bChapter /bb320 /b

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    From Jared, I learned that guys were really good at putting on a show. They sat high up, watching how much a woman loved them, giving little bits of affection when they felt like it, and then disappearing when they didn’t.

    Maybe I needed to take a page out of Jared’s book. Only by acting like him could I truly take charge and be the one calling the shots.

    Just then, my assistant came over with a bouquet. “Ms. Murphy, a really handsome guy dropped these off for you. He asked me to give them to you.”

    I reached out and took the flowers. There were just two roses and some chamomile. The fresh, bright chamomile and the passionate red roses made a beautiful contrast, a real visual treat.

    Jared seemed to snap out of his haze. “Who just stopped by?” he asked.

    I shot him a cold look.

    “Nathan saw me holding you just now,” Jared said with a sly grin, clearly amused. “Why didn’t you run after your new guy to clear things up? Or maybe you just can’t exin it?”

    I took a deep breath, carefully ced the flowers in a vase, and added some water. “Jared, not everyone is as possessive as you,” I said coolly, sarcasmcing my voice.

    Jared shot back, “That just means you don’t understand men. No matter what kind of guy he is, his heart is always small when ites to love if he doesn’t care.

    “However, once he’s hooked, he can’t stand the idea of his woman being with someone else.”

    I blinked, a little thrown. He just schooled me again.

    “So, not caring is how you win, huh?” I raised an eyebrow with a sly smile on my face. “Got it. Looks like the smartest move is to just focus on loving myself.”

    Jared’s face went pale, though I wasn’t sure if it was from anger or another hit to his ego.

    “Victoria, what the hell happened to you?” he asked, standing up and walking over to me. “A few months ago, you flipped a switch, and now I don’t know who you are anymore. If i didn’t know you so well, I’d think you’ve been possessed.”

    He leaned over my desk, looming over me and staring down. “You’re still you, but not really. It’s like I’m looking at a stranger. It’s surreal.”

    I smiled with a hint of amusement in my eyes. “Jared, don’t tter yourself. Do you really think you’re perfect? Why should I keep loving you no matter what? You think I have no self–respect?”

    Jared just stared at me and then gave a wry smile. “Out of nowhere, you’re so clear–headed now. I don’t even know how to deal with it.”

    “You’ll get used to it,” I said coolly. “This is who I am now, and I’m not going back.” I unlocked my phone right in front of him.

    Right then, a message from Nathan popped up: [I left a bouquet with your assistant. Swing by and grab it when you get a chance.]

    Seeing that, I grinned suddenly. I was right not to rush after him just now. When it came to love, the one who got too eager would always lose.

    I replied with a simple okay and set my phone down.

    Jared watched me text Nathan back, his face a mix of emotions.

    “Why isn’t he making a fuss?” Jared muttered, clearly confused. He had expected Nathan to show up demanding answers, but he didn’t.

    08:52 Sat, 23 Aug

    3.82%

    I leaned backzily and said with a grin, “See? That’s where he’s got you beat. Kids throw fits to get candy, but grown–ups know better. Real maturity is keeping it together, not making a scene.

    “Well, there’s no point trying to exin. You never want to put in the work for anyone. Just go already.”

    Jared saw the look on my face, the one that screamed for him to leave. He could tell I waspletely fed up with him. His expression dropped, and he looked even more annoyed.

    “Alright, 1 admit you know how to hook someone. But don’t forget. When you’re the hunter, your prey is a man. And men? They’re always dangerous,” Jared said, still trying to nt seeds of doubt about Nathan before he left. He was always so scheming.