Chapter 426

I followed him into his office. Back in the day, this place was off-limits to me. I’d always feel on edge when I came here, worried I’d mess with his work if I stayed too long.

But now, I was sitting calmly on his couch, sipping the coffee he brewed himself.

Jared looked me over twice. “Any progress with Nathan’s side?”

“You’re asking me? How should I know?” I really had no clue. Nathan never talked to me about his problems.

Jared tapped his fingers on the desk. “If you two weren’t so close, I’d actually consider investing in his company.”

I glanced at him. “Mr. Holcomb, are you here to make money or just letting your feelings get in the way?”

Jared said, sounding a little resentful, “Yeah, maybe I am. I just can’t stand seeing you and him together.”

I set my coffee cup down and gave a light laugh. “Suit yourself–if you’re not investing, someone else will. Tech and clean energy are the future, and I’m pretty confident about my choices.”

“You’re not actually thinking of putting your own money in, are you? Victoria, where’s your common sense? Do you only get sharp when you’re arguing with me, but when it comes to him, you just turn into a lovesick fool?” Jared sounded genuinely frustrated, like I hadn’t thought this through at all.

I shot him a playful smile. “I just want my money to make more money. Isn’t that what you believe too, Mr. Holcomb? You said yourself his project looks promising.”

“But with the Chancellor family in the way…” Jared paused, narrowing his eyes. “Victoria, don’t tell me you went to Ryan for help?”

I was caught off guard. That was exactly what Ryan and I had just discussed, and Jared had already figured it out. He was always quick to catch on.

I didn’t say a word, just met his gaze.

Jared raised an eyebrow. “So, you’ve finally learned to leverage your network and resources for your own benefit.”

I replied in a calm voice, “Hey, making money together isn’t something to be ashamed of.”

“So Ryan’s got his eye on you, huh? What kind of deal did you strike with him? Don’t tell me you’re planning to enjoy the best of both worlds with two guys.” Jared’s face clouded over. “And don’t even say you picked up that trick from me.”

I took a sip of coffee and said, “Jared, I used to put way too much weight on romance and all that drama. Now I see love’s not just about feelings–it’s a high-level game. It can make me happy, and it can be a resource. If it works for me, why not use it?”

Jared stared at me, clearly stunned.

But I stayed calm as ever. “Growing up means learning to let go of some things–like baggage, negativity, and all that pessimism. And if a relationship feels off, you should kick it to the curb and keep moving forward.”

Jared’s handsome face went pale, and he looked at me, frustrated and sad. “Oh yeah? An uncomfortable relationship? Didn’t seem like you were uncomfortable when you were with me, though.”

“That’s because you never really noticed just how well women can fake it,” I said, giving him a soft, teasing smile.

Jared just stared at me, lost for words.

I kept pushing his buttons. “You guys love to call the shots–whether it’s in relationships, in life, or even in bed.”

“Women get really good at pretending you’re the one in charge.”

“So you must be a pro at it now,” Jared chuckled.

I let out a soft laugh. “Yeah, I guess. But you know, pretending gets old after a while–you just get tired of it.”

Jared gave me a long, complicated look. Then he leaned back in his chair, his voice husky. “Funny, isn’t it? Back then, when you were the one chasing me, I didn’t care. Now you’re standing right here, but it feels like there’s this invisible wall between us. Victoria, do you think there’ll ever be a day I can break it down?”

I paused, thinking, “There he goes again, with his dramatic lines!"

“Well, you should keep working out, just in case. Who knows, maybe you’ll get your shot,” I said, getting ready to leave.

Out of the blue, Jared asked, “Do you think the Jennings family will step in?”

I turned back to look at him.

“If there’s money to be made, let’s make it together.” There was an ambitious glint in Jared’s eyes as he grinned. “I’m worried your investment might be risky, so I’ll shoulder half the risk with you.”