She brushed her fingers over his hand.
"You've always been strong, Daniel. Even when you were a student, everyone admired you. Including me."
He pulled his hand back slightly, but she didn't seem offended.
"I'm not here to interfere," she whispered.
"I just hate seeing you hurt."
Her eyes softened.
"If you need someone to talk to… I'm here"
She stood up and walked to the door.
"Take care of yourself, Daniel. Don't let emotions destroy what you built."
Then she turned.
"And don't forget… some people know how to love you without destroying your world."
The door closed.
Daniel remained alone.
But her words stayed.
.
.
.
Jade was walking without any particular direction, her mind completely elsewhere.
A car horn kept honking behind her.
She didn't hear it.
The car suddenly stopped, and someone stepped out.
"Jade!"
She turned, surprised.
"Riguel…?"
He walked toward her quickly, his brows furrowed.
"Are you insane? You didn't hear the horn?"
She shrugged lightly.
"I wasn't in the mood to die today. Too much paperwork."
He sighed and opened the passenger door.
"Get in. You're not walking around like this."
Riguel glanced at her through the mirror.
"You're not okay."
"I am perfectly fine," she replied flatly.
"Liar."
She turned her head toward the window.
He hesitated. "I can take you back to the penthouse."
She shook her head immediately.
"No. Anywhere but there."
Riguel didn't insist and started driving.
"I saw the video," he said calmly.
"I was with Ella. The whole office was talking about it."
Jade laughed bitterly.
"Ah. So I'm officially a global clown now?"
Riguel frowned.
"What did Daniel say?"
"He was furious." She crossed her arms. "Apparently, I destroyed the OOMAN EMPIRE with my fists."
Riguel clicked his tongue.
"He shouldn't have talked to you like that."
Riguel kept his eyes on the road.
"Daniel has always protected the Ooman family image. It's almost an obsession. He grew up with that pressure."
"So I'm just collateral damage?" she muttered.
"No. But he didn't have to be that harsh with you."
She laughed quietly, but her voice trembled.
"He said I was embarrassing him, Riguel. Me."
She paused, then added sarcastically:
"Next time, I'll let people insult him. It's better for the brand, right?"
Riguel tightened his grip on the steering wheel.
"You're hurt."
"Congratulations, doctor."
He stopped at a red light and looked at her.
"He's bad at emotions. You know that."
"And I'm bad at pretending I don't have any."
She sighed, her sarcasm fading.
"I just wanted to defend him."
Riguel smiled softly.
"You did. But CEOs don't always see love. They see risks."
Jade stood silent,
Jade stared at the city lights through the car window.
"If I go to my mom's place, she'll notice immediately," she muttered.
"She always does," Riguel replied softly.
"And she'll worry. I don't want that."
He nodded. "Then stay at my place."
She looked at him. "Isn't that inappropriate? Daniel might—"
"Daniel is not here," Riguel interrupted calmly. "And you need a safe place, not a palace full of tension."
She hesitated, then sighed.
"Fine. But don't start acting like my therapist."
He smirked. "Too late."
.
.
.
Riguel's residence was nothing like Daniel's ultra-modern, cold, and minimalist penthouse.
The moment Jade stepped inside, she felt as if she had entered a luxury hotel designed for royalty.
The living room was vast, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city skyline. The city lights reflected on the glossy black marble floor, creating a shimmering mirror effect.
A massive cream-colored sofa sat at the center, decorated with gold and deep emerald cushions. In front of it, a low glass table rested on a Persian rug woven with intricate patterns in gold, burgundy, and midnight blue.
The lighting was warm—soft golden lamps, hidden LED strips under the ceiling, and crystal chandeliers that sparkled like constellations.
Exotic decor filled the space:
A tall African wooden statue carved with ancient symbols
A large abstract painting with bold colors and gold leaf
Indoor palm trees in marble pots
A minibar with rare wines and expensive liquor displayed like museum pieces
The air smelled faintly of amber, oud, and sandalwood, a masculine and luxurious scent that suited Riguel perfectly.
The balcony was huge, almost like a private rooftop garden.
There were lounge chairs, a small infinity pool, and a glass railing that gave the illusion of floating above the city.
Soft music played from hidden speakers, mixing with the distant noise of traffic below.
.
.
.
Daniel stepped out of the bathroom, adjusting his shirt cuffs, his expression tired after another exhausting day.
The penthouse was silent.
Too silent.
"Jade?" he called, his voice echoing in the hallway.
No answer.
He frowned and walked toward her room. The door was slightly open. The lights were off. The bed untouched.
His jaw tightened.
He turned to the staff in the living room.
"Where is Miss Lee?" he asked calmly, but his tone was cold.
One of the servants bowed slightly.
"Sir… she hasn't come back since this afternoon."
Daniel's hand froze on his phone.
She didn't come back.
He clenched his jaw, then dialed her number.
.
.
.
Jade was sitting on Riguel's balcony when her phone vibrated. She sighed when she saw Daniel's name and answered.
"Jade." His voice was low. "Where are you?"
"I'm fine," she replied casually. "I will not come back tonight."
There was a short silence on the line.
"You didn't think to inform me?" he asked, irritation seeping through his calm tone.
"I didn't think it was necessary," she answered lightly. "I'm not a prisoner, remember?"
He exhaled slowly, trying to control himself.
"Come back tonight," he repeated.
"I said I wouldn't ."
She hung up before he could say more.
Daniel stared at his phone for a few seconds, his expression unreadable.
.
.
Riguel was leaning against the balcony railing, watching the city lights when Jade joined him, her phone still in her hand.
"Your husband seems stressed," he said with a teasing smile.
"Join the club," she replied sarcastically, sitting on a lounge chair.
He hesitated for a moment, then his expression turned serious.
"By the way… I started the research about that mysterious woman."
Jade straightened instantly.
"You did?"
"Yes. I used some private contacts. People who know things that shouldn't exist in public databases."
Her heart skipped a beat.
"And?" she asked, trying to sound calm.