neared.
"Jeslyne? What are you doing out so late?" His voice was rough, his words slightly slurred. His eyes darted between her and Rolland, narrowing suspiciously. "And where's your brother?"
Jeslyne's heart skipped a beat. "Dad," she said softly, taking a small step back from Rolland. She tried to steady her voice, but it trembled slightly as she spoke. "This is Rolland... David's friend. He was just dropping me off."
Her father frowned, his gaze lingering on Rolland for a moment too long before nodding curtly. "Fine. I'll wait for you by the light. Don't take long," he muttered, turning away and walking a few steps down the street.
Jeslyne exhaled, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she turned back to Rolland. "Thanks again for the ride, Mr.-"
"Rolland," he interrupted, his voice calm but firm. The way he said his name, so assured, sent a strange flutter through her chest.
"Right. Rolland." She managed a small smile before stepping away, her father's silhouette a silent reminder that her night out had officially ended.
Rolland watched her go, his expression unreadable. For a moment, he stood there in the quiet street, the faint hum of distant traffic the only sound. Then, without a word, he got back into his car and drove off.
---
The Williams estate was eerily quiet as Rolland pulled into the long driveway, the towering mansion shrouded in darkness. He stepped out of the car, the gravel crunching beneath his feet, and entered the house with deliberate steps.
Inside, chaos reigned. Voices echoed from the living room-sharp, angry tones that clashed with the otherwise pristine elegance of the space. Rolland's younger brother, Ethan, stood in the center of the room, his face red with frustration as he argued with their father.
"You think you can just decide for everyone?" Ethan shouted, his fists clenched. "This isn't your empire, Rolland!"
Rolland entered the room with a calm that only seemed to agitate Ethan further. "It's late. Take this to your room," Rolland said, his voice low but commanding.
Ethan scoffed. "Of course. Always the same with you-everything's a command. No explanations, no discussions."
Rolland's gaze hardened. "I don't need to explain myself to you, Ethan. Go to your room."
The room fell silent, the tension thick. Their father, seated on the leather couch, looked between his sons but said nothing. Ethan finally turned on his heel, muttering under his breath as he stormed upstairs.
Rolland turned to his father, his expression unreadable. "You should do the same. It's been a long day."
His father's eyes narrowed, but he didn't argue. Within moments, the living room was empty, leaving Rolland alone in the quiet space. He stood there for a while, his mind drifting back to the girl from earlier-Jeslyne.
There was something about her, something that lingered in his thoughts long after she had disappeared into the night.
---
The next morning, Jeslyne sat at her desk, trying to focus on the stack of reports in front of her. But her thoughts kept drifting back to the man from the night before. Rolland. His name echoed in her mind, his dark eyes and calm demeanour leaving an impression she couldn't shake.
"Miss Timer?"
Jeslyne looked up to see her supervisor standing in the doorway. "Yes?" she replied, quickly straightening in her chair.
"There's a meeting in the conference room in ten minutes. Mr. Williams wants you to present your findings on the Harrison project."
Jeslyne nodded, her heart sinking slightly. Presenting wasn't her favorite task, but she knew it was part of the job. Gathering her notes, she made her way to the conference room, mentally preparing herself.
When she entered, her eyes immediately fell on the man at the head of the table. Rolland Williams. The realization hit her like a shockwave.
Her mind raced as she took a seat, trying to reconcile the man from last night with the powerful figure now seated before her. He looked different here-more composed, more authoritative. And yet, when their eyes met across the table, something flickered in his gaze.
Jeslyne quickly looked away, her pulse quickening. She couldn't let herself get distracted, not here, not now. But throughout the meeting, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was watching her, his gaze lingering just a moment too long.
When the meeting ended, she gathered her things quickly, hoping to make a quiet exit. But as she stood to leave, Rolland's voice stopped her.
"Miss Timer," he said, his tone formal but with an edge that made her pause.
She turned, meeting his gaze reluctantly. "Yes, Mr. Williams?"
"Good work on the Harrison project. Your insights were... unexpected."
She nodded, unsure how to respond. "Thank you, sir."
As she left the room, she couldn't help but feel his eyes on her, a silent weight that followed her long after she returned to her desk.
---
That night, Jeslyne replayed the day's events in her mind, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and curiosity. Who was Rolland Williams? And why did she feel like she had barely scratched the surface of the man he truly was?
Little did she know, their paths were only beginning to cross.