Boardroom And Bedroom

ying him more intently whenever we occupied the same space. Searching for any hints or

a ghost in his own home, eternally preoccupied with his business dealings and corporate obliga

it was abundantly clear how utterly consumed he was by the weight on his shoulders. There was a perpetual aura o

papers and binders strewn across the antique desk, brow furrowed in concentration. Jack didn't even

hour, the only sounds were the rustling of papers and Jack's scratching pen as he worked. He radiated a palpable drive and intensity like

gesture was such a stark contrast to the harsh, uncompromising edges he consciously projected in his day-to-d

is work, immediately locking onto me sitting there.

microexpression crossing his chiseled features. Then, one dar

my? Or is your new hobby gawking

prickling through me. Of course Jack assumed the absolute worst - that wa

bolder side was rapidly taking the fore, emboldened by the resolve I'd discovered

g his pointed stare. "I was simply observing you

ear-imperceptible smirk, as though he found

er in a piercing, loaded silence. Then, just as abruptly as his attention had snapped

rounding him once more as he resumed his endless labor. His mere presence exuded a

ke I'd received the tiniest sliver of insight into him that evening. A glimpse beyond the blank, uncom

y seeking control, success, conquest? The more I puzzled over the armor he encased himself behin

ors and reactions with a newly honed attentiveness. Seeking any clue, no matter

y happened - my first true glimpse b

leisure in the study. As I padded down the hallway past Jack's chambers, my ears

g the gravelly timbre of Jack's grandmother, Judith. She stood mere feet away

t," Judith was hissing in a low, poisonous tone. "And for what?

ensive posture. When he spoke, his voice was quiet - but I d

d?" His words emerged clipped, precise. "That has n

"Your appalling lapse all those years ago, when you let that...that girl distra

sinking feeling I knew exactly who she was referring to in such vile tones -

ough gritted teeth, rage no

bout her memory. She lo

ily in the end, don't we?" Judith fired back with relish, se

ind his eyes. But his grandmother pressed on ruthles

efforts to groom you as the Westbrook heir. It was my guidance that preserv

her bony shoulders with force that made her gasp. His expression was utterly inhuman in that m

nel. "Not another blasphemous lie about

ed her mouth, beady eyes glittering - but seemed to think twice and clamped it shut once more in th

pounded so heavily I could scarcely process what I'd just witnessed. An explosive, ra

..and he wasn't yet whole again, constantly picking at the scar tissue. To the point where the mere mention of her n

swers. Just who had this woman been - and what pain had she inflicted u

n, I settled myself at the bedroom window that nig