Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 239

He watched as Ms. Crane brought her the food from Jasper's grill and sat beside her, chatting happily.

When he heard Ms. Crane mention that Jasper had made a special batch just for her, Julian's brow furrowed.

When he saw Hester smile and praise Jasper for being thoughtful, his lips pressed into a thin line, and his grip on his empty soda can tightened until the metal buckled.

It was the first time he found her smile so incredibly grating.

How could she look so happy talking about another man?

"Mr. Weston."

A calm, smooth voice broke his train of thought.

Julian snapped out of it, looking up to meet Jasper's steady gaze.

"Want to try some?" Jasper offered a plate of freshly grilled skewers, a polite smile on his face. "The ingredients are incredibly fresh."

"Thanks." Julian took a beef skewer.

Jasper took a seat beside him, grabbing a lamb skewer for himself before placing the rest on the table and telling the others to eat while it was hot.

Everyone was a few drinks in and thoroughly relaxed, so even the presence of an imposing CEO like Julian didn't kill the mood.

At some point, Jett had retrieved his acoustic guitar and was now sitting by the fire, playing and singing.

He launched into a flawless rendition of "Can't Help Falling in Love." His voice was rich and melodic, his pitch perfect. The female staff members watched him in complete awe, clapping along to the beat.

Rona's cash cow wasn't just a pretty face; Jett had serious talent. He was a quick learner, naturally gifted at singing, dancing, and acting—skills that likely bled over from his passion for photography.

Right now, he was practically glowing. It was the undeniable magnetism of a true star.

Hester rested her chin in her hand, quietly watching him perform.

"Shall I stay, would it be a sin..."

The crash of the waves blended seamlessly with his smooth vocals, and the bioluminescent Blue Tears sparkled in the surf.

Coralton City truly never disappointed its visitors.

Jasper cracked open two bottles of beer and offered one to Julian. "Drink?"

Julian glanced at him and took it. He rarely drank beer, usually sticking to premium spirits or wine. But out here, on the beach by a fire, it felt fitting.

His long, elegant fingers gripped the bottle as he lightly clinked it against Jasper's without a word, tipping his head back to take a long swallow.

Jasper smirked faintly and took a drink as well.

"Walk slowly," Ms. Crane reminded her. "And use the flashlight on your phone."

"I will." Hester stood up and slipped away quietly so as not to interrupt the fun.

The walk back to the inn was barely two hundred yards.

Once in her room, she grabbed her pajamas and took a quick shower. Stepping out of the bathroom, she walked to the window and peeked outside.

The bonfire was still blazing, and a few of the girls were dancing around Jett while he played. It was a beautiful, lively scene.

Smiling softly, Hester closed the window, drew the curtains, and climbed into bed. She left a small nightlight on, just in case she needed to get up later.

She was exhausted. The moment her head hit the pillow, she was out.

The room was quiet, filled only with the steady rhythm of her breathing.

Outside, a figure dressed entirely in black vaulted over the railing and landed silently on her balcony.

A moment later, the glass door was forced open.

The faint click of the lock being picked wasn't enough to wake the sleeping woman.

The figure slipped inside, gripping a knife, and began to creep slowly toward the bed...