Chapter 5

Jaycie froze mid-step, instinctively ending the call. She couldn't help but wonder why everyone seemed to enjoy sneaking up behind her and speaking out of nowhere.

Turning around, she saw Cole standing there, his expression far from pleasant.

After a moment of hesitation, she explained, "It's nothing. Just an old colleague asking what I'm planning to do after quitting my job. I joked that I was going home to inherit the family business."

Cole frowned. Jaycie wasn't the type to make such jokes. Something felt off, but before he could press further, she had already taken a few steps ahead and called back to him, "Aren't you coming? There are still a few jewelry pieces left to be auctioned."

Assuming she wanted to buy some jewelry, Cole nodded and followed her.

Back in the auction hall, Cole bid on several high-end jewelry pieces, winning them all. Once they were packaged, he handed them to Jaycie. She looked down at the boxes and said softly, "I don't wear jewelry like this."

Cole smiled, ruffling her hair. "You'll get used to it. Don't worry about the cost. I'll buy you diamonds for the rest of your life."

She opened her mouth to respond but decided against it. The truth was, she didn't wear million-dollar jewelry—her own collection was worth billions.

As the auction ended, the attendees began to disperse. Cole and Jaycie's group also prepared to leave. Everyone had driven separately, so they were ready to head home.

But just as Cole and Jaycie got into their car, before he could even start the engine, Eileen tapped on the passenger-side window.

The window rolled down, revealing her shy, delicate face. Her voice was soft and sweet, a stark contrast to the sharp, cutting tone she'd used with Jaycie in the restroom. "Cole, my car broke down. Could you give me a ride home?"

Cole frowned, about to refuse, but she quickly added, "Your parents did say you should look after me. You haven't forgotten, have you?"

His expression darkened, and after a moment, he reluctantly agreed. Seeing his nod, Eileen smiled. She then turned her attention to Jaycie, her tone dripping with false concern. "But I get carsick. I can't sit in the back. What should we do?"

Cole glanced at Jaycie, but before he could say anything, she had already opened the car door, stepped out, and moved to the back seat. Her movements were so smooth that Cole barely had time to react before she was settled in the back.

His words caught in his throat, leaving him frustrated. He wanted to say it was just a seat—it wasn't a big deal. But when he glanced at her through the rearview mirror, she had already closed her eyes, as if she were resting.

Eileen, now seated in the front, smirked as she looked back at Jaycie.

Even if Cole still loved Jaycie now, Eileen was confident that everything she wanted would end up in her hands. Winning his heart was only a matter of time.

Feeling pleased with herself, Eileen turned to Cole, her voice sweet and demure. "Ms. Stanton seems tired. Let her rest for a while."

Sensing Jaycie's unusual behavior, Cole remained quiet and nodded before starting the car in silence.

Jaycie must have dozed off at some point, because when she woke up, the car was parked in the Bensons' garage, and Eileen was long gone.

Cole gently touched her cheek. "You're awake? You were sleeping so soundly. I didn't want to wake you."

Still groggy, Jaycie nodded and stepped out of the car, heading straight for the front door without waiting for Cole. By the time he caught up, she was already at the entrance.

He blocked her path, his voice soft. "Are you angry? Eileen's just a family friend. Don't take it to heart."

Jaycie hummed in response.

Thinking she was still upset, Cole reached out to hold her hand, his voice low and coaxing. "She's really just a family friend. Babe, you know I only love you."

As he spoke, the faint scent of roses from her skin reminded him how long it had been since they'd been close. His throat tightened, and he leaned in to kiss her, but she pushed him away.

Ignoring his surprised expression, Jaycie stepped inside. "It's that time of the month. I'm not feeling well, so I'm going to rest in my room."

She then walked into her room and locked the door, keeping Cole outside.

The next morning, Jaycie and Cole were having breakfast in the dining room when her phone buzzed. It was an alarm she'd set weeks ago, labeled "Meeting the Parents". Cole noticed the notification.

Jaycie had planned to reveal her true identity to him and suggested taking him to meet her parents. He had agreed.

Their eyes met, and Jaycie was about to suggest canceling the meeting when his phone rang. It was Eileen.

After a brief conversation, Cole wore a troubled look. He turned to Jaycie with an apologetic smile. "Jaycie, something urgent came up. Can we reschedule the meeting with your parents for another time?"