Chapter 13

Jordan’s pov.

Flashback (4 years ago)

We were celebrating, after we just hit a new deal. Ryan and I had been working, having sleepless nights and tonight was meant to be our victory.

Phoebe tagged along at my insistence. She loved the glam, the exictement, the way Ryan looked at her like she was the only one in the room. They had just started seeing each other, and even though I had my doubts, I kept them to myself.

That night, the champagne flowed too freely. Music blared, laughter filled the air. I had one drink too many and handed Ryan the keys. Pheobe was too tired and needed to get home.

I should have left them leave.

Cause 20 minutes later, the crash happened. The police said Ryan was speeding on black ice, lost control, hit a guardrail, and spun into the ravine.

He walked away with a broken arm and a cut above his brow. While pheobe couldn’t move.

She was airlifted to the hospital, with internal bleeding, a collapsed lung and a severe spinal injury.

The doctors said she might never walked again. Meanwhile, Ryan disappeared without a trace, no calls, no apologies, no hospital visits.

*******

The moment I saw him step into the private dinning room at chalet Noir, my blood ran cold.

Laurent was grinning like he’d brought the remaining missing puzzle piece. “Jordan, meet my new investor, Ryan.”

Ryan’s eyes locked into mine. He wore that same polished smug calm I remembered. Like he didn’t leave destruction in his wake.

“Jordan,” he said too casually. “It’s been a while.”

I stood slowly, “you have some nerve.”

Brittney glanced between us, her brows furrowed. “You too know each other?”

Lsure by have a half smile, trying to cut the tension. “Old friends?”

“Let’s leave.” I held Brittney by her hand—something I have never thought of doing—and began exiting the hall. But Ryan trailed behind.

“Jo, I’m sorry.” He apologized, I had never thought Ryan would swallow his ego and apologize, but now that he has I feel a little lightweight from everything that happened.

I turned in his direction and he continued. “I was wrong, could you find it in your heart to forgive me?”

“She was nineteen,” I finally said. “My sister . You put her in that car and you didn’t even stay long enough to know if she lived.”

“I’m deeply sorry.” He mumbled.

“I’m not the one you hurt, so you don’t have to apologize to me. You want forgiveness? Then go ask my sister.” I said before pulling Brittney back to the restaurant.

We returned back to the table not minding the tension between us. Ryan slipped into the seat across from us and remain quiet.

Dinner resumed, but the mood had shifted. Brittney played along, nodding politely, chimning in when spoken to. But I could tell her mind was elsewhere.

Laurent oblivious or pretending to be, kept talking strategy. “Ryan’s going to help us scale the brand into Europe. His contacts, in Paris, Milan and Antwerp are invaluable. This collaboration will be more than a seasonal hit.”

I didn’t responsd. I was watching Ryan, the way his eyes occasionally drift to Brittney. There was curiousity there, interest maybe.

Hell no. I won’t let him go anywhere near her.

Brittney leaned towards me, her voice a soft whisper. “What happened between you both?”

I turned facing her and I saw how beautiful she is. Her eyes sparkle in the candlelight and I felt my heart skip a beat. “I’ll tell you when we are out of here.”

She nodded. I glanced at Laurent and Ryan and they were both tipsy on red wine. I was ready to call it a night, but the moment we stood to leave, Ryan addressed Brittney.

“You’re the designer behind the winter concept, right?”

She blinked, caught off guard. “Yes…. I helped with the visuals.”

He smiled, “impressive work. You have a strong eye, I hope we get a chance to work closely.”

I stepped in between them before she could respond. “She’s got a full plate already but thanks.”

He raised his hands in mock surrender. “I know, just saying her talent deserves to be seen.”

I tightened my jaw but said nothing as I led Brittney out in the cold night. Snow drifted lightly around us, falling subly on our skin.

She turned to me as we entered the car. “That man hurt your sister, didn’t he?”

I nodded, “he was supposed to be my best friend but when things got hard, he disappeared.”

“And now he’s back, pretending like nothing happened?”

“Exactly.”

She hesitated. “Do you think Laurent knows?”

I exhaled. “No. But even if he does, I doubt he cares. Ryan’s money talks louder than most people’s morals.”

We arrived at the hotel just before midnight, and I walked Brittney to her room. But when I got to mine, I discovered the air conditioning was broken.

I paced around in discomfort, my body restless and agitated. The heat clung to my skin, making it so sensitive that it felt like o was burning.

I called the manager who apologized and assured me it would be fixed by morning. “Okay,” I said, trying to stay calm “but can I at least pay for another room?”

“I’m sorry, sir. All the rooms are fully booked.”

Damn. I lay there, sweating in the stifling heat, until a thought sparked. Maybe I could crash in Brittney’s room, for the night. I didn’t let myself overthink it. Before I knew it, I was already standing at her door.