Three Years Forgotten, Why Go Crazy When I Say Goodbye? novel Chapter 177

"Wrong. You bring a hell of a lot more to the table than just spreadsheets," Jade shot back immediately.

"Like what?" Willow poured herself a glass of water at the kitchen island, taking a sip with an expression of pure, oblivious innocence.

Jade groaned, frustrated by her best friend's total lack of ego. "Your looks, you idiot! When are you going to realize that you are drop-dead gorgeous? You literally just have to stand in a room to have everyone staring at you."

A sudden, thrilling thought struck Jade, and she gasped. "Wait... do you think he actually has a thing for you?"

The shock of the suggestion caused Willow to choke, nearly spitting her water across the counter. "Jade! Are you out of your mind? Why on earth would a man like that be interested in me?"

"Why not?" Jade demanded. "You're stunning, you have an amazing personality, and you're a powerhouse at your job. Anyone would be lucky to fall for you. Why is it so crazy to think he's one of them?"

"Because Silas Thorne operates in a completely different stratosphere," Willow countered reasonably. "Do you honestly think a billionaire lacks women with those exact same traits?"

Jade paused, forced to concede the point. "Okay, that's fair. Guys in his tax bracket definitely aren't suffering from a shortage of beautiful women."

"Exactly," Willow murmured. For some inexplicable reason, acknowledging that fact left a strange, heavy lump in her throat. Eager to kill the conversation entirely, she added, "Besides, I already made it very clear to him that I'm married."

"Why would you volunteer that kind of information?" Jade threw her hands up in exasperation.

"Even if I hadn't said anything, it's not a secret. My marital status is on all my HR onboarding files."

"Oh, please, I'm doing fantastic," Jade brushed it off with a casual wave. "I'm single, I have no dependents, and my life is blissfully drama-free."

Jade had always been an eternal optimist, but Willow still carried a heavy load of guilt. She knew exactly why Jade had been forced out of her previous job. Reaching into her purse, Willow pulled out a bank card she had prepared earlier. "Here. Take this."

Jade took one look at the plastic and saw right through her. "What's this? Are you trying to become my sugar momma?" she teased, making no move to take it.

Willow cracked a smile. "I'd love to, but unfortunately, I don't have that kind of capital yet. I know you're out of work right now, and you're footing the bills for both of us here. It's not a lot, but use it to cover expenses for now. Once I build up a better nest egg, I'll pay you back properly."

"Put that away before I get offended," Jade laughed, firmly pushing Willow's hand back. "I told you when you moved in that you were staying rent-free, and we shook on it." She paused, a dramatic, suspenseful smirk spreading across her face. "Besides, your charity is no longer required. I'm about to be officially employed."