Chapter 139

Nathan was definitely more nervous than I was. His handsome face remained flushed, as if the room were too warm, his gaze occasionally drifting toward me with an almost dazed intensity.

I took a sip of tea, the porcelain warm against my fingers. “I’ve been thinking about investments lately. Any advice?”

He blinked, surprised. “Are you short on cash?”

The question caught me off guard, a small, unexpected flicker of warmth in my chest. But just as quickly, my rationality reasserted itself. “No. I just want to learn how to make money work for me.”

Nathan nodded. “That’s smart. Always good to have an exit strategy.”

The words cut deeper than he probably intended. So even outsiders were counting down the days until my marriage collapsed. And why wouldn’t they? Without a backup plan, what else was left?

Jared had been erratic lately, hot and cold, impossible to read. But I knew exactly who he was, in this life and the last. To him, everyone was a calculated decision. Tracy. Me. Maybe Yvonne was the only one he truly kept close.

“If you want my opinion,” Nathan continued, “I can give you some pointers. Has Mr. Holcomb fully handed over Harmonia Hotel to you yet?”

“Mm. Both properties are underperforming. If I didn’t step in, Jared would’ve shut them down by now. He doesn’t keep dead weight.” Jared had always been ruthless that way, cutting losses before they bled him dry.

“Why take this on? Did you study hospitality management?”

“I did. But my degree’s been gathering dust for six years. At this point, I’m basically a rookie.”

“Rookie?” Nathan’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Sounds like someone who needs looking after.”

“Looking after? I’m not ‘helpless.’ Just inexperienced,” I corrected.

He leaned in, suddenly serious. “I prefer my version. Either way, I know some people in the industry. I’ll introduce you.”

“Thanks. I’d appreciate that.” Connections were everything. The best in any field operated like an exclusive club, impenetrable without the right key. And Nathan, it seemed, had the right keys.

“Don’t mention it. Now, about investing, have you considered stocks?”

“I have. But I’d need guidance.”

Nathan’s gaze softened as he looked at me. “If you trust me, I can connect you with the best in the business.”

For a moment, I just looked at him. His eyes were clear, unguarded, and in them, I saw only my own reflection.

“Sorry, was that too forward?” He ducked his head with an almost boyish grin when I didn’t respond immediately. “We barely know each other, and money’s a sensitive topic. Maybe I should just recommend some courses instead. Hands-on learning might be better.”

“Actually, that sounds perfect,” I said. If I were stepping out of my comfort zone, I wasn’t going to half-ass it. “Do you know any good ones?”

“Plenty. I attend finance seminars all the time.” He pulled out his phone. “I’ll send you a list of the best resources.”

“Thanks.” I accepted his offer, though the conversation lulled afterward. I wasn’t a finance expert, and the silence stretched awkwardly.