The conference table was finally back in order.
Daniel had returned to his CEO composure like nothing had happened.
Daniel was adjusting his watch when Jade suddenly narrowed her eyes at him.
"What?" he asked calmly.
She studied him from head to toe.
Slowly.
Analyzing.
Then she let out a soft scoff.
"You know what?"
"That usually means I'm about to be accused of something."
She ignored him.
"I understand now."
"Understand what?"
She stepped closer, tilting her head slightly.
"I understand why Camilla never really left."
His hand paused mid-adjustment.
"Excuse me?"
Jade lifted one brow, completely serious.
"You."
Silence.
"You," she repeated, gesturing lazily toward him. "You're confident. You're powerful. And apparently…"
Her eyes drifted down for half a second before meeting his again.
"…very talented."
Daniel blinked once.
Then his lips curved faintly.
"Talented."
"Yes."
She crossed her arms, nodding thoughtfully.
"Now I get it."
"Get what exactly?"
"Why she's still orbiting around you like a satellite."
He almost laughed.
"Jade—"
"No, listen," she cut in, pacing slowly. "If I were her and I had that… experience…"
She glanced at him again, pointedly.
"…I'd struggle to move on too."
His smirk grew more obvious now.
"So this is a compliment?"
"Don't get comfortable."
She stopped in front of him.
"It's an observation."
He stepped closer.
"You're analyzing my ex based on my performance?"
She didn't even blush this time.
"I'm being realistic."
Her tone shifted slightly.
"And now I also have to deal with Ella."
Daniel's expression sobered a little.
"Ella is business."
"Mm-hm."
Jade circled him slowly, like she was building a case.
"Camilla is emotional history."
She tapped one finger lightly against his chest.
"Ella is strategic."
She leaned closer.
"And strategic women don't defend men publicly unless they're invested."
Daniel watched her carefully.
"And you think she's invested."
"I don't think," Jade replied calmly.
"I know."
Silence stretched between them.
"She's too composed," Jade continued. "Too confident. Too sure."
Her eyes sharpened slightly.
"And women like that don't pursue weak men."
Daniel's jaw tightened subtly.
"So now you have two rivals?" he asked lightly.
She met his gaze without hesitation.
"Yes."
A small, dangerous smile appeared on her lips.
"I defeated one already."
"Oh?"
"Camilla doesn't sleep in your bed."
His eyes darkened slightly.
"And Ella?"
Jade shrugged casually.
"She thinks she's playing chess."
Her voice dropped just a little.
"But she forgot I'm not a pawn."
Daniel studied her face.
"You're very sure of yourself," he said quietly.
She stepped closer until there was barely space between them.
"I have reasons to be."
A pause.
Then she added softly, teasing:
"You're not the only one who's good at what they do."
His smirk returned instantly.
"Careful."
"Why?"
"You sound competitive."
"I am."
Jade crossed her arms, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
"Fine," she said calmly. "Since I apparently have two rivals…"
Daniel raised an eyebrow.
"Two?"
"Yes. Camilla, the emotional ghost. And Ella, the strategic investor."
He leaned back slightly, watching her with quiet amusement.
"And?"
"And for balance," she continued casually, "you should have two rivals too."
Silence.
Daniel stared at her.
"I'm sorry?"
"For equilibrium," she explained, circling him slowly. "I handle two women orbiting you. You handle two men orbiting me."
He went very still.
"Interesting concept," he said smoothly.
She stopped in front of him.
"Exactly. Now it's fair."
Daniel took a slow step forward.
"Two men," he repeated.
"Yes," she replied innocently. "Maybe a handsome architect. Or a mysterious investor. Tall. Smart. Charismatic—"
He cut her off by stepping closer.
"You're enjoying this."
"Very much."
He lifted a hand and placed it gently against her cheek.
Not rough.
But firm.
His thumb traced slowly along her jaw.
"You really think," he said quietly, "that I would tolerate another man looking at you like that?"
Her heartbeat quickened.
"Looking isn't illegal," she said lightly.
"Touching is."
He moved closer.
"Kissing is worse."
She swallowed.
"And loving?" she challenged softly.
His eyes darkened.
"That," he said in a low voice, "doesn't even enter the conversation."
The air shifted.
Charged.
He tilted his head slightly.
"You think you're territorial."
She lifted her chin.
"I am."
A faint, dangerous smile curved his lips.
"I'm worse."
His other hand settled at her waist, pulling her just a little closer.
"I don't share," he murmured.
A shiver ran down her spine.
"You sound possessive."
"I am possessive."
His gaze never left hers.
"If a man even tries to touch you—"
His fingers slowly traced down her arm, deliberate.
"I won't tolerate it."
She tried to hold her teasing tone.
"And what if I let him?"
His jaw tightened subtly.
"You won't."
"Confident?"
"Certain."
He leaned his forehead against hers.
"You walked into my boardroom and claimed me."
His hand slid gently to the back of her neck.
"Do you really think I'd let anyone claim you?"
Her breath mixed with his.
The jealousy wasn't one-sided anymore.
It was mutual.
Dangerously so.
She whispered, almost defiant:
"So you're more territorial than me?"
He brushed his lips just barely against hers.
"Yes."
Then he kissed her slowly.
Marking.
When he finally pulled back slightly, his voice was low and steady.
"Balance restored."
Daniel's lips were still close to hers.
The tension hadn't fully settled.
Then—
A knock.
Sharp. Urgent.
Daniel didn't move at first.
Another knock.
"Sir."
Luccianho.
Daniel exhaled slowly, resting his forehead briefly against Jade's.
"Of course," he muttered.
Jade smirked softly. "Your kingdom calls."
Daniel stepped back, straightening his jacket instantly. CEO mode activated in less than a second.
"Come in."
The door opened.
Luccianho entered, expression serious.
No hesitation this time.
"We have an update regarding the Helix situation."
The air shifted immediately.
Daniel's face hardened.
"Speak."
Luccianho closed the door behind him.
"There is still no direct evidence linking the assassin to Helix or to the sabotage."
Jade frowned slightly.
"Meaning?"
"Meaning whoever ordered it was careful."
Daniel's eyes narrowed.
"But?"
Luciano continued:
"We managed to trace a movement pattern."
Silence.
"The assassin is still in the city."
That landed heavy.
Jade straightened.
"He didn't leave?"
"No," Luccianho replied. "And that's unusual."
Daniel crossed his arms slowly.
"If the job was clean, he would disappear."
"Exactly," Luciano said. "Which suggests he is not freelance."
Jade looked between them.
"You're saying he's still here because…"
"He's employed," Daniel finished coldly.