The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 446

"Thanks, Mom."

"I made some soup for you," she added gently. "You need to keep your strength up."

"I will."

Jasper considered telling her his plan, but decided against it; he didn't want her to worry.

Nicole was going abroad, but the real question was: would his father ever let him follow her?

"Jasper, Dad wants you downstairs," Mark said.

"I know," Jasper replied.

As they stepped out, Mark gave his shoulder a sympathetic pat. "He looks like he's in a bad mood." Jasper gave a curt nod in response.

When he reached the ground floor, he found Zoe Walsh waiting alongside the rest of the Moore family. Jasper's eyes narrowed; he had a pretty good idea why she was there.

"Jasper, come meet your fiancée," Felix said.

The word made Zoe's cheeks flush. "Jasper," she greeted him, reaching out a hand.

Jasper kept his hands firmly in his pockets and took the seat furthest away from her. "I don't shake hands with women—unless they're my fiancée."

Zoe's hand froze in mid-air before she slowly dropped it, her smile turning strained. The rejection was unmistakable, but she wasn't deterred. The Shaws and the Moores were at odds now, and she didn't believe for a second that a man would simply walk away from power, status, and a ready-made fortune. Even if he did, it wasn't like Nicole would necessarily stay with him.

"It's alright," Zoe said quickly. "We don't know each other well yet. I understand."

"Don't bother playing the bigger person in front of me," Jasper said. "It only makes me more disgusted."

Zoe's smile vanished completely. Seeing this, Amber couldn't help but let out a smug little laugh.

Jasper shot her a look. "Something funny, you fake heiress?"

The laughter died in Amber's throat. Zoe looked on, bewildered.

What did that mean? Wasn't Amber the eldest daughter of the Moore family?

"Jasper, where are your manners?" Felix demanded, rubbing his temples. He couldn't understand how his son had become so difficult.

"You tell me," Jasper countered. "You're the one who raised me."

He was openly defying him now.

"The engagement is next month," Felix stated firmly. "I'm telling you, not asking. You will not refuse."

Jasper turned his gaze toward Zoe, noticing the faint upward curve of her lips. "Ms. Walsh, you look happy," he said flatly.

"I am," Zoe replied. "It's an honor to be engaged to you."

"Well, it's a misfortune for me. I won't be there." Jasper stood up, casting a cold glance at Felix. "An engagement? In your dreams."

"Don't make a pointless scene, Jasper," Felix warned.

Jasper let out a sharp, derisive laugh. "Ms. Walsh, do you actually like me?"

Zoe lowered her head, her blush deepening.

"Because I don't like you," Jasper continued. "I don't like you now, and I never will. In fact, I despise people like you. Stay as far away from me as possible."

"Jasper! Watch your tone!" Felix shouted.

"Why should I care about my tone with someone I hate?"

He refused to believe Jasper would actually throw away a life of luxury and wealth to end it all. He knew his son's character; even if he couldn't get Nicole out of his system right now, once he was engaged, married, and had children, his sense of duty would kick in.

Slap!

Vivian's hand flew out, catching her across the face.

"Vivian, that's enough!" Felix shouted.

"Keep her in line," Vivian warned. "Next time, it'll be more than just a slap."

With that, Vivian turned on her heel and walked away. She didn't have time for their nonsense; she had work to do. She needed to secure more capital, connections, and resources for Jasper.

If you won't let us have a moment of peace, Felix, then I'll just kick you out of the game entirely.

"Dad!" Amber sobbed.

"Stop making a scene! Haven't you done enough?" Felix snapped, storming off to his room in a rage.

As Amber stood there crying, Mark didn't offer a word of comfort. He simply turned his back and walked away. Her eyes burned with hatred.

If it wasn't for the inheritance, she wouldn't put up with this for another second.

*****

A week later, the School of Economics at Azure Peak University held its routine campus night run.

Nicole was keeping pace with the pack until she reached the giant banyan tree, where a hand suddenly reached out and pulled her into the shadows.

"Don't be afraid, it's me."

The familiar voice instantly turned her fear into a rush of warmth. Nicole turned around in disbelief, her eyes meeting his brilliant gaze in the dark. Her throat tightened with emotion; she parted her lips to speak, but the words wouldn't come.

Jasper pulled her into a tight embrace. The scent of her perfume was a brief, healing balm for the ache of missing her.