The Mysterious Mr. Hastings

iately. Their house was smaller than mine, but their a

fe, Jade, was in her early sixties-short brown hair, blue eyes, and remarkably athletic for her age. She spent most of he

lling me into a hug, while

come in," Jade said, leading

d, handing over the gift bag. "

?" Jade laughed. "We don't have any bu

s like my charm i

stian," Sonny laughed. "Bu

an from the plane, and Ja

re just getting o

ting go out ther

ary wasn't great," I began. "T

Jade

l family. My god, Kendra Cromw

ry to hit on her," So

atisfied. I'd never dream of trying to make a move on her. Her beauty is undeniable, but

d the offers," Sonn

ucky break," I laughed. "I said no to both, though Duncan's offer was bette

th the Cromwell dynasty. They've ruled that city for generations. They have four sons. Over the

," Sonny said firmly. "It's you

date in the last few weeks, Christian," Ja

led. "Chris Stewart went o

into any fights," Jad

," I winked. Ja

o business?" Sonny

ired some of your old directors. From here on, I can manage it remotely. Everything is in

rps into the Hastings Group?" Sonny

r company, your life's work. I'll help run i

ristian," Sonny laughed. "

ing back to the mansion late that night. Jade didn't like me riding

ing for me at the entrance. She was a professional in her fifties-bespectacled, short, and thin-someone I'd met at Sonny's years ago. In every potential mer

ing my hand. "Welcome to the com

loor," she said, and we

s opened, she led me toward a small group. A middle-ag

said, "your new coll

d, shaking my hand. "Com

oo hard to compensate for an average face. Then Meghan, a shy redhead dressed like she was going to church. The guys d

not here yet, she's late. This will be her last d

r," a familiar voice

g slacks, a blouse, and a vest. Almost no makeup, but she looked incredible. Even in heels,

e said, reaching ou

," I said, mat

is the ropes." He ducked into his office. Al

Diane said. "Let m

Allegra's-short skirt, low-cut top-but I was more interested in the floor plan. Diane showed me the breakroom and the restrooms, pointing out which departments